A software developer and writer is calling for an end to unnecessary apologies in email communication. Ploum argues that apologizing for delayed responses creates unnecessary pressure and discomfort for both parties. The trend appears to stem from instant messaging culture where immediate responses are expected.

This practice is particularly problematic when the original email wasn't time-sensitive or when the sender has already moved on to other tasks. The author notes receiving apologies for five-hour delays on cold emails and for responding to replies sent only days earlier. Such apologies make recipients uncomfortable and create an implicit obligation to respond quickly in return.

The solution is simple: stop apologizing for taking time to reply. Email is inherently asynchronous communication meant to work on each person's own rhythm. If you truly need to acknowledge receipt without committing to a full response, a simple "ack" or "thanks" suffices. For those who want to engage but lack time, a brief message setting expectations is perfectly acceptable. The core message is that email should reduce stress, not add to it, and unnecessary apologies defeat this purpose.