Okay, serious question: what net results in greater efficiency for everyone when A asks B for a favor via e-mail.
1) B declines by not responding.
2) B declines through e-mail response with why they are declining.
3) B declines but it's just a simple "no" with no explanation.
1) B declines by not responding.
2) B declines through e-mail response with why they are declining.
3) B declines but it's just a simple "no" with no explanation.
I used to think 2 (because I prefer to get a definitive response as A and it's a nice human touch to know why from B). 2 and 3 also saves A from not having to reping if it's actually a favor A cares about.
On the flip side, there are situations where A asks for a favor but wouldn't reping, and getting 2 or 3 can feel worse than not hearing back. And as B it's effort to craft a decline e-mail, especially with a response, and particularly if saying no is hard for them.
Finally, sometimes with 2, there may be back and forth based on B's reason, where A tries to negotiate, and all this feels ultimately like wasted effort on both parties' part.
So Twitter friends, overall, where do you stand on what's best?
