John,

I would disagree that those involved in pursuing the big bucket approach
are limiting themselves to email.  Most are focused on all electronic
records - all of them pose challenges for the end-user's understanding
(or lack thereof) of the organization's file plan, and methodologies for
categorization into specific retention buckets.  Efforts to limit user
requirements for that understanding are commendable, ongoing and
important to efforts that vendors and practitioners make to ensure
employee compliance with organizational policy here.

Given that, my view is that the "big bucket theory" is relative.... U.S.
Federal agencies may have an easier time developing and implementing
such an approach than are those in other organizations that they tend to
regulate!  
While many organizations can limit or consolidate their "buckets", the
regulatory environment in the U.S. is not fully compatible with very
large buckets, given the very granular and frequently inconsistent
manner in which
Regulations establish retention requirements (frequently down to the
level of a specific report or report type, with supporting
documentation).  

Thus.... continued work on the development of Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles.... can only help us all. (I just knew I'd be able
to strike some ARMA theme here!)......

Doug Allen, CRM, CDIA+
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