I've been worrying about you, wondering if you ever have trouble (like I do) getting important e-mails read, or if you end up getting flamed in newsgroups. So this week I'm sharing my latest strategy for getting my point across, plus some tips on how to compose a good newsgroup posting.

Bass's E-Mail Survival Strategies

I recently discovered that not everyone is reading my e-mails in their glorious entirety. This idea occurred to me when I sent one of my editors (and yes, I have plenty to contend with) a six-paragraph note.

That's not something I consider long, but he obviously did--he never answered a question I posed towards the bottom of the e-mail. Granted, I'd called his mother a name and asked why my expense account reimbursement was being held up, but that's not the point.

So I instituted a new strategy for sending important e-mail to important people and guaranteeing I get my point across.

I dice up my message into two parts, and both go into one e-mail. First up is the short version, a quick two-sentence summary; it's followed by a longer, detailed missive. Most important, the key issues are in the short version, at the very start of the e-mail, right there for all to see. That way I make sure that my editor (for example) at least gets my basic message; if he's interested in the details, he can scroll down to the details. Here's an example:

To: Bud
From: Steve Bass
Subject: Performance Eval

Short version: The blog's doing really well, the reader survey stats are high, and my last performance eval was stellar. How about a raise?
_____________________

Long version: Remember when I single-handedly redesigned the Web page and offered to hand deliver the magazine to readers? And what about the time I...[Here I go into the myriad of wonderful things I've done in the last few months.]

Dig This: I'll bet you've often wondered where the @ sign came from. Oddly enough, it didn't originate with e-mail. Details--and fascinating ones at that--are in "A Natural History of the @ Sign."

Newsgroup Etiquette

Novices often have problems getting their postings read on message boards or newsgroups. They have a tough time when starting out because too often they ask dumb questions (and boy are there dumb ones) and suffer the wrath of more impatient members.

Microsoft wants you to know how to properly ask a question, whether you're posing it in a forum or newsgroup, or asking your buddy for tech support. Read "How to Ask a Question" for tips.

Dig This: It's midweek. You've worked yourself silly for the last two days and now you're ready for some recreation before thinking about the weekend. Try Hyper Frame, a simple little Shockwave game. I'm hooked on it. The puzzle is fun, and the floating, rotating 3D block is way cool.

I did say simple, right? Just link the two colored markers. But that's bogus. When you try it, you'll see how tough finding a solution can be. The hassle? You can't break a link by overlapping an existing link. You'll see what I mean once you try it. When you get to the site, read Help and then choose between Speed Cubes or Mind Cubes. I spend most of my time with the no-pressure Mind Cubes--I have enough deadlines to contend with.

Dreaming of Brazil With My Rio

In his August 26 Techlog, Editor-in-Chief Harry McCracken wrote about the demise of the original Rio MP3 player. Hogwash, my Rio's just fine.

In his blog Harry complained about the first Rio, the PMP 300. Apparently, the latch holding the batteries in place popped open. True, but that's why duct tape was invented.

Back in March I wrote about why I'm still using the Rio PMP 300. The only time I've considered switching was when I upgraded to Windows XP and Rio's software whined and balked, reminding me of my editors when I ask for a raise. But my Rio's still cooking, thanks to the free Dreaming of Brazil software (Rio. Get it?); Harald, its author; and Harald's use of the GNU General Public License. Of course I know I'll get complaints from the Linux contingent, so here's a copy of the software for you. Sorry, Mac users need not apply.

Dig This: You say you have time to kill? There are plenty of games to be found on our Fun & Games page.

Steve Bass writes PC World's monthly "Hassle-Free PC" column and is the author of PC Annoyances, 2nd Edition: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer, available from O'Reilly. He also writes PC World's daily Tips & Tweaks blog. Sign up to have Steve's newsletter e-mailed to you each week. Comments or questions? Send Steve e-mail.