Why are some people never addressed by their first names in e-mail correspondence?

Question

In almost all e-mails, I am never addressed by my first name. Only once did person use my first name. This may seem like a silly question but I notice these small things. And what's interesting is the person has never used their first name in closing, only first initial preceded by a dash. Why do people communicate this way? Are they too lazy -- or is it just their communication style?

Actually, it's not some spam sender but a casual acquaintance. What would you like to say about this situation now?

Answer 1

I work for the military and many of the men I work with are former marines. They call each other by just the last names b/c that is how they were addressed in the military. Often, military personnel or jocks tend to do this.

As far as a signature, I sign everything with just the "-C" to my closest friends. There is really no point. Usually you have a signature line that prints below it anyway. Plus they have read the email line that says who sent it, which has my name on it. So they already know who sent the email. It's reduntant to sign your name but I feel I need something that says "the end."

Our boss sends out everything with just his initials. I figure its b/c he is always initially everything else (initial when you make changes on a contract, initial fedex, initial the sheet that sends our paychecks to the treasury person who actually has the signature line on the paycheck, etc) that it is natural to initial his name as well.

It's just a communication style. People get upset b/c email is more casual--but it IS more casual. It is not a replacement for a handwritten letter. You would never allow a bride to EMAIL her thankyou cards. It is informal and as such should allow abbreviations and casual communication styles.

Answer 2

I think communication style. I don't like the abbreviations used in Q&A, but emails are nearly an "art form" and certain liberties with the language are socially appropriate to be taken.
E-mail is designed, in my opinion, for as a FAST fact relating media, and it isn't necessary to the follow formal protocol of a business letter. Therefore, "Dear Sir", "Sincerely yours," or even a signature isn't necessary. I automatically have my first name and city added as a signature.

People have difficulty even being civil with each other, or having any respect for traditions or manners, so I don't think pushing for all sorts of rules of emailing is going to get very far. Just be happy you don't have to put a stamp to each one.
J

Answer 3

Because some Idiot on the internet will figure out how to use it against you. Also you should never show you email address either because the Idiots will set you up to receive all kinds of spam, put you on many email lists, etc.
Crazy things happen. Be careful Fruitstar.