Legal Technology Journal

In a recent poll of IT professionals and business executives, RPost identified the six most common myths relating to e-mail that most business executives, lawyers, and other professionals believe. RPost solves the risks identified by these common misconceptions relating to e-mail.  

1. Myth Regarding Bounce Notice: I did not get a bounce notice, so I know the e-mail got there. Reality: Most recipient servers turn off bounce notices due to abuse by spammers. Therefore, no bounce notice certainly DOES NOT mean delivery.
2. Myth Regarding Internal vs. Internet E-mail: I copied myself, got the copy – so I know it was delivered. Reality: Internal e-mail within the organization does not prove the e-mail got to the Internet – and certainly does not prove delivery.
3. Myth Regarding Read Receipts: I requested a read receipt so I will know when they get the e-mail. Reality: Read receipts have little value. They are simple text files that can be easily forged. They tell nothing about content received. The recipient can easily opt not to return the receipt. 
4. Myth Regarding Evidentiary Value of Printed E-mail: I copy my assistant and he/she prints a copy for the file. Reality: A printed e-mail (sent folder, inbox) can easily be denied admission into evidence by simply challenging content authenticity, time of sending, whether or when received. 
5. Myth Regarding E-mail Archive Offerings: I save everything in my archive. I can prove what they got. Reality: Your archive gives you a record of what content you CLAIM to have sent, but not what was actually received, whether, or when it was received. 
6. Myth Regarding E-mail Delivery: When I click SEND, they get the e-mail. Reality: Because not all business e-mail is delivered, the “I didn’t get that e-mail” excuse is often used – or over used to avoid responsibility. As Ferris Research points out, “3% of non-bulk, business-to-business Internet email goes undelivered to its intended recipient,” making this a valid excuse.