Google Gmail: Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Hi, I'm Google, your new social director. Not content with providing technology to prevent users from sending drunken e-mails, Google is now offering Gmail users the ability to send stock messages every time someone pesters them with common questions.

Gmail already lets users create filters based on a combination of keywords, sender, recipients, etc. in your incoming messages. When users turn on "canned responses" in Google Labs, they can set a filter to use a saved response, create an automated reply, and automatically hit the send button.

It's akin to the automated responses that your work e-mail generates when you're at the annual team building conference in the Alps.

Dear Disgruntled Investor:

I welcome your valuable input and thought-provoking prose that has provoked thoughts. I would like to review the suggestions that you have submitted for review. Unfortunately, at this time, I am structuring an international agreement about remedying the global crisis that the globe is facing. Rest assured, your concerns will be addressed in a timely fashion that warrants a timely response.

Most Sincerely,

Larry Leveraged

The beauty is in sending the same message "again and again," as Google said in its blog. The new feature could also prove to be a boon to those who repeatedly ignore personal e-mails and then have to answer for it.

When your mom wants to know when you're coming for dinner—"sometime before I take my last breath, I hope"—you can politely put her off.

Again and again.