I use md as my signature and name for a lot of reasons.

1. I hate my last name. Dudlik. Its terrible. (dud-lick. not dude-lick, but still bad)

2. my website/email address show my name. Mark is common enough.

3. md makes me seem like i might be a doctor. (kidding)

I dont use all my initials because then i’d spell out mad.

I think its just a shorthand that can simplify things. I will sign Mark on first time or more formal emails, usually.

Ive been consistent enough with md that some people just call me that offline now too.

What I would find more pompous is people who use their entire names (and have numbers)

Thanks Mark Anthony Dudlik II

(seriously, worst name ever)

But to address the question there are indeed different standards of communication

Hacker My name’s in the from field, my email address is in the from field, what’s the point of salutation? Just send the message and be done. Think of all the precious bits you slaughter with you antiquated formality (Lenin would have loved high-tech).

Hacker trying to convince someone Adopt the formalities of Dear Blank / …Thomas J. Hacker

Manager All formalities, all the time, unless talking to staff and using the non-countable address “Team:”.

Middle-Manager Manager + Themed Graphic Stationary

Senior Manager Middle-Manager plus photo in header bar

Engineering Manager See Hacker

CEO Someone else writes my emails for me.

So the general theme of the responses makes sense — add additional signature information as the formality of the message increases.

Arthur, why is DM better than drm? Capitalization? Or the negative association with Digital Rights Management?

Formality (manners, etiquette, customs) serve to smooth interactions between strangers - therefore the amount of formality indicates the lack of trust between two parties. Inapproriate formality creates barriers.

But for you “DM” or “D” is way better than “drm”

AD

That said, I’d agree most would use initials as a short-hand because it’s easier. Sending something to an official contact outside the company would require the complete diplomatic package - full name, company logo and all.

“Thanks, -j”

as the first part of my signature, just because I’m lazy, but depending on who I’m e-mailing I’ll often remove the -j and put my name in (too be a bit more “formal”).

I know lots of others who do the same.