1st January 2001

Sit there and tell me you've never replied to an e-mail message. I'm sure it happens just about every time you get online, but how exactly do you respond? With shorter messages, convention dictates that you can simply add to the thread by entering your thoughts above the replied text. In lengthier messages, however, you may wish to carve the indented paragraphs. Insert your cursor on the line directly below the sentences you wish to respond to, hit ENTER a couple of times, then type your fingers off. This'll make your thoughts easier for the recipient(s) to read and interpret. In business communications, this particular tactic is frowned upon. Split the difference, I say! In the 'Reply' message window, before responding, select all the text, copy it to the clipboard, then paste it into the message twice. This will allow you to break apart the topmost replied (indented) text and leave the original message intact below. Specific responses can be conveyed quickly and the thread still remains intact. You know, just in case someone needs it at some point in the future.