For the Record... (resp. req.)

You know, at work, I answer every e-mail requesting a response. Sometimes it's easy, like "what is your new address" or "do we have contact information for Mr. X?"; and sometimes it's more complex.

Nevertheless--some kind of response. Within 48 hours. Even the whack e-mails.

(Ok, not always within 48 hours, but that is the goal turn-around time.)

And sometimes, when I'm answering the most whack of all e-mails, or when I'm staring at whack e-mail trying to imagine what inspired someone to write it in the first place, and why they chose to send it to me, I think about all the e-mails I've sent from a professional standpoint that have received absolutely. no. response.

Like the e-mail I sent to the guy who wrote about Houston's top public high schools--Yes College Prep was #3, and I wrote to him to let him know that Yes! was founded by a TFA alum, and KIPP too, and additionally here's what we're doing in Houston in case he was interested for future education spotlights or wanted to chat with our executive director.

No. response. Maybe he thought it was a little whack, but I thought I was providing him with a good lead. Or maybe he got some REALLY whack emails as a result of the article and decided to just ignore them all.

There are other examples. You don't really need details.

In short: I respond to your whack e-mail; why won't people respond to mine?

And, more importantly: When (if ever), and under what circumstances, do I get to just hit delete? At what level of professional prestige does it become acceptable to not answer every e-mail?

Just curious.