Do you avoid using inline when replying to an email?
Replying inline can mess up the history of the email thread. What you should do is to copy and paste the entire email in your reply and comment on each issue at a time, keeping the history intact as per Do you reply 'Done' and delete the original email?
In the rare cases where you really need to reply inline for a special reason, it's important to write your comments in a different color. You might want to mention what color your comments are in (to make it extra clear). Make sure what you text should always be aligned left, not indented.
Email Template
| To: | Adam |
| Subject: | Daniel Hyles - Morning Goals |
Hi Adam,
I have replied inline
Regards, Daniel
-----Original Message-----
From: Adam Cogan www.ssw.com.au
Sent: Monday, 27 June 2021 8:00 AM
To: Daniel Hyles www.ssw.com.au
Subject: Daniel Hyles - Morning Goals
- TimePro Online pages
Done - Double check backups (get backup today on both drives, I configured the other drive last night)
Done - Make sure Exchange is backing itself up... Check Google on why not.
Not done - Access reporter
Not done
Figure: Bad Example - Replying inline can mess up the history + there is no indentation making it hard to read
Email Template
| To: | Adam |
| Subject: | Daniel Hyles - Morning Goals |
Hi Adam,
I have replied inline
Regards, Daniel
-----Original Message-----
From: Adam Cogan www.ssw.com.au
Sent: Monday, 27 May 2002 8:00 AM
To: Daniel Hyles www.ssw.com.au
Subject: Daniel Hyles - Morning Goals
1. TimePro Online pages
Done
2. Double check backups (get backup today on both drives, I configured the other drive last night)
Done
3. Make sure Exchange is backing itself up... Check Google on why not.
Not Done
4. Access reporter
Not Done
Figure: OK Example - Replying inline should be avoided, but if you have to, use different colors and indentation for a better readability
See Top 10 Rules to Better Email video for more details on how to reply to emails.
