Comments on: Email Goof-Up, or Don't Diss Your Customers

By: Melinda

Melinda — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:27:54 +0000

@ Colleen, I’ve heard of a few others too but none as serious as this one. Definately not worth it!

@ Barbara, I like your mum! That advice is just so much more relevant today than it ever was, when something you write can be spread around the world in minutes.

Reminds me of the saying “If I can’t be a good example then let me be a terrible warning!”

By: Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach

Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:25:32 +0000

It’s called “sit on your hands!”, ie, think before you type! Wow, what a horrible thing to have happen, both from the person who sent it…and the person who received it.

I always remember words of wisdom from my mom – never put in writing things you don’t want ANYONE to read. It was brilliant when I was growing up and is still true today.
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last post…The Ultimate, MUST HAVE Tip For Your Website

By: Colleen

Colleen — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:35:31 +0000

Oh all so true, and a great reminder of the extreme caution one should exercise before clicking send ! I have heard of other people who similarly have lost their jobs through such “hot headedness”…so not worth it for them I’m sure !
Colleen´s last post…Intentions for my Sister-Friend

By: Melinda

Melinda — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:09:26 +0000

@ Bec, I do that regularly. My only problem with it is that it means that some clients and ICF members now have my personal email addy and blog url.

@ Christie, Ouch on the racial slur! I’ll bet that caused some red faces and extreme embarrassment. Good point about the voice mails.

@ Samar, I’ve done that too…. wasn’t flirting though, just chatting about stuff. Taught me to be very careful when I’ve got more than one chat window open!

By: Samar

Samar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:45:37 +0000

Wow. Goes to show that our mothers were right: No situation justifies swearing.

It’s easier to explain well worded negative comments than bad language.

The most I’ve goofed up is typing an answer to my DH in a client’s chat window. Made for some seriously embarrassing moments since I was flirting and setting up a dinner date with DH. Thank God the client was amused when I explained!
Samar´s last post…Enter ‘The Best New Small Business Site Award’ and get a chance to win $10,000

By: Christie

Christie — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:21:46 +0000

Waaaaaaah! That is totally “how not to behave on email”. I was once a party to some bad email moves, where a racial slur about a person was buried in the forwarded messages, I did not read it all, and sent it to the person. ACK! Totally not my fault, you shouldn’t have to screen 16 messages in to an email to make sure the sender isn’t racist, but I felt awful. Don’t leave negative voice mails either, they can be saved and put on the web or played back to someone you don’t want to hear. Be nice people
Christie´s last post…More Free Biz Stuff This Week

By: Bec

Bec — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:22:38 +0000

That’s a big oops! Lucky for me, the worst thing I’ve done by not being careful with email is to send my signature footer to the wrong person.

There’s a similar issue with blogging, particularly if you work in a technical field. You’ve got to be careful what you write and post because once it’s on the internet it’s always on the internet.
Bec´s last post…So you don’t blog