Recognizing That Somebody's Time Means Something Means A Lot
I spent some time carefully reading an advice request from a reader and sending her a series of questions to get further information. She answered my questions and then subsequently sent this:
Please do not publish a reply to my inquiry, I've changed my mind. ...It's possible he might see the column and there could be negative repercussions!
It's annoying to have people decided afterward that they don't want something published after I've put some time into it -- except when I get a message like this, which this woman included:
So sorry! I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. I know you've already put time and energy into writing me and thinking about my question.
I wrote back:
Hi there -- not to worry. I won't publish it. And yes, I did put time into thinking and writing, but second thoughts sometimes happen and a message like this one from you makes all the difference.Thank you for not being one of the entitled ones! All the best, -Amy
I so agree with you. I love being able to help people out, and it never fails to boggle my mind how many of them don't even say "thanks."
It's one thing when I write back a one sentence answer, like, "It's not illegal for your boss to deduct from your PTO." It's another when I devote 1000 words, giving detailed advice. I'll often contact one of my network of attorneys for clarification. And then what do I hear? Nothing!
So, I, too, do appreciate the polite people!
Suzanne Lucas at May 13, 2013 6:37 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2013/05/13/recognizing_tha.html#comment-3706545">comment from Suzanne LucasI know, Suzanne. It's amazing how few people write back to say thank you, even when I put in a substantial amount of time. I'll do this sometimes for a question that will never make my column because I see that I can help a person and suspect they have nowhere else to turn (and maybe no idea even that they could get help).
Amy Alkon at May 13, 2013 8:01 AM
Suzanne,
I haven't ever really been a follower of you blog. I have other fish to fry. ;-)
I have asked Amy a few questions that I didn't feel like putting up on the blog for personal reasons. What I like to do though is use Amy's Paypal Donate button and drop a few dollars her way just to keep me honest. And every once in a while I do it just for the hell of it.
Her blog is usually very entertaining. Maybe if you put a similar button on yours you could collect a few dollars that way.
Jim P. at May 13, 2013 12:59 PM
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