Vital Heads-Up - or Information Clutter?

In a European bank's window envelope, showing through once the contents were removed, appeared the following:  "Should you receive multiple envelopes sent the same day, please be aware that it is cheaper to pay the extra postage than it would be to collect several statements in one envelope.  We hope you understand."   Hmm … would some recipients think "that makes sense, glad you told me" and the rest think, "why are you telling me this?"

While curious whether the bank's explanation was occasioned by actual or anticipated complaints, I surmise the bank is using the window envelope as a means of communicating with recipients who may not visit its website -- likely featuring a "click here for more information about multiple mailings on the same day".

The simple example illustrates the quandary we information professionals face from time to time:  Will an upfront caveat or announcement show diligence and thus avert subsequent criticism - or will it amount to unnecessary noise for those who are unaffected or unconcerned?

Whenever we prepare to communicate broadly, let's ask:

• Do most members of the potential audience need to hear the message?  What are the risks if the message were not sent out?  How can we label the message so recipients understand whether it applies to them?

• Are there official drivers?  (For example, must it be documented that due efforts were undertaken to inform relevant parties of a matter?)

• Is there a way to be brief but provide an option for more information?  "New data elements in the corporate directory: For details,  …"

In today's environment of information overload, it is a necessary courtesy to communicate in the right amount.