Sneak remembers the first time he was shown how to use email - it was a groundbreaking moment. You could send email, receive replies, forward messages, and even copy in other contacts. Such fun!

One hour later it was understood and since then Sneak has sent, received and forwarded millions of emails to all manner of people, but it seems that, despite almost 20 years of practice, some people are still confused by the technology.

It emerged this week that a couple of City boys (never the smartest bunch admittedly) have got in a lot of hot water after they managed to accidentally cc the girl they were discussing in some, ahem, rather red-blooded terms via email.

Sebastian Marsh, 24, contacted Harry Fildes, 25, to ask his permission to go after his ex, Jenni Palmer, whom he had meet on a night out. Such honour boys; you'd never find IT men acting with such chivalry.

Marsh said that he thought Palmer was a "looker" and asked whether he could "have a go", to which Fildes replied: "Yes, she is HOT!" but then managed to copy the aforementioned young woman into the email exchange.

Realising his mistake, Fildes emailed his mate saying: "Can you recall emails?!"

Sneak would like to imagine a vision of Vint Cerf appearing before young Fildes and slapping him around the head before declaring: "No, of course not you idiot!"

It gets better (or worse depending on your point of view) because Fildes shares a house with Palmer, meaning that their relationship, which was probably already fractious, must be downright disastrous now.

Still, give it another 20 odd years lads, and you'll be pros.

31 Mar 2011