Sneaky Subject Line?

Posted on October 20, 2004 by Tina

I received an email message today that had the following subject line.

RE: Your Intuition

The “RE:” makes the message look like it is a reply to an email that I sent to this person, when in actuality it is a “new” email and not a reply. (For those who don’t know what “RE:” is – its stands for REPLY and is what most email programs insert at the front of a subject line when you reply to an email someone sent to you.)

So, because there is a “RE:” at the beginning of this subject line I am more likely to read it, as I assume that it is in reply to an email I sent previously. Thats an *automatic pilot* response for me, I tend to read emails that are replies before reading something else.

Sneaky? Or smart? Either way, it got my attention, although I have to admit I almost feel like i’ve been had or something… so not sure I would use this for any of my own broadcasts.

What do you think?

Oh, and this email was sent to me with my permission from a person whose work I like and respect… it wasnt just some random spam.


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