Cc in mails

The art of "cc"ing!

In email etiquette, "cc" stands for "carbon copy," which was a term used in the pre-digital era to refer to a copy of a letter or document that was made by pressing a sheet of carbon paper between two sheets of paper. The carbon paper would leave a copy of the writing on the second sheet, allowing the sender to send a copy of the document to someone else.

In modern email, "cc" is used to send a copy of an email to someone who is not the primary recipient, but who may still be interested in the content of the email. This is often used to keep others informed of the conversation or to involve them in the discussion.

Here are some common uses of "cc" in email:

  1. Keeping others informed: You may "cc" someone who is not the primary recipient of the email, but who needs to be aware of the conversation or decision.
  2. Involving others in the discussion: You may "cc" someone who has expertise or interest in the topic being discussed, to encourage their input or feedback.
  3. Keeping a record: You may "cc" someone who needs to have a record of the email, such as a manager or supervisor.
  4. Sending a copy to multiple people: You may "cc" multiple people who need to receive the same email, such as a team or a group of stakeholders.

Some best practices to keep in mind when using "cc" in email:

  1. Use it sparingly: Only "cc" people who really need to receive the email.
  2. Be mindful of the recipient list: Make sure you're not accidentally sending the email to someone who doesn't need to receive it.
  3. Use a clear subject line: Make sure the subject line is clear and descriptive, so that the recipient knows what the email is about.
  4. Keep the email concise: Keep the email brief and to the point, so that the recipient can quickly understand the purpose of the email.

By following these guidelines, you can use "cc" effectively in your email communications and avoid cluttering inboxes or causing unnecessary confusion.