I said that taking weeks to reply to an e-mail is like writing letters. Depending on how long they take to get from sender to receiver, it can be weeks between letters. And since we are on pretty much the opposite sides of the planet, that would actually be the case with us!

I don't think that just because e-mails take no time to reach their destination it means we have to reply immediately. It's like with instant messaging: Just because it's instantly delivered does not mean you have to instantly reply. You can if you are able and want to. But you do not have to. I send messages at a time that is convenient to me. And so should you.

I like this idea! But I also like that they said they'd be taking a while to reply. If you're not expecting it to be weeks or months later from when you sent your email, then not getting a reply in a few days feels like being ignored/rejected. Next time I email someone directly I'll put a note that I may be slow to respond, and they can be slow, too, and no hard feelings. Something like that.