I get upwards of 100 messages each day from individuals and various mailing lists. I simply don’t have time to sift through everything. But if you’re someone I know, I tend to read your email before someone I don’t. Which is why it aggravates me when I get chain email.

Chain email is that kind you know, which usually entices you to forward it to as many people as you can, either in an effort to save a starving/dieing girl in Botswana or to prevent you from being cursed by a horrible ailment or bad luck.

Let’s squash the rumors now. There is no truth to these stupid messages!

You want the truth? Here are a few reasons why email chain letters suck:

  • There is NO WAY for the originator of a message to tell how many people it has been forwarded to. Have you ever been told how many people your email has been forwarded to? Didn't think so.
  • Even if there WERE a way, nobody is going to send money to you or anyone else for no reason. Microsoft did not get rich by giving away money to anyone who can push a button.
  • On the sliver of an off-chance that the above two statements are false (they're not), by the time YOU get the message, the timeframe has lapsed, the little girl is dead or cured, or the police have already busted the illegal Multi-Level Marketing scheme.
  • If an email marketer gets a copy of a message with your address in it, you and all of your friends WILL receive junk email as long as you maintain that email account.

And here’s what you can do about the problem:

  • Don't forward any chain letters.
  • If you do forward a joke or a bit of information, copy only the information from the original message into a new message. You can protect the addresses of the people who received the mail before you. The Forward button is evil - do not use it!
  • Tell people who send you chain email to stop and tell them why.
  • When you get the urge to write a chain letter, write a one line message instead saying, "Hi, how're ya doin'? I'm fine. I didn't just send you a chain letter. Write back!" They will be happy.
  • And above all: Don't forward any chain letters.

Be proactive! Don’t forward chain email!