Proper Use of E-mail Return Receipts (RR)
Do you have those you communicate with who use the RR feature with every single e-mail they send you?
Return receipts are a way of knowing that an e-mail has been opened on the recipient’s computer. It does not however, mean that they have read it.
I’ve found those who engage RR for every single e-mail are the folks that seem to want to know when you receive their e-mail even if the content is not critical or important – sort of a control thing. Or, it could be your friend or associate does not even know they have this option selected. Maybe nicely e-mailing them with a “Did you know…..?” can let them know this is not a feature to be used for every single casual e-mail.
RRs are to be used sparingly. Do not use Return Receipt Request (RR) for each and every personal e-mail you send because you like “knowing” when someone opens the e-mail you sent to them. Not only is this a pain for the recipient, this feature is annoying and intrusive!
How would you like it if every time you heard a voice mail, answering machine message, opened a postal letter from a friend it was immediately reported back to sender that you had heard/opened their communications? RRs should be reserved for those instances where it is critical to knowing the e-mail was received/opened. Such instances would include legal and important business issues.
It is important to know that some e-mail programs allow the recipient to decline an RR. I know when I receive RR requests; I decline. It is none of anyone’s bees wax when I open any particular e-mail. That said, on those extremely rare occasions when it is an important matter and I can understand why there is an RR requested I go ahead and give my approval.
In the past I have used RR for legal issues and important company matters where I want to have some sort of proof or trail to document that an e-mail was sent and subsequently opened. I’ve never found a reason to use RRs with personal e-mails to friends or family nor have I used them in my daily business e-mail communications.
Now that I think about it — I don’t even remember the last time I initiated a RR request!
At your service,
Judith
You might also like...
