In my field of work, it is common to add endnotes such as “avoid printing this mail. Save paper” or “this mail was sent at a time convenient to me. Please respond only during your work hours”.
I wanted to use this to encourage adoption of libre software. But I am not sure if this is a good way to do it.
Here are some options that I was thinking:
- Libre software is sustainable software.
- Make computing sustainable, use libre software.
- Make computing free and safer with libre software.
- The email sender pledges to use libre software where possible. Join the cause and help.
I have put the hyper-link for FSF in the first instance of Libre as an example. I am considering using GNU or other websites based on your suggestions.
What do you think?
My point is not about seperation, but about conscent.
If you come to me at work and ask “Can I tell you something work unrelated, that might interest you?” then I have the option to choose.
Maybe at the moment I am stressed, or doing some heavy mental lifting and don’t want any distractions - then I can decline and not be force educated on some topic.
Maybe on another day I have a free mind and not much to do - then I can accept and listen to it and potentially find it interesting and worthwhile to try out.
An email leaves no such choise and thus the message could be not only unwanted but also anniying.
I’d say in general, suggestions only work, when the other party is receptive to it and may do the opposite if they are unwillingly shoved down the recipients brain.
That’s an entirely different interaction and is extremely more likely to give you traction, for sure.