# From now on, I will ignore all emails that request anything be done "ASAP". **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 13, 2007, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954 "2007-04-13T14:17:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![GawnFishin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e9bcb4/32.png) [@GawnFishin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GawnFishin)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/21 "2007-04-13T16:57:32Z")
[QUOTE=stretch] I believe he was highlighting your username because the OP is bitching that the person wanting something ASAP is doing so cuz she wants to go fishing. Hence the \>\>\> until he got to your username, then the ^^ pointing up to it. [/QUOTE] :smack: :smack: :smack: D’oh my bad… :smack: :smack: :smack: I’m going to have to keep this going for a while. ---
**Author:** ![Noone\_Special](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noone_special/32/2863_2.png) [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/22 "2007-04-13T16:57:59Z")
[QUOTE=guppy] Count me as one who takes the “possible” of part ASAP literally. Shit, I hope there isn’t someone seething because I occasionally put this in my emails. I don’t mean “I command you to do this right now mutha fucka”! I ussually use it after someone has made a mistake and they need to fix it as soon as possible. [/QUOTE] Me too.If I need it NOW I’ll say so and explain. If I need it by date X I’ll say so. If it isn’t _really_ time-critical, I’ll ask for it ASAP – as soon as **possible**. For me ASAP means lowest, rather than highest priority. But I can totally get behind the OPer’s ire at assholes who are sure the whole world revolves around them! (and **they** most certainly think ASAP means the same thing I think it does) ---
**Author:** ![guppy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7feea3/32.png) [@guppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guppy)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/23 "2007-04-13T17:04:28Z")
[QUOTE=Noone Special] But I can totally get behind the OPer’s ire at assholes who are sure the whole world revolves around them! (and **they** most certainly think ASAP means the same thing I think it does) [/QUOTE] I can too. I’ve even evaluated my use of ASAP in the past as probably being superfluous. None the less I tend to use it (mostly out of habit in certain circumstances) and I never thought it would piss someone off. I’m sure it’s the context that’s pissing off the OP more than anything else. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/24 "2007-04-13T17:27:26Z")
[QUOTE=Mellivora capensis] Hey **Ashtar** , looks like the object of your ire is a fellow Doper! [/QUOTE] How many previews did it take to get that to line up properly? 🙂 And re the OP, I also reserve the use of ASAP for when it’s actually necessary, and I include a detailed justification (“our ability to transmit to the bank is compromised and X dollars are at stake,” or whatever). I do this because I am irritated when other people _don’t_ do it, and if I’m irritated by something, by gum, I won’t do it myself. Would that other people would learn this simple lesson. ---
**Author:** ![Aserrann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/82dd89/32.png) [@Aserrann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aserrann)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/25 "2007-04-13T17:50:38Z")
[QUOTE=Noone Special] For me ASAP means lowest, rather than highest priority. [/QUOTE] I always took ASAP as highest priority. To me, the ‘possible’ is referring to physically possible. So, if it takes you 10 minutes to write the paper, I want it in 10 minutes, not when the rest of your schedule is done. I say “when convenient” when I mean low priority. That said, I’ve never had a situation serious enough to ask for something ASAP. Generally if I’m that late, its my own fault, and I won’t stress someone out because I screwed up my own time management. ---
**Author:** ![RedSwinglineOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a9adbd/32.png) [@RedSwinglineOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedSwinglineOne)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/26 "2007-04-13T17:55:23Z")
My problem with A.S.A.P. is I see it as a really lazy form of communication. If you need something done in time for a meeting for example, or something needs to ship today, just say so. Or just say can I please have this by noon. Asap sounds like they are deciding for me it is important, when in reality its probably not. ---
**Author:** ![Ferd\_Burfel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecccb3/32.png) [@Ferd\_Burfel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferd_Burfel)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/27 "2007-04-13T19:17:02Z")
[QUOTE=Lord Ashtar] That’s why I take care of things in the order in which they came in. It’s more fair that way. [/QUOTE] I will take care of things **of equal importance** in the order in which they came in. But a server crash has to take precedence over cleaning out spyware no matter when the call comes in. And, to me, ASAP is meaningless, since everything I do is As Soon As Possible. Now, if your project has some time element that isn’t apparent on the surface, I’d appreciate a heads-up. I’m never not busy, but I can juggle my priorities when necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/28 "2007-04-13T19:20:19Z")
[QUOTE=Ferd Burfel] I will take care of things **of equal importance** in the order in which they came in. But a server crash has to take precedence over cleaning out spyware no matter when the call comes in. [/QUOTE] That, of course, goes without saying. ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/29 "2007-04-13T19:21:06Z")
Is there any way to set an autoreply to any email that comes in with “ASAP” in the text that says, “All tasks will be completed in the order in which they were received. There are no exceptions.”? ---
**Author:** ![lowbrass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dc4da7/32.png) [@lowbrass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lowbrass)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/30 "2007-04-13T19:26:20Z")
[QUOTE=Uncommon Sense] Exactly. Why do people seem to think that when someone asks them to do something ASAP that that person is asking them to drop what they’re doing and be at their beck and call. Granted, some people who issue the request for an ASAP are thinking that you’ll drop everything to do it, but that’s not what it means. I see it as a gentle request to fit this in as time permits. _Possible_ might not be till June 29th, depending on **your** schedule. _As soon as you can_, has a little less urgency to me, and is still not a request to drop what you’re doing, but may be a more polite way to request an urgent task be completed _soon_. Your lack of planning ain’t my emergency and all that. [/QUOTE] That was my first thought. When did “ASAP” become rude? It’s really just a distinction from “at your convenience”. If you wanted someone to drop everything and attend to your matter immediately, you would say “Urgent”. But it does seem that ASAP has somehow taken on a meaning closer to “Urgent”. ---
