Okay here we go!
1. What information about a user’s email, the origin of a message, and the path it took, can you glean from an email message?
On the surface, or looking at the ‘surface’ metadata we see instantly the email message contains obvious things such as the sender, the day and time that the email was sent and we can also instantly see who sent the email, who else would receive the email, and the subject of the email.
The email address may have a clue as to which country the email originated from by the .au (Australia) or .uk ( United Kingdom) that we commonly see at the end of an email address. It may also indicate that is was sent from an institution such as a university or school with the .edu at the end of the email address.
From the subject line of the email we can learn what the message is about and from this we can gauge if an immediate response is needed, or if a response can be sent later. We may even decide from the subject that we can delete it without even opening the email.
If we did a little deeper we are able to learn where the email travelled while it mades it’s way to our inbox, by checking the properties of the email.
So at first glance we can actually learn a lot about the user’s email and we haven’t even opened the main body of the email yet. Once we do this we are able to learn more from the ‘implied’ metadata that is contained within the body of the email……an expansion of what we have already learned from the ‘surface’ metadata.
2. In what cases would you find it useful to use the ‘cc’, ‘bcc’ and ‘reply all functions of email?
I have a large amount of both personal and work related emails and use these functions every day.
Within my work enviroment, I would use the ‘cc’ function most commonly. In fact I would use this function on most of my work related emails. In a virtual company enviroment such as the one I work in, email is a necessary and integral part of the communication within our company. We have over 60 people scattered all around the world, yet working together.
I would use the ‘cc’ (carbon copy) function for all the emails that I send that involve the exchange of information, or an action by more that one person. For example. I have been working on a spreadsheet which contains a schedule of classes for some of our students and it needed to be sent to the co-ordinator of this particular module of our training program, but it also needed to be sent to the trainers that took this module. So I sent the email to the ‘co-ordinator’ and used the ‘cc’ funtion to include all the other members of the team.
Again within my work environment, I use the ‘bcc’ funtion regularly. In particular, if I want to retain a copy of an email that I have sent to someone, I will use the ‘bcc’ (blind carbon copy) function and include myself as a recipient to prove that I have sent it and to remind myself to follow up the email should it be necessary.
I regularly use the ‘reply’ all function as many emails I receive directly are ‘cc’ to other people and when I reply I want all recipients of that email to be able to see my response. That way everyone is kept in the communication loop.
Using these functions is also maintaining the correct ‘netiquette’ that is very important particularly in a work enviroment. I treat my email recipients as I would expect them to treat me.
3. In what ways can you ensure that an attachment you send will be easily opened by the receiver?
There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration here. Firstly, if I was sending a spreadsheet using ‘Excel’, I would need to know whether the recipient also had that particular software, otherwise they would not be able to open the file. Additionally, as I work with mostly ‘Windows’ programs and several people I work with use ‘Mac’ software I must ensure that I save a file for attachment in a format that is suitable for them.
Most of the time I am aware of the format my recipients use, but if that is not the case I could format attachment files as plain text (ASCII) or rich text (RTF). Although this can sometimes alter formatting is does ensure that your file or attachment can be read by the recipient. I know from experience that there is nothing more frustrating and time consuming than trying to open a file or an attachment sent in a format that I am unable to open. I either have to send it back unread or spend precious time trying to reformat it. Totally PAINFUL!!! Assumptions can be costly and frustrating……do I sound like I have had this happen to me on more that one occassion….you betcha!! 
4. What sorts of filters or rules do you have set up, and for what purpose?
I only use filters for work…..I know I should use them for personal emails as well…but well you know, just haven’t gotten around to it.
I have filters set up so that my emails are sorted by senders and list servs. These filters put emails into folders and are grouped together. That way I can handle similar topics and groups of emails at the same time. It also allows me to prioritise my work load and save time 
5. How have you organised the folder structure of your email and why?
Yes I have definately set up a folder structure for my emails, in both my personal and work enviroments. Because of the volume and diversity of the emails that I receive, I find sorting and filing emails in a folder structure keeps order and allows me to sort the emails that I need to act on immediately, file away for future action or retain and file for reference should the need arise. I allows me to seperate and sort my emails into compartments or put them away in my ‘filing cabinet’, which in turn assists me to utilise the information received in the most efficient way I can, whether that be circulating the information, acting on the information or retaining the information.
Concepts:
The mobility of electronic digital data
Your audience’s use of communication
Informational exchange consists in the content of messages but also the uses (intended or unintended) to which the information is put.
Netiquette
Good communication practice in the Internet is not something on ‘learns’, but something one ‘practices’ so as to teach others, less familiar than yourself, how it is done.
The invisibility of difference
Automation
The relationship of data to meta-data
Communication and information are related
Communication is not complete upon receipt
accidentally removing all of their clothes only to be standing in front of two others in a chat naked. Needless to say I had to find out how to put some on very quickly. Too funny!! Even scarier was the fact that the guy suggested we all remove clothes and be naked together. Definately not a site for the kiddies!! 
