[Russ Smith]

I like having e-mail that constantly updates because, when I choose to read it, it's current. However, I learned some time ago that anything which is given the right to interrupt you is a productivity killer, especially e-mail. Just because it's possible for you to instantly respond to an e-mail is no reason to feel that you have to and doubly no reason for others to expect you to do so. My rules of thumb (business and personal) are "If it's really urgent, call." and "If it has lots of details, write an e-mail." (So if it's both urgent and detailed, do both.)

I make every effort to answer e-mail once a day, except when I'm on vacation. Anyone who's dealt with me for any length of time learns to expect a response (even if it's just "I'm looking into that. I'll know more by ____.") within a day, but not immediately.