In the busy world we live in today, the instant satisfaction of email has generally wiped out the standard letter as a form of communication. But is email suitable for sympathy messages?
What is a Sympathy?
One dictionary defines a condolence as "An expression of sympathy, support, or sympathy offered to the kin and friends of someone who has died." Going by that definition alone, the answer would be an unequivocal "Yes!" But is there more to condolence notes than just a conveyance of condolence? Perhaps some supporting tradition or underlying importance that says more than just "I'm sorry" and that merits a handwritten note? many folks think so, but there are a lot others who believe sending condolence messages by email are suitable. And there are those who believe that they are most welcome in a world where using paper is considered environmentally unfriendly.
How popular is Email?
Just how many folks actually use email on a daily basis. Well, the following figures will give you an idea of why I've even raised this question.
- There are over 240 Billion emails sent around the world every day.
- In the time it took me to write that last statistic, 20 million emails were sent.
- Assuming the average email size is 30kb, the total size of email notes sent around the world every second is equal to 16,000 copies of the entire works of Shakespeare.
- Forecasters predict that companies will spend approximately 15 billion US dollars on direct marketing via email this year.
- If all the world's email users were considered collectively to be a country, it would be the largest country in the world with over 1.4 billion citizens.
As you can see email is ever popular. But is it really proper for delivering sympathy notes?
Should Condolence Words be Sent by Email?
For everything there is a season, and apparently the season of ordinary etiquette has passed. The formality of older societies has been replaced by the "no frills" attitude of today's era. There is little room for sentimentality these days; people seem to prefer to take the more efficient route, with little emotion wasted or available. consistent arguments can be made for emailing condolence words such as quickness of delivery and conservation of the environment. But in my experience, the last thing everyone does during the death of an in-laws member is check their email. But my experiences are mostly ten or more years ago.
We live in a virtual society, and much of the correspondence between people is done through the world wide web now. Skype, instant messaging programs, and social networks such as Facebook, Bebo and Twitter form a network of message unthought-of of in days gone by. people will send condolence notes by email, so for those of you that will please keep a few things in mind.
Email Etiquette for Condolence Notes
recall that condolence words sent by email are letters, and so should comprehend the same design of a hand-written condolence. Here are a few basic protocols to exercise when sending sympathys by email.
- Speak from the heart and don't use internet slang or cut and paste generic sympathy notes.
- Use basic email etiquette. Don't use all capital letters (implies shouting) or abbreviations (minimizes the tragedy).
- Don't use the "Reply" option on a previous email with the bereaved to send your condolence notes. At least have the sensitivity and respect to write a new communication.
If you receive notification of a death by email, then it is indeed appropriate to acknowledge receipt of that communication. Also, if email is the way you normally communicate with someone, then sending sympathy messages by email could be acceptable. However, nothing says I'm sorry like a handwritten note from the heart. So if you initially send a sympathy communication by email, attempt to appreciate it up with a warm and kind handwritten letter.
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