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Wednesday, March 27, 2013
The History of the Chain Letter: How and where it all began…
You check your inbox. It’s completely full. And at the top is yet another chain letter. The chain letter might seem like a minor annoyance, clogging up your inbox. But it actually has deeper roots, making its debut over 100 years ago.
The famous chain letter originated in the “small” town of Chicago during 1888. The idea was the brainchild of an interesting man – with high hopes of raising money for a charitable cause.
Starting with Dimes
The letters were sent by a Methodist academy for women missionaries. The school was struggling with debt and the founder came up with a plan. He decided to send letters, asking every person receiving the letter to send a dime. Then, make three copies of the letter and ask friends to do the same thing.
The chain letter was born.
The concept quickly spread across the world, with Britain adopting the new trend. In the U.S., a new cause was launched. Letters were sent on behalf of the Spanish-American War Soldier’s fund.
Recipients were urged not to break the chain, which would dishonor the men who sacrificed their lives. Quickly chain letters took on a life of their own.
Exploitation of the Chain Letter
The dark side of chain letters was revealed when con-artists devised new scams for profit. For example, there was the “Self Help Mutual Advance Society” in London that combined the exponential growth of chains letters, with a pyramid scheme payment structure.
Recipients were asked to mail dimes to previous senders, while adding their name to a list. Eventually, their name would rise to the top of the list, showering them with coins. Unfortunately, this never happened.
U.S. Postal Service Says “No More”
The U.S. Postal Service had enough by 1899. They declared the “dime letter” chains a violation of lottery laws and prohibited the letters through mail.
However, this wasn’t the end for chain letters.
Distribution moved to telegraph and hand delivery. Then, with the internet revolution – came the internet chain letter. Even though the chain letter is nearly 100 years old, it continues to make a comeback.
What do you think of chain letters? Please share by leaving a comment below.
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Brighten a Soldier’s Day, Even if you don’t know them personally
Do you have a family member in the military? Or, perhaps you don’t know anyone who’s serving, but want to say thank you. If so, writing letters makes a huge impact.
For many soldiers, they’ve served multiple tours of duty. For others, it’s their first time away from home. But, regardless, mail calls are something every solider looks forward to. It’s a tiny gesture that has the ability to change someone’s day.
But, what should you say? And, how can you express your gratitude if you don’t personally know a solider? Here’s some tips.
Keep it Light
Soldiers can be under a lot of stress. And receiving mail gives them a break from it all. If you’re writing a loved one, include funny stories of what’s going on with your children, pets – or anything that offers a good laugh.
Also, provide good news about people who aren’t writing, like buddies or extended family members. This is the type of information they look forward to reading. If you’re sending a thank you note to a service member you don’t know well, just express your gratitude for their service, and provide encouragement.
How to Connect
Sadly, some soldiers receive very little mail from home. Help out and make a soldier’s day by sending a simple thank you note. There are organizations, such Soldiers’ Angels that allow you to sign up for a day of the week you’d like to write letters.
The organization sends you a new name and address to write to weekly, and you send one letter to each name expressing your gratitude. Or, check with friends and family. There may be soldiers in your own community or extended network that would greatly appreciate your letters.
The Important Touches
For writing letters, you don’t have to stick with plain white paper. You can use a variety of vibrant colors, to liven up your letter and brighten a soldier’s day. You can do the same with envelopes, which are available in a variety of colors.
Have you written to a solider recently? If so, please share your favorite tips below! Also, have you signed up for our newsletter yet? Simply sign up here and you’ll receive fresh new ideas, conveniently delivered to your inbox!
For many soldiers, they’ve served multiple tours of duty. For others, it’s their first time away from home. But, regardless, mail calls are something every solider looks forward to. It’s a tiny gesture that has the ability to change someone’s day.
But, what should you say? And, how can you express your gratitude if you don’t personally know a solider? Here’s some tips.
Keep it Light
Soldiers can be under a lot of stress. And receiving mail gives them a break from it all. If you’re writing a loved one, include funny stories of what’s going on with your children, pets – or anything that offers a good laugh.
Also, provide good news about people who aren’t writing, like buddies or extended family members. This is the type of information they look forward to reading. If you’re sending a thank you note to a service member you don’t know well, just express your gratitude for their service, and provide encouragement.
