When answering emails or any correspondence....?

Question

When a person write or deliver a message they often include things so that one will respond. However the one responding normally picks and chooses what they want to reply to. Is that because:

1) they tend to avoid the things they don't want to discuss

2) they just get wrapped up in answer the part they enjoy they forget or what.

I know we have been on both sides... So how do you feel about this?

Answer 1

If for example, I write an email to you and I ask you one or more direct questions, it would normally be your turn to answer those questions in a return email reply. But just because someone asks a question doesn't mean they deserve an answer. Sometimes no answer is necessary.

If one were to ask you in email the color of your eyes, you might find that question inappropriate, and decline to respond at all. Or, you may know the asker and you would then say, 'my eyes are brown, why do you ask?'..

Generally when someone is asked a direct, non-invasive question on general topics common to both parties, an answer should be expected. Sometimes people forget what they just read in an email and forget to answer all the questions or make comments on all that was discussed in the email. This does not make the person replying rude, merely forgetful.

Answer 2

Easily solved: send one email per issue or question.

Answer 3

If your emails to people are as convoluted as your question, I'd say it's because they are not sure what your email is even about.