Letter composition question-> Ask the question then follow it w/details or vice versa?

[JEDI]

I'm asking my boss a question via email (he's out today, and i'm out mon).

do i 1) write the question 1st, then follow it w/the background, or 2) state the background then ask the question?

for #1, he may not remember what the question is after reading the details.

for #2, he might be thinking whats the point of the email halfway reading it.

So which would you do?

 

[notfred]

This isn't rocket science, just write him the email, and if he doesn't understand it he'll reply with "What? Just come down to my office and tell me about it."

People on this board have some serious self-confidence issues.

 

[TJN23]

ask the question first then follow up in person on tues.

 

[blackdogdeek]

i'd ask the question first. if he's really busy catching up on his emails after being out today he may not even bother to read the rest of the email if it is long.