Recall (e-mail)

Recall is a feature in Microsoft Outlook that theoretically allows one to retract emails [ [http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/HA010917601033.aspx How message recall works] , Microsoft.] . This can be used, for instance, when one accidentally hits "Reply all" and sends a response to the whole company, or when one sends an out-of-date version of an attachment. Like the cone of silence, this feature seems impressive, but there are several problems with how it works in practice. If the recipient has already read the email, then Recall won't work. In some cases, the recall email may give the recipient the option of not allowing the recall. Often, a recall email will pique the recipient's curiosity as to what the sender was wishing to recall, and will only draw more attention to the ill-advised email. Thus, it is best reserved as a symbolic gesture that one wishes to take something back if it were possible.

There are several commercial services which try to solve the problem of sending an email by mistake or in haste. Most use a system which does not deliver the email normally but require the recipient to log into a website where they can read their message. If they haven't picked up their mail you can remove it. Some systems can delay your message for a few minutes, allowing you to stop the email so the recipient never sees it.

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