**Author:** ![Wakinyan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wakinyan/32/352_2.png) [@Wakinyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wakinyan)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/31 "2007-04-13T20:49:11Z")
At work, I always have more to do than I possibly can… well, do. I other word, prioritizing is fundamental. Often I ask: “OK, so when does this have to be done?” And sometimes the guy says: “ASAP.” This always makes me go “…” To me it’s nonsense. Really, when do you have to have this done? This minute, this hour, this day, this week, this month, this year, or some time in the future…? “ASAP.” F’ck off, aint doin it. Either you tell me when you need to have this done, or I can’t do it for you, 'couse there are no ASAPs in my calender. Can’t do it. ---
**Author:** ![Ferd\_Burfel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecccb3/32.png) [@Ferd\_Burfel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferd_Burfel)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/32 "2007-04-13T21:02:25Z")
[QUOTE=Lord Ashtar] That, of course, goes without saying. [/QUOTE] Well, then, I guess I didn’t need to say it. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Ferd\_Burfel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecccb3/32.png) [@Ferd\_Burfel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferd_Burfel)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/33 "2007-04-13T21:04:03Z")
[QUOTE=lowbrass] That was my first thought. When did “ASAP” become rude? It’s really just a distinction from “at your convenience”. If you wanted someone to drop everything and attend to your matter immediately, you would say “Urgent”. But it does seem that ASAP has somehow taken on a meaning closer to “Urgent”. [/QUOTE] But even “Urgent” loses it’s meaning when you afix it every work request you submit. I’ve gotten so that I don’t even look at that field in our work order system. ---
**Author:** ![lowbrass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dc4da7/32.png) [@lowbrass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lowbrass)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/34 "2007-04-13T21:09:34Z")
[QUOTE=Ferd Burfel] But even “Urgent” loses it’s meaning when you afix it every work request you submit. [/QUOTE] Agreed. ---
**Author:** ![lexan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/73ab20/32.png) [@lexan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lexan)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/35 "2007-04-13T21:17:54Z")
[QUOTE=An Arky] At least they’ll have to come up with another way of putting it. [/QUOTE] I completely understand the OP’s complaint, and I have to say, people who get creative in their rush requests are especially annoying to me. A few days ago, I got an email from a coworker asking me to get something done for him “ASAP, quick, and in a hurry.” I had a really difficult time remaining professional in my response to him. I also get requests to “rush” this task or “super rush” that one; last week, I got a request to do something in (I swear I’m not making this up) a “super-duper-pooper-scooper rush.” I must have skipped English class the day they covered the Amplification by Repeated Rhyming Rule. ---
**Author:** ![Ferd\_Burfel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecccb3/32.png) [@Ferd\_Burfel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferd_Burfel)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/36 "2007-04-13T21:41:13Z")
[QUOTE=lexan] I also get requests to “rush” this task or “super rush” that one; last week, I got a request to do something in (I swear I’m not making this up) a “super-duper-pooper-scooper rush.” I must have skipped English class the day they covered the Amplification by Repeated Rhyming Rule. [/QUOTE] That’s right! You were sick that day. Man, you missed it. First of all it was Susie Johnson’s birthday and her mom brought in cupcakes for us all! Anyhow, the basic rule is the more repeated rhymes you have, the more important the job is. EXAMPLE: Super Duper Pooper Scooper Starship Trooper trumps Super Duper Pooper Scooper and is in turn trumped by Super Duper Pooper Scooper Starship Trooper Floppy Grouper. Next time, if you need help, just ask to see my notes. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/37 "2007-04-13T21:44:36Z")
[QUOTE=Lord Ashtar] That’s why I take care of things in the order in which they came in. [/QUOTE] Does that mean you’re reading this replay AFTER Lanzy’s? Unacceptable! I need to get out of here to go get my hair done!!! ---
**Author:** ![Sternvogel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sternvogel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sternvogel)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/38 "2007-04-13T22:05:44Z")
[QUOTE=Wakinyan] Either you tell me when you need to have this done, or I can’t do it for you, 'couse there are no ASAPs in my calender. Can’t do it. [/QUOTE] You’d better change that attitude [IINS.](http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/IINS)😛 ---
**Author:** ![Wakinyan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wakinyan/32/352_2.png) [@Wakinyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wakinyan)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2007, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/39 "2007-04-13T22:25:18Z")
Yeah, yeah. 😉 But that’s one of the things I miss about the military: The friggin clarity: If someone says “we need to do this _now_” - we drop everything and do it now. Otherwise, we get the information “at this-or-that-hours”, or something of that effect. - You don’t ask a person to do something ASAP. Why don’t you just ask him/her: “Could you solve this within the hour please, or let me know?” How hard can it be? ---
**Author:** ![GawnFishin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e9bcb4/32.png) [@GawnFishin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GawnFishin)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2007, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954/40 "2007-04-14T02:01:55Z")
[QUOTE=gigi] Does that mean you’re reading this replay AFTER Lanzy’s? Unacceptable! I need to get out of here to go get my hair done!!! [/QUOTE] I believe that going fishing is the only acceptable excuse for needing something ASAP. :smack: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-now-on-i-will-ignore-all-emails-that-request-anything-be-done-asap/399954.md?page=3)