CRON STUFF

Well I've got to work out how cron works to get my backup system finally sorted. So I'm learning how to create a crontab and get the ball rolling. Well I've done everything correctly but don't seem to be getting any response. I tried the entry

11 * * * * echo "You should get it by now"

Maybe it will only work as root until you specify who to allow and who not to?...
Nope not the case...
Maybe its something to do with mail?...
Will have to learn mail first (sigh)...