How would you react if you got a business e-mail signed with the phrase ......

[Stinky The Clown]

..... "IN HIS SERVICE" all in caps, above the person's name?

[WeDidIt]

1. I'd cease and desist all future business with that person.

If it was somebody in the publicly traded corporation for whom I work, I would forward the email as an attachment to Human Resources and let them handle i.

[SoCalDem]

14. PRAISE JAYSUS.. and then this pic?

[Sheltiemama]

29. I love that picture!

Such a cuddly little reptile.

[Warpy]

17. When people feel compelled to tell me what great Christians they are

I check to make sure they haven't stolen my wallet already and then sprint for an exit.

If they feel such a need to advertise it, it's because their behavior isn't adequate to the job.

[rufus dog]

26. Similar perspective

I wouldn't eliminate the possibility of doing business with the person, but would be very leary as to why a person would feel a need to conduct business using an implied reference from Jesus.

[NC_Nurse]

35. Same here. The more someone shouts their faith, the more disingenuous it

usually is. No thanks.

[burning rain]

22. Good approach.

*

[Hekate]

2. I'd be so tempted to respond "Blessed be."

[leftyladyfrommo]

15. They wouldn't get it.

They would think it was just another phrase like "have a blessed day."

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

19. That's a good one

I'll remember that, since my coworker is Pagan, she'll like it too.

[The Straight Story]

3. Wouldn't bother me, I try to be respectful of other people's beliefs/traditions

:shrug:

[Stinky The Clown]

5. I guess I see it as being presumptuous.

[WeDidIt]

8. So do I, but that ceases when they disrespect me

by pushing those beliefs off on me.

[The Straight Story]

12. So if someone wears something religious is that pushing off their beliefs on you?

Yamaka , cross, etc and so on?

If they sent you an email specifically pushing their ideals I could see it, but in a sig line?

Oh, and I hate people pushing their beliefs on me as well - especially nanny state type folks.

[WeDidIt]

16. IF they sign a BUSINESS email as described above

they are pushing their beliefs off on me.

It's unprofessional, rude, and in my company would constitute an offense that can result in termination.

Personal emails are one thing. PErsonal attire is separate. Business email is provided by a business for the conduct of business and the promotion of religious beliefs with that medium presents inappropriate use of corporate assets.

[The Straight Story]

21. Well, one thing is for sure - we are both out of luck here

Because on DU we get people pushing their beliefs on us everyday...
:rofl:

[WeDidIt]

23. This isn't a business environment

well, for the members. IT is for David Allen and his staff, but for us, we expect to hear other people's beliefs here.

I'd also say for the record, promoting a political candidate or issue in a business email is no different from promoting religion, and again in the company I work for, it'll get you fired.

[The Straight Story]

30. And I guess that is what I am getting at

Why is it that others expressing their beliefs upset us so, and yet we willingly go out and seek the beliefs of others online?

If a business person tosses out a Buddhist quote in an email I don't see it as them trying to get me to believe what they do, it is simply a reflection of something that was important to them.

I just don't get why folks are so shocked and awed that other people have beliefs that they don't and it is reflected in their sig lines on emails - from a business or otherwise.

And I work for a really large company, so I understand what you are saying about business rules and etiquette and how much they worry about giving off the wrong impression - so I CAN see why the company might be edgy on the issue, I just don't see why individuals are when they are the ones getting the email.

Personally, I would like to see more sig lines with nudity...just not gonna happen though :)

[Control-Z]

54. It is because of

past experience dealing with those kind of people that I am offended. They are pushy and relentless in their preaching, and can't take no for an answer. I would be afraid that responding to their business letter would be a "sign" to them that I was open to being saved. I wouldn't consider doing business with someone who had such a signature.

[Raineyb]

56. Because when you seek it out you're asking for their beliefs

When they just presume you share the same religion with their sig tag it's obnoxious. I don't care to hear about the religious affiliation of people with whom I'm doing business and I damn sure shouldn't see any blatantly religious iconography on a business e-mail. I don't need nor want to know about how you worship.

Frankly, such a greeting on an e-mail would make me look for another business to work with since I wouldn't want my money to support anyone who might support the religious right as it's usually that ilk who look to force their religion down your throat in the first place.

Regards

[Obamanaut]

62. What is "yamaka"? nt

[bemildred]

4. Straight in the trash. nt

[G_j]

6. tell em you're an Elvis fan too.. nt

[PufPuf23]

45. Then don't miss the Temple of Elvis in Portland, OR

Its not far from Powell's Books.

[Fumesucker]

7. "TOUCHED BY HIS NOODLY APPENDAGE"

Would go over my name in my reply..

I also would check the status of my wallet very carefully.

[DCKit]

32. No kidding. Satan - as well as any number of "good" deities - are properly referenced that way...

I'd be voicing my concern for this person's immortal soul.

