Email is a blessing and a scourge of modern life. Unfortunately it has been a significant factor in creating a culture of entitlement and instant gratification.
As an example, L and I have recently been treated to various emails from disgruntled tenants, addressed to the letting agents and then forwarded to us, most of which demanded a reply "before 12h00 today".
The fact that the tenants' view of reality became more and more incomprehensible as the months wore on is probably irrelevant, this is undoubtedly something they put in all their business emails too.
Before email one did not expect an instant reply. One was aware that a mail recipient would require time to give attention to the matter and formulate a response. Before cellphones one did not expect everybody to be instantly available. One was aware that people had commitments and would sometimes not be available. Why has this changed?
As far as mail is concerned, it is perfectly acceptable to write a response acknowledging receipt and promising a response some time in the future.
Easier on the guilt 2
As an example, L and I have recently been treated to various emails from disgruntled tenants, addressed to the letting agents and then forwarded to us, most of which demanded a reply "before 12h00 today".
The fact that the tenants' view of reality became more and more incomprehensible as the months wore on is probably irrelevant, this is undoubtedly something they put in all their business emails too.
Before email one did not expect an instant reply. One was aware that a mail recipient would require time to give attention to the matter and formulate a response. Before cellphones one did not expect everybody to be instantly available. One was aware that people had commitments and would sometimes not be available. Why has this changed?
As far as mail is concerned, it is perfectly acceptable to write a response acknowledging receipt and promising a response some time in the future.