Something that always needs to be considered before writing and e-mail is who the target audience is and what purpose the e-mail is going to serve. One scholar, Philip Guo of Stanford University, states that "Before you write an email, especially to a person of some authority whom you've never contacted before, think about whether it is appropriate to contact this person at this time". He recommends that the sender read through their Web site and see if his/her question can be answered in others ways before resorting to e-mail as a means of contact. Often, an answer to a question can be found on their site and will eliminate the need for an e-mail. Writing an e-mail is a highly effective means of communication, but it is important to adhere to certain guidelines of common courtesy.