Tragedy of the Commons: Friday, May 14, 2004

The other day I was unable to use my email. I received so many messages from my students that I crossed way over my email box limit (a measly but disciplined number of MB). Why I receive so much email is another whole issue, but let that ride. Now, the way our campus mail works is that once you cross the limit, you are not allowed to send mail until the box is within limit. So, in effect, the only way to reply to email is to first delete it. Is that a Catch 22 if anything?

Here then is a perfect example of a tragedy of the commons. Overgrazing this resource makes it inaccessible and stops working for all involved, even though every single person acted independently, innocently unaware of the impact of their actions.

Yes, there are ways to get around it, such as using another email account and copying back and forth. Or forwarding the whole mess to another account. And so on. But it usually simpler and easier to just delete all messages. That way, no one's email gets preferential treatment.

I used to read my email only a few times a day, so as to prevent it from interfering with my concentration, which is needed if I am to get any research done (and help save the world from ignorance). But now, with my mailbox topped out, I need to keep it on and respond fast - so I am a rat on a wheel, trapped in email hell forever. I have no idea how long I can keep this up.

Quite apart from aiding communication, email seems to spawn thoughtless interaction. Just because it is easy to shoot off an email, everyone assumes that work is getting done. But it isn't. It can't happen unless thought is applied first. Also, waiting for a response is not getting work done, its waiting to postpone getting work done. Its also a waste of time.

But I realize that one must set an example. I try very hard now not to send email without thinking, and never if it has no productive purpose. Some rules:

• Do not send emails saying "Thanks". I agree, it is important to let the other person know you got the message, but why not let that be the default option?

• Email is asynchronous. Why make it like the telephone? Dont make it into a conversation.

• Never assume that asking a question merits an answer.

• Do not let email allow you to push your thinking onto someone else.

• Delete any email from an unrecognized source.