Is your subject/title clear- easy to understand at a glance? Or passed over?

[Shandi]

These guidelines were posted on wacco@yahoogroups, and I found them to be very valuable, so I wanted to share. Barry may have them somewhere also, and he can point that out. I see many vague titles, so I know that many people don't know or understand these fundamental concepts:

I've seen posts with confusing titles, like "LOST KEYS" when someone has "found keys", or the same with a cat/dog who has been found, the title says "LOST CAT/DOG".

People receive lots of emails these days. If they can’t figure out
your post at a glance they could easily send it to the delete pile.

1)Keep the subject line short, yet complete and to the point.

Good examples:

"For Sale: Toyota Truck, $1500 or best offer"
"Looking for computer monitor, [for trade, willing to pay, or for
free]"
"Live music [Group Name], [where], [when]"

Bad Examples:

"Announcement"
"Press Release"
"OFFERED in Santa Rosa"
"Rental"
"Materials Exchange"

2)Body of email should be easy to read and not too wordy.
If your email is especially long, you can summarize the key points and make them stand out.
Who
What
Where
When
And then the full story. . .

3)Event posting. (I like to see the date/time in the heading)
Be sure to include day of the week, date, time and
location in each email.
Directions could be helpful too.

4)Rentals.
Use a clear subject line – are you looking for one or do you have a place
you are renting out.

5)Free Stuff.
Posting that the item has been taken can reduce the number of emails
you receive.

6)Stuff for Sale.
Vivid descriptions are helpful. You might want to be ready with a
picture to email potential buyers, particularly if it’s an expensive
item.