E-mail seems to be every productivity guru's enemy. "They take time away from your deep thoughts" they tell you in a gruff voice. "You have to schedule a time block for email, so it doesnt hamper your day otherwise" they instruct. They make it seem like e-mail is interesting and irresistible- like candy or ice-cream- something you need willpower to keep away from.
But really, when was the last time you read an interesting e-mail?
Except for the fact that its something to do when you dont feel like doing anything else, why do we keep going to email? Work happens over email sure, but how often do you check your personal gmail? And do you remember the time someone you know e-mailed you? All the emails I get are from brands, companies or spammers. Email is now a transactional space where we get information or are shown advertisements. Personal communication happens on Whatsapp I suppose, or I think doesnt happen at all.
E-mails are the new handwritten letters- cute when you think about it, but really no one does it.
Our gmail inboxes are now the virtual equivalent of old drawers- treasures at the bottom but crap like receipts floating at the top.
So now we have developed the habit of going to gmail every couple of hours, but there is absolutely nothing there if you discount the ads and spam. How do we deal with this?
The answer is one word: Newsletters
Sensible people saying sensible stuff, to a bunch of similar people. Its not the same as a personalised long mail about everything and nothing at the same time, but I suppose in the age of tik-tok, its a blessing.
But really, when was the last time you read an interesting e-mail?
Except for the fact that its something to do when you dont feel like doing anything else, why do we keep going to email? Work happens over email sure, but how often do you check your personal gmail? And do you remember the time someone you know e-mailed you? All the emails I get are from brands, companies or spammers. Email is now a transactional space where we get information or are shown advertisements. Personal communication happens on Whatsapp I suppose, or I think doesnt happen at all.
E-mails are the new handwritten letters- cute when you think about it, but really no one does it.
Our gmail inboxes are now the virtual equivalent of old drawers- treasures at the bottom but crap like receipts floating at the top.
So now we have developed the habit of going to gmail every couple of hours, but there is absolutely nothing there if you discount the ads and spam. How do we deal with this?
The answer is one word: Newsletters
Sensible people saying sensible stuff, to a bunch of similar people. Its not the same as a personalised long mail about everything and nothing at the same time, but I suppose in the age of tik-tok, its a blessing.
