Is it appropriate to send Thank You notes via email?

Yes: 70% (543 out of 780)
No: 30% (237 out of 780)

The comments submitted with both yes and no respondents indicated that viewers believe the decision about whether or not to send an email thank you is situational. If the thanks is for a small gift, a favor done, or some assistance given, email is a reasonable choice. Also, if the standard of communication in the relationship is primarily email or the gift was actually some form of electronic gift, respondents thought an email thank you would be appropriate. On the other hand, the respondents indicated they thought that for large or traditional gifts (as in wedding or birthday), a handwritten note would be more appropriate.

Some of the comments suggested that an email thank you required less effort and was, therefore, the lazy way out. However, other comments indicated that it is the thanks which is important and an email thank you is far better than none at all.

Certainly email has become an acceptable form of communication and it's use to send a thank you is appropriate in many instances. A quick thank you to acknowledge assistance given, a favor done, or a small gift is appropriate, especially if you know the person you are thanking uses email frequently and the thanks won't sit out there in cyberspace for an extended period of time. However, a handwritten note sent through the regular mail system is the nicest way to show appreciation for a gift received and is the form you should use to send thanks for wedding gifts and holiday or birthday gifts.

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