3. Call extra attention if you're asking a question, and make it easy to respond to.
Example:
>>>> Q: About the latest quote from the vendor, do you think we should
A) Negotiate and close it as-is. (We'll need to open another one immediately.)
OR
B) Batch it with the new customer requirements that just came in.
4. Keep each email to 1 purpose. Many emails > 1 email.
5. If you feel the urge to write a lengthy email, don't. Have a meeting instead.
6. Pretend you're writing an X (formerly known as a tweet) or an HN title. Keep removing words until the message cannot be made simpler. Adjectives, adverbs, and articles are the enemies of clarity.
7. If the message is succinct, put it all in the subject line followed by "<EOM>".
8. Don't have non-factual discussions over email. Have a meeting instead.
9. Email is subject to discovery. Never send anything that can be used against the company or you.
My 10 laws of email:
0. 5 sentence rule.
1. Use excessive paragraph breaks.
2. Bold+italic important details.
3. Call extra attention if you're asking a question, and make it easy to respond to.
Example:
4. Keep each email to 1 purpose. Many emails > 1 email.5. If you feel the urge to write a lengthy email, don't. Have a meeting instead.
6. Pretend you're writing an X (formerly known as a tweet) or an HN title. Keep removing words until the message cannot be made simpler. Adjectives, adverbs, and articles are the enemies of clarity.
7. If the message is succinct, put it all in the subject line followed by "<EOM>".
8. Don't have non-factual discussions over email. Have a meeting instead.
9. Email is subject to discovery. Never send anything that can be used against the company or you.