Question -- using caps

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Old 12-10-2010, 06:59 AM
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I understand that using all caps is usually considered yelling. Sometimes I know people that aren't typists find it easier to just use all caps. I know it's harder to read. My question has nothing to do with anyone on this forum, but I received an e-mail today that kinda upset me....so I want the opinion of all you wonderful people.

I sent a letter to a company that provides free webinars (classes). You have to sign up for the webinar and then you are able to see the recorded sessions. I've tried numerous times to see the recorded sessions. The last time it had me re-register. I still couldn't get in. Now, a week later I got a letter reminding me of a new class I'd signed up for on Dec. 15. I hadn't signed up for a class. I checked their website and there is no class scheduled. I wrote asking about it and here is one part of what I wrote: "Now I get an e-mail from you reminding me of a class on Wed. Dec. 15!!! WHAT class????? ". I just got an e-mail back saying this: "I have just arrived at the office and re read your email below.
From the way that I have read your email the tone is confusing to me. All cap generally means you are yelling at me, so I stepped back and re read it. Please give me a call at the office so that we can help you with your viewing the recorded sessions.".

Would you have had the impression that the "WHAT" is me yelling? I do that a lot --- from working for years at a job where we emphasized certain things......If you all do, then I will try to refrain from doing that. :)
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:03 AM
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I do it to DRAW ATTENTION TO things I consider important. I only consider it yelling if the tone of the entire email is confrontational, argumentative or abusive. :lol:
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:07 AM
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My computer savy kids say it means yelling so maybe it is the perception not the intention of thr caps.
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:08 AM
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Originally Posted by raptureready
I do it to DRAW ATTENTION TO things I consider important. I only consider it yelling if the tone of the entire email is confrontational, argumentative or abusive. :lol:


I agree!
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:08 AM
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I really don't mind anyone using caps on their emails to me. Sometimes people forget or have a hard time viewing their font and don't know how to change it to make it larger for them to view. Not everyone is computer savvy. And as raptureready mentioned.......I use it as an attention getter or to make a point.
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:09 AM
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The caps and the multiple punctuation marks do make it look like you're angry. That's nice that the company wants to talk with you by phone - good customer service. :)

In a plain text situation, you could use asterisks to *emphasize* a certain word and of course in rich text, you have bold or italic.

Maybe this guy will help you figure out why your computer isn't allowing you to access the webinars. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. ;)
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:09 AM
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Originally Posted by raptureready
I do it to DRAW ATTENTION TO things I consider important. I only consider it yelling if the tone of the entire email is confrontational, argumentative or abusive. :lol:
Absolutely agree.
The reader on the other end of yours sounds pretty HUFFY herself to me. Maybe bad traffic on the way to work? She NEEDED to step back and regroup; too bad she didn't go get another cup of coffee before responding to you, too. I imagine that this employee feels put-upon and a bit ineffective during her work day.
Don't be moved by her reaction, it's not the issue. Their poor communication is.

Good luck,
Jan in VA
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:11 AM
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my hubby does everything in caps because he sees it better. sometimes i forget to change it!! :oops:
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:12 AM
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My Dad used to email me in caps and chat on ICQ in caps. I'd kid him all the time that he looked like a newb, yelling like that. He said it was easier to read, but it was also faster for him - he was a hunt-n-peck typist (painfully slow) and typing in caps was just easier.

What I wouldn't give to get one of his "yelling" emails in my inbox. :)
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Old 12-10-2010, 07:19 AM
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Try using an underline instead. In the computer world CAPS means yelling.
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