Monday, January 23, 2012

January is Letter Writing Month

Do you remember "back in the day" when we actually mailed a letter of inquiry to a distant or not so distant relative for information on your family history? Well today most of us connect by using Email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

But not everyone is "connected" in that way. A letter whether handwritten or typed is a more personal touch and can often times elicit a response faster than Email (is there really such a thing?). Another idea is to enclose a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) to make it easier for them to respond.

Besides relatives, you can still write to Courthouses, Libraries, Town Offices, etc. that you can't do by Email. Technology is here to stay but a good "old fashioned" letter written carefully with courtesy and respect will go a long way and help act as your own PR agent.

Electronic messages can be convenient and useful, but they lack the personal touch that comes from holding a hand-written note or card in your hand. Even the most heartfelt message loses some of its effectiveness when the recipient has to read it on an electronic screen.

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