Writing a Love Email to ARPANET

Email not Text:

Email not spamThe electronic mail or “email” was considered a major accomplishment in 1969 when the US Department of Defense unveiled ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network). Since then however, email has certainly lost its luster. This blog is about reinvigorating the way we communicate through email.

Children learn to read and write, to be sure, literacy is extremely important. Of course, now it suffers because of technology, for example it shows in our daily texting habits. Above all ,one of the more obvious reasons of our literary downfall, is convenience. When once upon a time we learned to write in cursive, writing a letter took time and thought. We now have a keyboard, designed to be efficient and time saving. Our phones have the same keyboard built in. Particularly our phones that allow us to send photos of ourselves, our food, our pets, our lives. With the added transposition of a few words on top. We have gone from passing notes and writing love letters, to sending snaps and nudes.

Having recently read, “An Editor’s Guide To Writing Ridiculously Good Emails”, I came across a very impactful and eye opening suggestion. What if this email went public?? Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but it is almost impossible to delete anything on a computer, let alone a networked one. So from now on I will assume that if I have something to say, it should be professionally stated.

The following is a list of things to take in to consideration when writing an email. The most important thing to do is take your time!

Easy Do’s and Do Not’s:

Do:

  • Structure: Intro, body, conclusion. Just pretend this is a paper you are turning in for a grade.
  • Avoid emojis
  • Check your grammar and facts
  • Read your completed draft OUT LOUD.
  • Sign your work

Do Not:

  • Use slang
  • Text speak
  • Emote

 

Written by: Jacob Cromwell