REPLY:, FWD:, REPLY:, FWD:

Here are some tips to keep in mind when hitting the REPLY and FWD buttons in your e-mail program:

• If the Subject: line is now filled with RE:s to the point that the Subject: line is too long to view or understand easily. Start a new email and update the Subject: line.
• Never forward without a personal comment about what and why you are forwarding. To do so without comment can be perceived as rude. If it is something that you think someone would like or be interested in, at the very least take the time to type a short note and tell them why — or don’t forward at all.
• Carefully look at who was sent the e-mail before replying. If there are other folks in the CC: field and your response will be necessary for them all to know, then hit REPLY ALL. However, if you need clarification or if your comments are not for ALL, then only e-mail the sender with your questions or comments.
• Setup your address book so that you can click on contact names and send them an e-mail. Don’t find an old e-mail, open it and hit REPLY and start typing about an unrelated issue. Looks sorta lazy.
• Don’t forward those e-mails that look like they have been forwarded a bazillion times already just because they say to do so. Especially do not do so using your business e-mail address or forward these type of e-mails to business contacts. No matter how righteous the topic, if you must forward, edit down all the back and forth and leave in only the meat of the matter.
• When you hit REPLY, feel free to take the liberty to adjust the Subject: field to be more apropos to the topic of discussion if necessary.

When it comes to the efforts you choose to make in your day-to-day e-mail activities, paying attention to little details like those above can foster long term positive relationships and avoid the potential for misunderstanding.

Some More Info for You:

1. “No Need for Reply”
2. To Reply or Not to Reply
3. Do You Reply in Colors?
4. E-mail Etiquette Requires Your Reply
5. Cc: and BCc: Reply Expectations