E-mail & Bandwidth?

Several of my e-mail buddies across the globe have recently brought up the topic of e-mail and bandwidth. Is it an issue? To some, yes!

Back in the day this was more of an issue than it is presently. Now that technology seems to feel as though it has been part of our lives forever, do you know that there are still folks relegated to dial-up accounts?

For example, when I left the rat race three years ago and left congested crazy Chicago and moved to rural Mississippi, there was nothing but dial-up! No DSL; no cable. You had no choice but to use dial-up or pay the expense of having satellite (“broadband” with chronic latency) installed — and that isn’t cheap — nor was it truly “broadband”!

18 months later DSL arrived but only DLS “lite.”

Gratuitous background graphics and embedded logos or photos can all add to the weight of your e-mail and take longer to view for those who live outside metropolitan areas and who still do not have a choice when it comes to connectivity.

But the deal breaker is numerous attachments that are sent without notice or consideration to their size. When it comes to your business e-mail activities, think about where the person you are e-mailing may reside. Keep your attachments as small as possible or better yet offer them for download by providing a link to your server.

And never — never — send a bunch of business attachments without notice or after business hours. You should never assume when it comes to the other side’s resources or connectivity. Always be a courteous professional and ask first when would be the best time to send and then follow through. And, when sending numerous attachments break them up to only 2-3 per e-mail instead of attaching them all at once.

Those on less than broadband will appreciate your efforts and thoughtfulness!

Some More Info for You:

1. Business Courtesy and E-mail Attachments
2. Top 3 E-mail Attachment Considerations
3. Be Leery of Links in E-mail
4. Unannounced Business E-mail Attachments