Aug 1, 2008 6:01 AM, PROMO Xtra, By Ken Magill

(Direct Newsline)—E-mail is not dead. In fact, more people are addicted to it than ever and they’re checking it in the oddest places—at least according to AOL.

According to the Internet service provider annual “E-mail Addiction Survey,” 46% of e-mail users surveyed said they’re hooked on the channel, up from 15% last year, and 51% said they check their e-mail four or more times a day, up from 45% in 2007.

Also, 20% of e-mail users said they check their e-mail more than 10 times a day, according to AOL.

Not surprisingly, the survey found that the lines between work and home are increasingly blurring.

For example, 62% of at-work e-mail users said they check their work messages during e typical weekend, according to AOL. Also, 19% said they check their work e-mail five or more times on a typical weekend.

Also, 28% said they feel obligated to check their work e-mail while on vacation and 19% said they choose vacation spots with e-mail access.

Moreover, e-mail users say they check their messages in some fairly odd places, according to AOL.

Of those surveyed, 59% said they have checked e-mail in the bathroom—up from 53% last year—67% said they check e-mail in bed, 50% said they check e-mail while driving—up from 37% last year—and 38% said they check e-mail in business meetings.

In other findings, AOL found that the most annoying sign-off to e-mail users is “xoxo,” with 25% of respondents indicating it irritates them. Next was “cheers,” with 13% of those surveyed saying it irritates them.

The most popular sign-off is “thanks,” with 44% of those surveyed saying they use it. Second was “sincerely,” with 12% of e-mail users saying they sign off with it, according to AOL.

For more coverage on research

DON'T MISS AN ISSUE! PROMO Magazine provides insights into using promotion marketing as strategic, measurable component of an overall marketing mix. DON'T MISS OUT on "how-to" information on strategies and tactics successful marketers use to improve product sales and brand image. Renew your subscription Subscribe to the magazine Sign up for email newsletters

A panel of professionals answers your questions. Submit your questions.
		Michael McKelvie Gift Cards and Reward Cards
		Bob Bell Tie-in Partnerships
		Dave Hunt Rebates
		Bruce Hollander Sweepstakes
		Joel Parent Interactive
		Become an Expert More Info