Here’s a terrific auto-reply I came across recently that might (just might) get people to stop and think before hitting you with another email. Check this out:

“Please help me implement STREAMLINED and EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION.

I am experiencing an overflow of messages in my email IN box to the point that I will never be able to catch-up.

If you are awaiting an answer from me on an old message or if your present message contains important information that I need to know, please pick up the phone and advise either myself or my assistant Sally (123-456-7890).

If you just routinely put me in the CC list, please avoid this.

My function is not to read emails, but to manage a company and the important relationships that I have with my Customers, Suppliers and Employees.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping me dealing with this problem.”