Even I Can't Get Email Right Sometimes

The other day I called State Farm to see about changing my auto insurance to them. The process required a couple email exchanges and those seemed to go just fine. Later, when I was talking to the agent he said, "Chris, after I Googled you and found out who you were, I went back and read all the emails I sent to you to see if they were good enough." 

I, of course, responded that I'm not that picky actually and certainly am not perfect on email myself. To illustrate that very fact, below is an email exchange that went awry. Totally my fault, too. I've changed names and paraphrased a bit to make it easier for you to understand.

Here's the first email:

(This was in response to my recent unfriending of business people on Facebook. I shortly after asked this person to put me in touch with someone they knew.) Here's that email:

Hey Chris,

So now that you have unfriended me from FB, you want me to pass along recommendations???   Just kidding.  Jen was...(and the note goes on)

Here's my response:

Hi Bob-

But I'm such a good friend on LinkedIn, I'd think that would make up for the unfriending on FB, right!!???

I digress...

Thanks for your emails about Jen...(and the email goes on)

Here's the response back:

Chris, I was just kidding on the Facebook thing.  Actually, I didn’t even notice that you were no longer my friend, but couldn’t resist the chance to give you a bit of crap about it (in a good natured way)... (and the email goes on)

Here's the next email:

Bob-

Even a guy like me who writes a blog about email can't get my sarcasm across effectively. I knew you were kidding about the unfriending thing and I was too in my first sentence. I can take a little crap with the best of them, don't worry. Isn't technology grand?

And then:

Chris-

LMAO, I actually chose to ignore the sarcasm because it was more fun to continue the conversation. 

So?

Was this a waste of everyone's time? Was it simply all in good fun? Where did this go wrong? Did it go on for too long?

Comments

[Duane Stevens]

I see nothing wrong with this exchange as PERSONAL communications.

If it was BUSINESS, then yes, it was unnecessary.

I now feel guilty whenever I reply to a business email with just a "Thank You"

Thanks for the [w]