Thanks to modern technology there are many different ways to communicate and connect. In addition to the numerous benefits, I find technology has also created a small number of negative idiosyncrasies, e.g. spam (and similar high noise-to-level communications), but also what I call an 'expectation culture'; an environment which suggests that a message left on voicemail or email sent demands an immediate and almost automatic response.

Quite often, email is used by many as a 'shoot from the hip' communication medium, i.e. I don't have much to say or don't know what to say so I'll shoot out a message quickly to say "hi"; and quite often that is pretty much the extent of the message. The other extreme is the bombardment of your inbox with trivia. Of course junk mail and chain letters are a whole different kettle of fish. Also, the explosion of instant messaging (IM) and internet telephony (VOIP) services over the last several years has further contributed to the high noise levels of Internet communications.

My opinion is this. If I send an email, I want it to be meaningful and valuable to the recipient. All threads and discussions eventually come to a natural conclusion; to continue them ad infinitum would be both frivolous and deafening. Each of us has our own priorities on which we act accordingly; I do not take this as a lack of respect for my communication or as a suggestion that it has no value to you. The above does not refer to customer service which has its own dynamics. Just because someone is online with one of my IM or VOIP services, does not mean that I have to message or call them; just because it is free. If I call someone, unless it is simply to catch up on a personal level, I plan what I want to talk to them about so that there is a purpose, and an expected outcome, respectively end-point to the call.

Please feel free to use any of the communication mediums on this page to contact me and in the event we do not connect at that time, I will endeavour (where relevant) to return your call/IM/e-mail as soon as possible if required.