4 Comments

Please don’t send me Microsoft Word documents

July 19, 2006 by in Random,Stupid with 4 Comments

Tired of receiving Microsoft Word documents from email contacts? Educate the offending individuals by redirecting them to the following “do no send me Word documents” link.

Most likely you have been directed to this document because you have attempted to e-mail me a document in Microsoft Word format. I would like to explain to you why I am probably not able to access this document, why you should reconsider sending Word documents to people, and what better alternatives are available for document exchange over the Internet.

The resource was created to be used as an educational medium that others could use as a reference as to why the Word format is bad. Stop accepting these bastard files and insist on an open alternative file format. You can never go wrong with Rich Text (RTF) or HTML.


  • Bryan

    With the advent of free Office apps, or even Text Edit on OSX, it is more of an effort to redirect these email senders to a webpage (which you have no control over its content) rather than fixing the issue on your computer. I understand “but it’s the principle” however trying to get the masses to stop using Word would fail as miserably as trying to get people to stop going to the big-wig gas stations to send a message to gas price-gouging fucktards… society just won’t do it because we’re too lazy. Besides, resorting to free apps may send a message to more prominent people and you don’t stymie business by waiting on someone to convert a file they already spent time on into Rich Text Format.

  • AlliXSenoS

    Microsoft Word documents cannot always be read by other word processors.

    ^^ *what* other word processors?

  • viriiman

    AlliXSenoS:

    Open Office is one that comes to mind. I know that there are other alternatives as well. Another one off the top of my head is Word Pad. Yeah, it may suck, but it can still open up Word Doc’s. And when a parent on a limited income is faced with buying food for the week or buying Office, they’ll pick food.

  • Tal

    AbiWord and OOo both handle DOC files well. I really dont see the point of converting to RTF. And typing it in the message? That’s just plain silly.

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