Tips for Small Businesses

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Take Email BCC to the Next Level

Monday, August 30, 2010

You know that you can blind copy recipients on emails you send. But did you know that you can also type private notes to them in the same email?  With this handy plug-in, you can.

Subtextual (formerly called Bccthis) is a free plug-in designed to work with your email program (Outlook, Gmail, BlackBerry and Twitter are supported). Once installed, you will have a Bccthis link in your toolbar, and Subtextual will automatically launch each time you begin a new message.

Here's the basics of how it works:

1. Type your message as usual, adding recipients to the To, CC, and BCC fields as required.
   
   
2. In the Bccthis section, which appears below the standard message field, enter your private message.
   
   
3. Select the recipients to which you want to send the private message. (All the email addresses entered in the main email will be selectable-- simply pick one or more to get the private message.)
   
   
4. Click "send" as usual.
   
   
5. All recipients will receive the main email.
   
   
6. Your Bccthis recipients will also receive a second email that contains your private message, shown on top of the original message. (Yes this is unnecessary duplication, perhaps it will be improved later.)

The plug-in pretty much takes over your new message window. However, it can be minimized, or turned off entirely at any time.

You do pay a price for this free program-- It captures your email address during the install and sends you system related and promotional emails (you can opt-out.). All messages sent with a Bccthis component also include an ad for Subtextual and a link where it can be downloaded. And, unless you manually configure it otherwise (from the options link in the Bccthis menu) it enrolls you in the “Product Improvement Program” and transmits anonymous usage information to the software provider.

The business uses for this functionality are diverse and range from official private HR communications to more frivolous snide commenting to co-workers. If it appeals to you, and you don’t mind the marketing included with every message, give it a try.

Download from the trusted CNet site: Subtextual for Outlook.    Subtextual for Gmail.