Do you reply to your e-mails in a different color text than the original e-mail? There are some who reply to my e-mails in a different color text than the standard black the I use for all e-mails. I guess they assume I wouldn’t recognize their reply/comment without them doing so.
There really is no problem in doing that. Nor is doing so really an E-mail Etiquette faux pas. However, I thought I would bring this up because I do get e-mails quite regularly asking me about why folks do this. Why am I being asked? Because the onliners who receive those e-mails seem to not like it or understand why it is necessary. It really bugs them! Either the color choice is annoying or it simply gets under their skin.
I know when I receive those type of replies, I do catch myself thinking that if you down-edit properly and are a clear communicator, there is no need for your text to be in a different color. Maybe the folks who reply in this manner do so because it helps them to reply with more clarity? If you reply in colors, maybe you can pipe in and let me know your motivation for doing so.
One concern is that by changing font colors, you are adding HTML code in the background of your e-mail. Background code is what is used by spam filters to determine the spamminess of any given e-mail. The amount of code and tags used contributes to any e-mail’s increased potential as being misidentified as spam. Why take this unnecessary risk?
I would be curious to know what other onliner’s think about his practice. I’ve receive more e-mails from folks who do not like this practice than those who see a need for it. Is replying in a different color text to e-mails sent to you something you do and why? When onliners reply to your e-mails in a different colored text, what do you think?
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I stick to basic black in my emails.
As far as receiving colored text in replies goes, I find I react differently depending on the situation. If it’s an informal email from a friend, it comes across as personal expression and doesn’t bother me.
At work, it’s a different story. I find myself wishing they would take the effort they put into color choice and concentrate on the quality of the information they’re trying to convey instead. Funny color text seems unprofessional to me.
Hey, A!
I agree! Two different worlds; personal vs. business.
Thanks for posting!
Judith
I actually find there are times where colour is helpful.
If there are several different points in an email I wish to reply to, I down edit. Simple.
BUT if there really is a HUGE amount I am replying to – where I’m adding my reply under their paragraph – sometimes it is STILL hard to read, and immediately see where my reply is. So I may use colour. Sensible colours though, like dark blue. The majority of the time this happens, is for personal emails though, so may be more acceptable – I rarely have a novel for workmates/clients to read!
Denise, it is clear that you use thought and discretion — many don’t take that time.
The key is to make sure using colors in replies enhances the clarity. Colors are fine, but you have to realize color choice can add tone or detract from your message.
Thanks for the post!
Judith
NetManners.com
What about business email reply in red font? In response to a request I was making, I found it offensive. What do you think?
Hey, S:
There is no reason to use red for emphasis. I do cover that quite a bit on my site, in particular you might find this post helpful: It’s All About Emphasis.
HTH!
Hi Judith,
Thanks for the reply. I was trying to explain to the admin that I found it offensive. My boss did not think so. The link you attached explains everything how I perceived the response from the admin. I am still baffled as to why my boss said that there was nothing wrong with it.
S
Hey, S:
Why not sit down with your boss and ask them to clarify? So many e-mail misunderstandings are unnecessary and continue just because folks refrain from sitting down in person or talking on the phone about the matter at hand. If you do that, then you know moving forward exactly what is expected of you. I do hope everything works out!