In the world of casual communication, I agree with Kevin Hardys assessment that a subject line is unnecessary (Please Read: Dont include subjects with e-mails, SN 12/1). But in the world of business communication, the subject line serves a purpose.
Im a secretary for several faculty members, and sometimes I need to send messages to their colleagues through e-mail. I use the subject line to identify whom the message is actually from, as Im an unknown, but I use my name on the from line. On the subject line, I would put a phrase such as Msg from Dr. Smith re: adjuvant.
Linda Salemka
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences