Regarding lack of capitalization in e-mails: Yes, there is no doubt that
ignoring the conventions of typing makes text harder to read.  It subverts
communication.  Lengthy e-mails which are hard to read due to their style
will be ignored more frequently than those which are easy to read.

I've never complained about this issue because it had occurred to me that
handicapped people might have to struggle to hit the shift key.  Indeed, I
know one person who has very limited movement and uses a special keypad, and
typing is a slow and laborious process for him.  Nevertheless, he tries to
avoid shortcuts because he wants his writing to be easy to read.  However, I
know other people who are either too lazy to capitalize or who may subscribe
to the e e cummings school of e-mail design.  Several of my able-bodied
colleagues who never use caps in their e-mails are the same people who seldom
clean up their own messes and litter the office with their lunch bags,
half-empty drink containers, etc.  Laziness, sloppy habits, and lack of
consideration for others can manifest themselves in a variety of ways.

Whatever the reason, caplessness, inadequate punctuation, and other anomalies
definitely strain the reader's comprehension and patience.

But let me end on a positive note.  I have been on Museum-L for several
years, and I have noticed an overall marked improvement in the formal quality
and literacy of the messages.  More people now seem to care about these
issues than when I first subscribed, and I am much relieved!  I have a high
volume of mail from several listservs, and I greatly appreciate this kindness.

David Haberstich

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