Now, however, you're regarded as something of a dinosaur if you don't have an e-mail address. But having access to e-mail and learning how to use it effectively are two different things. Unlike the telephone, that other communications breakthrough of the 20th century, e-mail isn't easy. You have to write. Therein lies the problem.
Writing is difficult.
Writing well is even more difficult. And writing quickly and well is near impossible. Yet the speed and informality of e-mail encourages us to dash off haphazard notes. That may be fine for friends and family, but it can be downright dangerous when used to communicate with colleagues, superiors, clients and suppliers. You've probably experienced this yourself.