Project 1A
Email Message Critique
The following two email messages are alternative ways to address the same situation. Look at these carefully.
VERSION 1
From: Bill Smith
To: manager@ajaxtools.com
Subject: Idiots
im really MAD because i didnt get my money back when i tried to return a screwdriver. i will *never* shop at your store again. you are all crooks. DROP DEAD
VERSION 2
From: Bill Smith
To: manager@ajaxtools.com
Subject: Refund policy on sale items
I purchased a flat-blade screwdriver from your "sale bin" last Thursday. When I got home, I found that my project required a smaller blade. It tried to return the screwdriver, but the sales clerk said that since it was on sale, I couldn't get a refund.
Your store policy clearly says "We'll do anything to keep our customer's happy." That gave me confidence to make a purchase in your store,
Since I had not used the screwdriver, I felt that your store policy should be to give me a refund, whether or not the item was on sale.
Can you please review this case and clarify your policy?
Assignment
Send your answers to this assignment as an email message to your instructor (kim@hawaii.edu). In this exercise, as with all homework submitted by email, make sure that you use a proper header to identify the assignment.
Your answers should be relatively brief and to the point.
Answer the following questions:
1. Which message is more likely to get an answer that will satisfy Bill? Explain why.
2. After reading the second version, do you feel that there is justification for sending the first version? Explain.
Assessment
| Element | Expectation | Points |
| An identifying header is used. | The email can be linked to the assignment. | 1 |
| Question 1 has an answer. | An answer is clearly indicated. | 1 |
| Question 1 explanation includes comments on content. | The email messages have been compared regarding their content and evaluation comments offered. | 3 |
| Question 1 explanation includes comments on style. | The use of email conventions is included in the comparative evaluation. | 3 |
| Question 2 has an answer. | An answer is clearly indicated. | 1 |
| Question 2 answer is explained. | Specific comments are made about the reasons for actions on the part of the manager receiving Bill's email. | 3 |
| Overall appearance and content. | The homework is properly structured as an easily read email message and is free of errors in spelling and grammar. Answers are relatively brief and to the point. | 2 |
| TOTAL POINTS | 14 |