by Tree Bressen
Recommended uses include:
- community-building (borrowing items, ridesharing, etc.)
- minutes distribution
- announcements
- logistics
- factual information
- background research & documentation
- posting agendas
- sending out drafts of proposals
Don’t try to use email for:
- upset feelings
- resolving interpersonal tensions
- personal feedback about each other’s behavior–unless you know the recipient prefers that
- discussions that have significant emotional content
- revising proposals if there is any emotional charge
- sarcasm
Other things to keep in mind about using email:
- like any format, there are biases; for example, email privileges fast readers and typists, which often includes people who are more verbally articulate and express themselves in a linear way
- remember that some people check email often, others occasionally, others not at all
- use a clear subject line to help people filter what to read, because most people receive more emails than they can give good attention to
- have alternate means of transmission available as needed (put minutes into a common notebook for the record, put a note in someone’s mailbox if they don’t do email, and so on)
