Communications

Communications are tough. Long distance communications are tougher.

Risks of Communication ∝ The time between communications

 

Risks can include: over analysis of previous communication, exaggeration of reaction to communication, less importance is placed upon communication.

 

Hierarchy of communication methods (from lowest risk to highest risk)

1. Real-time communication (a. Face-to-Face Verbal, b. Verbal)
2. Psuedo-real time communication (Verbal with time delay, IM)
3. Short gap communication (SMS, E-Mail)
4. Long gap/Transit communication (Snail Mail)
5. Long physically limited communications (Interplanetary communications?)

There should really be a protocol for what sort of communications you can do at each level. For example you shouldn’t be expected to have negotiations on a level 5 communication speed. Emotionally loaded conversations shouldn’t really happen below level 2 (with 1a being the best for body language reasons.)

 

When you send someone something and won’t receive a reply for a while, just think about what you write. Don’t censor yourself but just consider if maybe the topic is suitable for the communication method you are using. You wouldn’t ask someone to go to the movies with you tonight via letter would you?