In a widely distributed article entitled, “R.I.P. E-Mail, 1961 – 2010”, Edward Moltzen tells us, “E-MAIL IS DEAD.”
Maybe Mr. Moltzen should read his email. During December of 2010, at the time of its supposed death, two studies were released that demonstrated the continuing importance of email.
On December 16, 2010, the Pew Internet and American Life Project released a study of internet usage. They found that email was the most ubiquitous online activity across all ages.
On December 29, 2010, ForeSee Results released a study of on-line holiday shopping. ForeSee found that promotional email had a larger impact on on-line sales than search and social combined.
Communication Method |
% of Sales Influenced |
| Social Media | 5% |
| Search Engines | 8% |
| Promotional Email | 19% |
With its pervasive presence and strong resonance with consumers, email remains a robust means of communication for everyone. Reports of the death of email can only call to mind the response of Mark Twain to reports of his demise. “The report of my death was an exaggeration.”