Snail Mail: Why the interest still?

[Vivaldi]

Hello, Ecapists.

I haven't made a thread in a while, but here it goes:

Several of my friends have started using snail mail for their correspondence instead of their perfectly functioning email accounts. This confused me because it seems to me like they are intentionally downgrading efficiency for no apparent reason. So, finding no answer I decided to ask you smart, attractive people what you think.

Do you still use snail mail for anything other than shipping? If so, why?

 

[Miumaru]

I dont use it for calling it dumb names from a book. Not trying to be mean, but that term annoys the hell out of me.
I dont use any form of mail though, e or not.

 

[micky]

its more fun using letters, physical things are better than digital. and you can have cool wax stamps.

 

[Vivaldi]

its more fun using letters, physical things are better than digital. and you can have cool wax stamps.

I guess that makes sense...

 

[Jack and Calumon]

What the heck is snail mail? Is that the post? As then, I don't get them and yes I do still use it for Birthday Cards, Legal Stuff and a hello to those out of reach.

Calumon: I think I might send someone on the Escapist a gift one day.

 

[Hashime]

Most universities still use "Snail Mail" to send information to applicants, students and alumni, they do however augment that with an email.
I only really use mail for shipping now.

 

[Cpt_Oblivious]

Calumon: I think I might send someone on the Escapist a gift one day.

Pick me! Pick me!

OT: I occasionally send letters to people, but I mostly use it for shipping.

 

[PurpleSky]

Snail mail? wow how rude


I wish you were born alot sooner.That way you'd apreciate it.

 

[L4hlborg]

Snail mail? wow how rude


I wish you were born alot sooner.

Well, it is a lot slower than email, you have to admit that. Just calling it mail would probably make more sense, since mail existed before email and probably should deserve some credit for it.

 

[PurpleSky]

Snail mail? wow how rude


I wish you were born alot sooner.

Well, it is a lot slower than email, you have to admit that. Just calling it mail would probably make more sense, since mail existed before email and probably should deserve some credit for it.

I forgot

On Topic: My grandma used mail,now only the phone,I never personally did,altough I used to love the ideea of having a penpal.I think I would love to hand someone a message.

 

[Lord Mountbatten Reborn]

The physical is always better than the digital I think.

I'm a materialist - I must be able to hold something to declare it mine, which is why I shall never download games from Steam and whatnot unless it's absolutely necessary.

 

[Thaius]

There is an idea out there that handwritten letters somehow mean more than emails. It's something I had to deal with during my last relationship. Basically, the idea is that, by handwriting it, you put more work and effort into it, thus meaning you care more, and the person means more to you.

This idea is crap, and it's based on a really terrible idea that's at the base of a lot of our culture: the more you suffer needlessly, the better. And this has taken the place of actual depth of character. I know it sounds harsh, but think about it. In this example, for instance, writing an email is easier and less time-consuming. But do your words mean more handwritten than typed? Not at all. If you email your girlfriend to tell her you love her, that means no less in an email than it would in a handwritten note: it would just get there a lot sooner and be a lot easier on your end.

See, the idea of putting effort into what you do makes sense in some situations. For instance, if my girlfriend wanted me to help her out with something, I would put all my effort into that, because I want to do the best I can. A lack of effort in that situation will result in a lesser result, and that understandable reflects on how much you care. But in the case of a letter, your words are what matters. To ascribe importance on any other aspect of it is frivolous and stupid. You can put more effort into a letter, but the fact is you don't need to. Rather than being judged on whether your did you best, you're judged based on whether you put more time and effort into it than you actually needed to, regardless of quality. It's really messed up, but it's something that's rather buried in our entire culture.

 

[Snikburz]

I guwss it would depend on what type of correspondence is in question. For a lot of reasons, sending an actual letter on paper, with a signature, is still considered more formal and trustworthy than e-mail.

 

[Arkzism]

well snail mail has a few thing over email..mainly security and trustworthiness

 

[skitzo van]

Well you can't email a severed hand or anthrax...

 

[Dexiro]

Not many people check their emails with all the spam flying about, and it's much nicer to write/receive something physical.

 

[Evertw]

That more effort was put into it, it's something physical, you can hold it, you can soak it, use wax seals and the best, burn it, I'd like to see you burn your Ipad or computer.

 

[MarsProbe]

Personally I don't use mail that often myself, besides sending stuff such as cheques and other things you can't send my e-mail or where some impression of formality or professionalism is required.

Also, an actual physical birthday card is much nicer to give and receive that an "e-card". The same applies to thank you letters and the like - my Gran still sends cards and the occasional letter by mail. Every method of communication has its place and things it's more suited to than others.

Besides Twitter.

 

[Jonluw]

its more fun using letters, physical things are better than digital. and you can have cool wax stamps.

Ooh, wax stamps, I never managed to use those. It just turned into one hell of a mess.

Also calligraphy. I wish I was good at that.