If he's not going to say "God", "Zoroaster", "Yahweh", "Buddha", "Legion", "FSM", "Beelzebub", "Jesus", etc..., how are you supposed to know he's not cutting up live kittens in his basement?

Be concerned. Be very concerned.

[monmouth]

9. If you're Catholic or know some Latin, throw that on him....LOL...

[pepperbear]

10. I'd reply.....

"I'm in Her Majesty's Secret Service myself."

[Extend a Hand]

11. I use to sign my emails with

a quote attributed to Genghis Khan,

"You must have committed great sins for God to have visited a punishment like me upon you."

[calimary]

24. LOL! Like that one a LOT!!!

:headbang: :rofl: :toast:

[SmileyRose]

47. Thank you

You just made me remember my grandpa. He died when I was 7. I was pouting once because I didn't get my way, he smiled and told me what a poor abused little girl I was to be stuck with a such a terrible grandpa. He said it in a way that made me laugh and hug his neck.

I am over 50 now. And I thank you with all my heart for making me remember that kind wonderful man.

[ikojo]

13. That would not be tolerated where

I work. If it truly offends you then call the phone number in the signature and ask to speak to the person's supervisor.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

18. It would depend upon the content

I work for a non-profit, and we can't afford to alienate donors. What I generally do is not respond, unless the body of the message has to do with helping us in some way.

[tularetom]

20. Well first I'd do this

:eyes:

Then I'd do this

:rofl:

Then I'd read the e-mail and do whatever was required in response but with a greatly reduced respect for the asshole who sent it.

[mitchum]

25. William S Burroughs gave the best advice for that situation...

"If you're doing business with a religious son-of-a-bitch, get it in writing. His word isn't worth shit. Not with the good lord telling him how to fuck you on the deal"

[geckosfeet]

27. In who's service? The devils? Gods? My pet goats? WTF. My imaginary friend Jake?

Jeezuz.

I would simply terminate the business relationship if possible. If not possible, I would ignore this bullshit for as long as it takes to get a new vendor on board then dump them.

[ohheckyeah]

28. Respond with

In HER Service.

[Donnachaidh]

31. I'd take my business elsewhere - those sort of folks have a reputation

for screwing customers just because they are "IN HIS SERVICE". :eyes:

[Bluebear]

33. Email back and say sorry, you don't do business with Satanists.

:evilgrin:

[csziggy]

34. Something I learned from reading about Queen Elizabeth

I would respond to inappropriate behavior by being rigorously formal and correct. I've done that when salespeople, especially on the phone, starting using my first name without my permission. Always use their full name and whatever salutation (Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms) fits. Never reply to personal comments at all, stick strictly to business. Start letters & emails with just "Mr. (Mrs. Miss Ms), no "Dear" - unless you want to resort to the ultimately formal and distancing "Dear Sir (or Madame)". Keep them at arm's length and on a formally remote contact level.

I've gotten business solicitations that have "God Bless You" or "Jesus Is Our Savior" as part of the message. I don't know if I've ever gotten solicitations from non-Christians - I have never once had a business correspondence that included any comments that indicated a non-Christian sender. Somehow, other religions do not seem to have that imperative to shovel their beliefs in every direction.

[doctor jazz]

36. I'd stop payment on any checks sent to them.

...

[johnnie]

37. Honestly I wouldn't give a shit

As long as that person isn't hurting anyone I wouldn't think twice what they put in their business email.

[TripleKatPad]

38. Me? I would ignore it...for now

My response is based on my own experience with these things.

I received an email from a co-worker last Wed. I know her to be a staunch (albeit misguided) Republic. She added at the end of her email some flip tea-bag rally reference.

I thought about responding to that reference.

Then I thought again.

Her political P.S. was not appropriate in the work environment. My responding to it would be equally inappropriate.

And futile.

I would apply the same reasoning to a religious reference.

On the other hand, if said co-worker kept making references (political or religious) on a regular basis, I might consider complaining to her supervisor or to HR.

Fortunately, I've never had a long-time problem with any of my co-workers in this regard.

[alfredo]

39. I am wary of anyone that advertises their piety.

[timtom]

63. Your response is one of the soundest

on this thread.

I quite agree.

[alfredo]

64. I have a lucid moment every now and then.

Back to forming a pool of drool in my lap.

[drmeow]

40. It would depend on the nature

of the business.

I was looking for a contractor to do work on my kitchen and didn't even get an estimate from one with references like that on their website because:

1) I don't want to pay someone to do work on my house and have that person turn around and donate money to anti-abortion groups or the like (I got the distinct impression that they gave a decent amount to those sorts of causes) or tithed to the Mormon Church (they were in Mesa, AZ - lots of Mormons there).

