Long Emails for Communication

I had read it somewhere "If you can’t write your idea on the back of my calling card, you don’t have a clear idea". I read this almost 15 years back. But somehow, none of the corporate houses have still got it right! I’m a fairly busy, but who isn’t busy? I try to be responsive but when I get an incredibly long email there is no way I’ll answer quickly. If an email is short, I’ll shoot out a reply as soon as I read it.

So why send long emails?
Here’s a rule: a long email is never necessary. Never.
Is it a rant against people who’ve emailed me? No, it’s a general problem that I’ve seen with email, and I hope this will help people write more effectively.

I really don't need to say why long emails are just not the way to go!

So, here are quick tips on how to write short emails:
1) In my MBA I was taught the 6*6*6 rule! That is 6 slides, 6 sentences, 6 words per sentence! And I was able to achieve that always most of the times for any presentation. Then why not in emails?
2) Figure out the crux of the matter you want to convey and talk about only that!
3) Do not ask too many questions at one go! Ask one thing!
4) Try using links for references.