This is the case whether the query is sent via e-mail or is posted on a surname board or mailing list. I have repeatedly seen people on Web boards and mailing lists ask those who post to use the subject line meaningfully so people don t have to look at every e-mail. And in my own inbox, I receive numerous requests for assistance that are too vague, asking for the moon without any thought that the assistance will take me valuable time to accomplish. Here are some bad examples and suggested solutions. This example fails to take advantage of the subject line as a synopsis of the reason for the query.
Subject lines assist e-mail recipients in separating real mail from junk mail.
Additionally, if the subject line is used effectively, the recipient knows right away the type of request contained in the body of the message. The body of this message is also too vague. If you are writing an e-mail query to a professional genealogist, you should first ascertain the area of expertise of the professional. If your research doesn t fit within that area, you re wasting your time and the recipient s time by sending the query. Asking for free assistance from busy people can be presumptuous.