Bit of a rant coming up – but one with a point that, I hope, will stimulate some debate.
I recently received a stack of internal comms emails. Since Monday, I’ve received 6 messages on various topics that are completely irrelevant to me and only serve to clutter my already-over-its-size-limit inbox (as the mailbox administrator continually takes pleasure in telling me).
One could argue that, in the grand scheme of things, 6 emails is nothing to worry about – and indeed that’s true: the Delete button is a wonderful tool. But I feel there’s possibly a more important point to make here:
Should there be an unsubscribe button on internal communications emails?
UK email communications are subject to a 2002 EU directive on privacy and electronic communications:
- The directive was brought into force in the UK by the Privacy and Electronic Communications ( EC Directive) Regulations 2003
- The regulations apply to all organisations that send out marketing by telephone, fax, automated calling system, email, SMS , MMS or using any other form of electronic communication
- The regs make distinctions between personal (joebloggs@hotmail.com) and corporate/company (joebloggs@company-email.com) subscribers
- The regs state that an organisation can’t send unsolicited marketing communications by email to individual subscribers unless the recipient has given their prior consent
There’s a bit of a grey area here as to whether my email address is considered a company or individual one, but my question is: where did I ever give consent to be spammed by corporate comms?
Clearly the definition of spam is a vacuous one, but the principle remains that I haven’t opted-in (or indeed been given the option to opt-out) for any kind of messaging from a self-absorbed internal comms team.
I personally can safely say that each and every email I’ve ever received from a comms team has been deleted. At BEST they’re of zero interest. At WORST (which is 99% of the time) they just get in the way and are a distraction.
Have you ever received a really good internal comms message that’s inspired and motivated you? Does that message from the CEO really touch your emotional core and tug on your heartstrings? Or have all yours also been total balls?
All comments & opinions appreciated.
(thanks to Out-Law for the various email marketing law info!)
