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When Lights Go Out on the Web

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Lynn Gaertner-Johnston Updated on

I apologize that this site has only been up only intermittently over the past two days. Even I have been unable to access it. That is frustrating!

Having my blog down reminds me that we need to recognize this fact: The lights do go out on electronic communication. When we haven't received an email from someone, we cannot assume he or she did not send it. We can only be certain that we have not received it. (Be sure to check your junk mail folder too.)

Example: On Saturday, October 24, I received two emails from individuals at a client company. Guess when they sent them.

It took 3.5 weeks for me to receive their email. They sent the messages on Tuesday, September 29. 

Because we all work in Seattle, we could have walked the messages and the responses to each other many times during the period they were stuck in cyberspace.

It happens. So I encourage you to smile and assume the best of others when you haven't heard from them. Pick up the phone. Stop by their offices. Send them a note via interoffice mail or the post.

It may simply be that some lights have gone out on the Web.

Sorry for my absence! I will try to catch up with posts and comments over the next couple of days.

Lynn
Syntax Training

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By Lynn Gaertner-Johnston

Lynn Gaertner-Johnston has helped thousands of employees and managers improve their business writing skills and confidence through her company, Syntax Training. In her corporate training career of more than 20 years, she has worked with executives, engineers, scientists, sales staff, and many other professionals, helping them get their messages across with clarity and tact.

A gifted teacher, Lynn has led writing classes at more than 100 companies and organizations such as MasterCard, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, REI, AARP, Ledcor, and Kaiser Permanente. Near her home in Seattle, Washington, she has taught managerial communications in the MBA programs of the University of Washington and UW Bothell. She has created a communications course, Business Writing That Builds Relationships, and provides the curriculum at no cost to college instructors.

A recognized expert in business writing etiquette, Lynn has been quoted in "The Wall Street Journal," "The Atlantic," "Vanity Fair," and other media.

Lynn sharpened her business writing skills at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a master's degree in communication, and at Bradley University, with a bachelor's degree in English.

2 comments on “When Lights Go Out on the Web”

  • Hello
    Hey there is no need to be sorry.Sometimes it happens with every one and I know people can understand your problem.Thank you very much for sharing this with us.

  • Coming from a heavy IT background, I thank you for this reminder. I truly hope people remember it, and do not place unerring value on the efficiency of the internet. It does get its glitches, and it’s usually beyond the control of your local IT person.

    Just file it under “stuff happens” and do use the phone, or a face-to-face communique.

    Enjoy the day….

Comments are closed.

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