I was reading an interesting article on Mia Freedman’s blog mamamia about the politics of the work ‘kiss’. Written by the Deputy Editor of Sunday Life, Natalie Reilly explores the problems faced by female workers in the office environment in regards to unprofessional sign offs. I’m talking about the fated XXXX at the end of an email.I found Natalie’s article to be not only witty and interesting, but hugely relevant and true.
As a journalism and public relations student the industry I wish to work in, involves a lot of ‘gloss’. Air kisses, make up tips and tricks swapping and yes buttermilk sweet emails are all elements that are involved in this female dominated, fashion work force. But it was enlightening to hear her opinion on the topic in a satirical tone.
“For those of us who work in an ultra-girlie or deeply superficial environment full of fragile egos (such as publishing), the X is a normalised mode of communication and – not unlike a vicious strand of the H1N1 virus – can, without proper vigilance, multiply into XOXOXOXO and spread throughout inboxes.”
If I’m asking a co-worker to do something, it changes the tone from “Please do this for the company” to “Pretty please, will you do this widdle favour for me?” - Natalie
I understand why she brings up these points on the XXXX and it totally makes sense. When I was an intern for a few months in one of Australia’s top women’s fashion magazines, I quickly learned the ropes on email etiquette.
Although I knew straight away never to go over the “xx” tally, I could see how it could easily snowball into xxxx...xxoxox....xoxoxoxoxoxox over the course of an entire year email-relationship.
I agree with Natalie in that’s important to maintain professional communication methods when dealing with co-workers, managers, clients and competitors. But I have a feeling that when I get a job in the future I will still indulge myself in the occasional “xx”.
View the full article here
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