E-mail is pretty awesome. No joke, "Reply All" is like the greatest worst thing that's ever been invented. Apart from starting outrageous flame wars and being used correctly, it's also a great way to let somebody eavesdrop on a ridiculous conversation you're having with a third party.

I'm not just saying this to say it, I'm saying it because I just had a little e-mail exchange that made me relatively happy (mostly because it's distracting me from 2.004 studying).

Here's how it started, with an e-mail to me and Elizabeth (one of my teammates for toy design last year) about presenting ElectroPlushies at an upcoming MIT Science and Engineering Business Club event. Our toy design professor, Barry, sent us this:

FROM: Barry
TO: Elizabeth, Michael

would you two be interested in presenting electroplushies at this SEBC event? they will be taking us for dinner after.
If this does sound interesting they will need a short bio

thanks!

barry

He attached the original e-mail from the SEBC:

At Entrepreneurs Showdown, we would like to ask you to showcase your past business plan to the students, pretending that they were the people whom you wanted to get funding from in the past. The idea is that through real life demonstration, students will have a better understanding of how entrepreneurs may get started with their business.

Here is a tentative schedule of the event:

Tuesday, March 31st 6-8pm @ MIT
6:00 Reception
6:30 Presentations. 10 mins per pitch. After every pitch 5 minutes questions by a panel of fellow entrepreneurs and a VC representative and the audience. The idea is to get all the entrepreneurs to present their pitch, and anyone who's not presenting can question at the time can question the presenter.
7:30 Networking session
8:00 Dinner at a Local Restaurant with a selected group of students.

Let me know if you would be able to drop by!

Thanks

I, for one, thought this sounded like a great idea. I reply-all'd to Barry and Elizabeth, and this is what happened.

FROM: Michael Snively
TO: Barry, Elizabeth

That sounds good to me! Here's a quick bio:

Michael Snively is sophomore studying mechanical engineering with liberal quantities of video editing, blogging, and toy design. When not working on school work it's reasonable to assume that he's probably playing Rock Band, building something, or playing with toys. ElectroPlushies, his first push into the world of toy creation, are a new line of plush toys that seek to increase understanding of circuits among young children.

FROM: Elizabeth
TO: Barry, Michael

Yikes! This sounds really cool, but I'm far too busy to be doing this. However, I already have slides and a presentation to VCs from a class last semester, so it shouldn't be too difficult to use them here. Snively, could we chat sometime after I get back tonight? I might be talked into it.

-EPage

FROM: Michael Snively
TO: Elizabeth, Barry

Elizabeth, I always enjoy speaking with you. Your smooth, melodious voice reminds me of a calming stream trickling down a gently sloping hill in a meadow full of butterflies and bunnies. I await your response in eager anticipation.

Love, Michael

FROM: Barry
TO: Michael, Elizabeth

awwwww

:)

FROM: Elizabeth Page
TO: Michael, Barry

Dearest Snively,

I feel that your enjoyment of my smooth, melodious voice may be misguided (and a touch creepy). In fear of what awaits me, I'll venture to your door tomorrow in hopes that you'll be ready to talk about SEBC.

Love,
Elizabeth

P.S. I hate butterflies, and especially bunnies.

FROM: Michael Snively
TO: Elizabeth, Barry

My darling Elizabeth,
If tomorrow is indeed the soonest I may enjoy your presence, then tomorrow it must be. I will wait with bated breath for your summons and eagerly await hanging on your every beautiful word.

Love, Michael

P.S. I hope you die in your sleep while having nightmares about the attached picture. : )

It reminds me a bit of the song "Friendship" from the musical "Anything Goes," mixed with the up and coming classic "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies."

Oh what our professor must think of us! Ok, back to 2.004. YAY POLE DIAGRAMS! AND DAMPING!