Again, I can’t help but get excited when my courses overlap one another. Today in my Literacies in Today’s World class, we read an article called “The Other Side of E-Mail” by Robert Kuttner. The main idea of the article was about e-mail and its many problems that can occur. While it is useful and convenient, Kuttner claims that it is a thief that steals a person’s “time and privacy” and is truly only convenient for the e-mail’s sender. Kuttner claims it is not as reliable when compared to other forms of communication because there are technological flaws that can occur (the simplest typo can send your private message and e-mail address to a perfect stranger). I have to say, I do agree with him in many ways, because technology is not perfect. But why do I continue to e-mail? Because yes, it is convenient for me and sometimes, the most efficient way to communicate with someone of importance regarding an important subject (i.e. your professor in regards to an important assignment… it’s not always easy to stop by during office hours and phone calls can be missed and messages may not always make it to the desired recipient). While Kuttner denounces e-mail, he also admits there is a chance for it to improve for the future. And it will, just as everything does.
I wish I could supply a link to this article, I tried to search for something but was unlucky. If you have a copy of the textbook because you took or are currently in the class and haven’t read this yet, I suggest it! The book is Exploring Language by Gary Goshgarian, article on page 360. I just thought it tied in very nicely with our theme of technology and how it has transformed and influenced our society over the years.
