Ask HN: Why Not Reply All?

by canterburryon 7/2/2024, 1:28 AMwith 5 comments

Why isn't the default email reply behavior "reply all" vs just "reply to sender" as is the current convention?

by thayneon 7/2/2024, 1:31 AM

Depending on your email client, and possibly said client's configuration, it might be.

That said, accidentally replying all with sensitive or embarrassing information is probably worse than accidentally sending a reply to one person instead of everyone, so it is a safer default, even if reply all is more common.

by ubermanon 7/2/2024, 1:56 AM

Read about email storms and you will understand why https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_storm

by cratermoonon 7/2/2024, 2:21 AM

Do you want to the default to be "reply all"? If so, why? How would it improve email for you?

by hsuhbdcstdon 7/2/2024, 1:30 AM

Because the world is cruel . I am a big fan of reply all. I would like this to be a default option