> the fundamental problem of email [is] random strangers on the Internet are still allowed to push to you I think that’s the fundamental strength of email, and

> the fundamental problem of email [is] random strangers on the Internet are still allowed to push to you I think that’s the fundamental strength of email, and what has given it staying power. I can email a person in government or an old friend or a scientist and be reasonably certain they will read it without knowing who I am. Email is the only tool where I still regularly have meaningful conversations with strangers. Several times a week I get emails from strangers asking for help with something they’re working on and I am almost always happy to oblige them. I have built a number of meaningful relationships through these chance encounters with random strangers. It would be all to easy on other services just to say “I don’t know this person” and ignore them, as I regularly do on Facebook. With email on the other hand I always read a message before deleting it.