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ContactFighting Flabby Files - Reducing the Size of Files You Send
My latest technology column for the ABA Journal is out. It's called "Fighting Flabby Files" and it focuses on the growing (pun intended) problem of people sending large files as email attachments.
I show how some low-cost and free alternatives can alleviate daily hassles large files can cause.
With corporate inbox caps, ISP limits and more people receiving email on mobile devices, large attachments can result in difficulties for your recipients.
I focus on two simple approaches - reducing the size of the files you send and sending large files outside the email system.
The article includes some tips on shrink large files, especially PDF files. Effective use of PDFs can really help address the large attachment problem.
I also point out some free file transfer sites that allow you to upload your file, send an email that contains a link to the file, and let your recipient download the file from the Internet with almost no burden on the email system.
Simple tips, simple approaches and great results that will reduce your email burdens.
As I say in the article, "It’s a great example of small, simple technology improvements that have a big impact on the daily practice of law."
The details about the tips are in the article, of course, which you should now check out here.
[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (http://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]
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Technorati tags: legal technology email files column
Comments
Mobile devices really just aren't practical for opening up large files. Mobile device companies really need to step up to the plate here.
Posted by: Joe | October 1, 2009 01:34 PM
I was surprised when I started working with a colleague on the Lotus Notes platform. It has a standard Reply option that includes all context, which is normally great. But all context ALSO includes attachments. A few reply-all messages with a large attachment, and you get a quick hit on your ISP limits (if you have them). Mostly, it is just a waste of an extra microsecond, wondering if they'd made a change to the attachment or attached something new.
Posted by: Jack Vinson | October 2, 2009 08:51 PM
I have a suggestion - how about the IT departments and ISPs actually serve the needs of the business by providing systems that can handle the large attachments. All of the suggestions are manual work arounds to accomodate computer systems that don’t suit the user’s needs. Computer systems are supposed to be labor savings devices. Unfortunately most of the IT industry seems to have forgotten that fact.
Posted by: cancer du sein | October 7, 2009 06:42 AM
A Powerpoint top tip: double-click on any images in your presentation and click the "Compress" button.
Select "All pictures in document" and click "OK"
Usually cuts down the size high-resolution images with no noticeable impact on quality.
Posted by: Neil Richards | October 13, 2009 03:58 AM