Starting an email with "my name is x"

[Meeker]

I typically start emails to someone I've never interacted with before with something like this:

"Hi [recipient] - my name is [my name]; I work at/live at/am a part of [whatever]"

And then I go into the contents of the email.

On the one hand, this seems dumb. They obviously know my name since it's displayed before they open the email and at the top of it. On the other hand, it seems rude to just go right into the email without introducing myself.

So, fellow Atlas denizens, what say you?

[tik 🪀✨]

It's awkward, but it sort of depends on context.  If business related, I'd hold off and just leave it until the end.

[Linus Van Pelt]

I just say "I am a so-and-so at so-and-so" without the "my name is". I don't think it seems as if I'm failing to introduce myself, given that I'm still starting by explaining who I am.

In a formal work context, I would also begin with "Dear X" rather than "Hi X" for someone I didn't know.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

I wouldn't do it but I've received plenty like it and don't find it an issue at all

[eric3446]

It seems very generic and bland, and I attempt to hold off until the end to mention my name.

[angus]

I typically start emails to someone I've never interacted with before with something like this:

"my name is [my name]"

My name is what?!

I'm deleting it already, dude.  You have to tell me your name?  Then you're trying to sell me something.  No, thank you.  Unless you're Eminem, of course.  A'ight. 

Seriously, come up with a new rap.  No one's gonna read it if you start with "Hi, my name is..."

[angus]

Now, if you're making your video to advertise your restaurant, then it's another story entirely.  Simfan's one-dollar samosas made me want to visit the Taj Mahal website.  Go there and watch Mani Nahasapeemapetalon's video.  In the medium of video, saying "my name is Slim Shady" conveys an entirely warm and friendly mood, but email messages are a different medium.

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