Article Etiquette

According to little old me.

I am writing this because recently someone I care deeply about received an article that rather upset them. The only explanation for why it was sent to them was "I thought you might be interested". And I am realizing that this is no longer enough when we send an article.

Here is the article, that quite frankly makes my blood boil.

Information has changed, or the availability of it has at least. And the rules, therefore, for what articles to send have also changed. Most of us have enough information being thrown at us every day. And if we don't, we know where to find it. So if information is being sent to us by a friend or loved one, many of us are going to assume that the article is specifically being aimed at us.

1) The information pertains to a clearly established discussion that we have entertained in the past. Or can be readily seen to be connected to something we are openly interested in.

2) The audience the article is aimed at is one that the recipient of the article obviously falls into. If it is an opinion piece aimed at "you" the "you" should be the recipient.

3) Otherwise it is acceptable to send an article that pertains more to the sender's interests or specifies the sender as the audience.

4) Some combination of the above.

If an article does not fall under the above categories some more explanation is required when it is sent. Even if it does fall under these categories clarification could not hurt, & could get a discussion rolling.

A short clarification such as "I know this doesn't pertain to you. But I was wondering what you would think." Or "I was appalled by the conclusions, but I thought there were some interesting nuggets." Or "I know this doesn't pertain to you, but it is a cause I am passionate about." Or "This person voices my ideas precisely. What do you think?" Or something...

If you don't care enough about an article to take the time to briefly explain your stance on it, then you might ask if it is really worth recommending to someone you care about.

I would thank you to at least give some consideration to using this particular system of etiquette when sending articles.