The Handwritten Note - And why we should not presume it dead.

Margaret C. Ingraham — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:34:00 GMT

In the midst of all of the emails, tweets, texts and wall posts of today’s electronic world, I ask you: Is the handwritten note dead?

If you answered “yes,” I will inquire further:

Why?

We may argue that today’s world is too fast-paced and that “snail mail” is too slow. But I wonder if these are excuses. True, there are times that necessitate rapid responses from the recipient and require us to take advantage of speedier ways of communication. At the same time, I contend that there are a few times that always call for a handwritten note, no matter how busy we may be.

Life is not so short but that

there is always time enough

for courtesy.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. Expressing Gratitude

Both ladies and gentleman should use handwritten notes to express gratitude. In addition to thanking people for gifts, handwritten notes should be used in business to thank people for their time. I had a professor in graduate school argue that the handwritten note is actually a sign of a successful businessperson: No matter how “important” you may become, there’s always time to write a note.

2. Communicating Sympathy & Condolences

We should also use note cards to communicate sympathy and condolences. In these situations, a handwritten note indicates that the recipient is sincerely in your thoughts – enough for you to take the time to sit down and write it down on paper.

So, yes, a handwritten note may take longer to get there. But along with the "memo," the recipient receives a momento. Your handwriting automatically makes the message more personalized.

Similarly, your choice in stationery design and paper quality is another way to express yourself in a tangible way.

Redd carries premium stationery cards.

I also recommend Crane Paper and Caspari

When was the last time you wrote a personal note? When did you last receive one?

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The Handwritten Note - And why we should not presume it dead.