2) I don't want to have to work closely for a few months with someone whose ideology is that different from mine and I did not want to have to deal with their religiousness while they were working on my house.

3) I don't consider that kind of declaration to be very much in the Christian spirit.

4) I think it reflects a very bad business practice and suggests that they only want clients who are equally religious.

If it was someone I didn't have much of choice in working with I'd ignore it as much as possible and be very formal with them - keep them at arms length.

[sam sarrha]

41. i never understood the Zombie God Cult.. way tooo weird, i grew up in free holyness Pentecostal,

i was a devout atheist at age 5... when i found out there was no Santa.. i associated that cruel joke with the also fake baby jesus, and the god that rapes virgins.. way too weird

[rucky]

42. It's no less sincere than "Sincerely" n/t

[PufPuf23]

43. In my ever aging life, literal "Christians" are the most immoral

and corrupt individuals.

I differ literal (or fundies) from metaphorical Christians.

Once I considered myself a metaphorical Christian but as a group including my immediate family and 35 years in the business community, they are the most corrupt and cruel individuals in our society so now I distance myself from the faith.

Sadly I see no escape from this plague except time. I have no higher regard for any of the fundamentalists religions of Abraham. They hold evil faith.

[SharonAnn]

48. "Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest"

"Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest"
--Denis Diderot

[Iggo]

60. That's the sig line on my personal emails. (n/t)

[NeedleCast]

44. I wouldn't care

But then, I don't look for reasons to be outraged of silly shit.

[Stinky The Clown]

49. Some of us are just blessed, I guess

:sigh:

[NeedleCast]

51. I guess

I mean, the fucking HORROR of having to deal with an E-mail signature. A business E-mail no less!

[Stinky The Clown]

53. I bet your amp only goes to 9, right?

[Control-Z]

55. How would you feel if

they signed it "In Satan's Service"? Just curious. Would that bother you? Would you do business with them?

[The Straight Story]

57. Would not bother me

and I would still do business with them. Diversity is something I value and learn from, it is not something that scares me.

part of being progressive imho. You don't see your own way as the only one, and accept that others may well be different than you.

Sad to me that in this day and age some on the left have abandoned those ideals.

[Iggo]

67. Same league. Different team.

If it was from inside my company, I'd walk up to my coworker, congratulate him on his HUMONGOUS balls, and tell him, "Look, dude. You KNOW you're eventually gonna get fired for this...right?"

But from outside my company? Not one fucking word.

[DainBramaged]

46. Block it, and stop doing business with the morans.

I may be a Christian, but I do what I do not in His name, because things of the World are not done in His name, ever. At least to those of us don't who take the Bible literally (and sometimes not so seriously). I don't have any sheep to give my neighbor for his wife, so I guess I am out of luck.

[flvegan]

50. Depends on the service/product I got from them.

I try really hard to not let my personal opinion get in the way of business. I don't ask what their shoes are made out of either, if that's any further explanation.

However, if someone were to take offense, I wouldn't blame them. To each his/her own.

[RB TexLa]

52. Why do people think IHS, the first three letters of Jesus' name in Greek

stand for "in his service"????

[Iggo]

58. Since it's a business email...

...I wouldn't react at all.

We do business with a lot of people whose philosophy I don't like. Hell, my boss is the brother of one of Nixon's most infamous crooks.

But it's the construction industry. You work with whoever's working, and that's it.

[Obamanaut]

59. "And may the Hammer of Thor smite thine enemies." I've used this

respone when strangers tell me to have a "blessed day." Usually get a blank stare in return. It might work for an email, but most of the fundies I know have stopped sending emails to me.

Imagine that - they gave up on me.

[mr blur]

61. I don't want to do business with deluded fantasists. (nt)

[Vickers]

65. I'd double-check the invoices...

:P

[PassingFair]

66. I had a customer last week who asked me if I knew of any Christians....

looking for work.

Something about my reaction must have
clued him into my distaste...because
he quickly leaned BACK in his chair
and said...

"Or anyone who, you know, feels..."
(With this he taps his heart with
his chest).

I leaned forward and said...
"You mean someone with ethics?"

"Yes."

This ticks me off the more I think
about it.

Christians as AS LIKELY to be rip-off
artists as ANYONE ELSE.

But, he was a customer, so I kept
my mouth pretty much shut.

[CBR]

68. I wouldn't notice or care. nt

[Vinca]

69. I'd email back "WHOSE SERVICE??"

Wait, maybe I wouldn't. I wouldn't want to encourage them to spew their nonsense.

[Mz Pip]

70. If that is

the most offensive thing this person has done then I wouldn't be too concerned. Some people are religious, some aren't. I'm not particularly offended by stuff like that. There are much worse offenses happening in the business world every day IMHO.

If you are otherwise happy with the arrangement, services or whatever it is that has brought the two of you together in business I'd let it go.