How to Connect
Sadly, some soldiers receive very little mail from home. Help out and make a soldier’s day by sending a simple thank you note. There are organizations, such Soldiers’ Angels that allow you to sign up for a day of the week you’d like to write letters.
The organization sends you a new name and address to write to weekly, and you send one letter to each name expressing your gratitude. Or, check with friends and family. There may be soldiers in your own community or extended network that would greatly appreciate your letters.
The Important Touches
For writing letters, you don’t have to stick with plain white paper. You can use a variety of vibrant colors, to liven up your letter and brighten a soldier’s day. You can do the same with envelopes, which are available in a variety of colors.
Have you written to a solider recently? If so, please share your favorite tips below! Also, have you signed up for our newsletter yet? Simply sign up here and you’ll receive fresh new ideas, conveniently delivered to your inbox!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
How Are Envelopes Made? The Process Revealed…
They carry our bills. Send thank you notes . And keep our most important information safe. But, have you ever wondered how envelopes are made?
Envelopes were exclusively handmade until 1845, when a patent was awarded for the first envelope making machine in Great Brittan. Surprisingly, it took another 50 years before the machines could apply gum for sealing.
Today, these special machines magically produce envelopes in a variety of sizes, shapes and every color under the rainbow. Here’s how it’s done.
It’s Like Making Cookies
Imagine making cookies, which is similar to how the envelope making process starts. Large sheets of stacked paper are cut into envelope blanks, like a cookie cutter carefully cutting dough. The machines are designed to cut in a way that minimizes waste.
The result? A blank that looks like an envelope, flaps opened and laid flat. Then, it goes through its complete transformation in a special machine.
The Magic of the Machine
A machine transforms simple blanks into envelopes at rapid speeds. If there’s a window required, it’s cut. Transparent material for the window is also cut and glued into place. Glue is also applied to make the envelope seams stronger.
Then, re- moistened glue is applied to the flap. Now, you know what that taste is when you have to lick an envelope. It’s glue.
Some machines even print return addresses, images and messages on envelopes. Then, the completed envelopes are packed, boxed and shipped. The envelope making process is officially complete.
The Future of the Envelope
In 100 years, what will the envelope look like? Most likely, the design won’t change. But innovations in the way paper is made likely will. Manufactures are always looking for new methods for making paper more efficient, less expensive and better for the environment.
Genetic engineering might also create trees that grow faster and produce wood that is better for creating pulp.
What do you think envelopes will look like in the future? Please share! Also, have you signed up for our blog yet? Simply click here to sign up to receive fresh new ideas and weekly discounts delivered straight to your inbox!
They carry our bills. Send thank you notes . And keep our most important information safe. But, have you ever wondered how envelopes are made?
Envelopes were exclusively handmade until 1845, when a patent was awarded for the first envelope making machine in Great Brittan. Surprisingly, it took another 50 years before the machines could apply gum for sealing.
Today, these special machines magically produce envelopes in a variety of sizes, shapes and every color under the rainbow. Here’s how it’s done.
It’s Like Making Cookies
Imagine making cookies, which is similar to how the envelope making process starts. Large sheets of stacked paper are cut into envelope blanks, like a cookie cutter carefully cutting dough. The machines are designed to cut in a way that minimizes waste.
The result? A blank that looks like an envelope, flaps opened and laid flat. Then, it goes through its complete transformation in a special machine.
The Magic of the Machine
A machine transforms simple blanks into envelopes at rapid speeds. If there’s a window required, it’s cut. Transparent material for the window is also cut and glued into place. Glue is also applied to make the envelope seams stronger.
Then, re- moistened glue is applied to the flap. Now, you know what that taste is when you have to lick an envelope. It’s glue.
Some machines even print return addresses, images and messages on envelopes. Then, the completed envelopes are packed, boxed and shipped. The envelope making process is officially complete.
The Future of the Envelope
In 100 years, what will the envelope look like? Most likely, the design won’t change. But innovations in the way paper is made likely will. Manufactures are always looking for new methods for making paper more efficient, less expensive and better for the environment.
Genetic engineering might also create trees that grow faster and produce wood that is better for creating pulp.
What do you think envelopes will look like in the future? Please share! Also, have you signed up for our blog yet? Simply click here to sign up to receive fresh new ideas and weekly discounts delivered straight to your inbox!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Thank You Note Protocol: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
It’s your birthday. And just like clockwork you receive a gift from your Aunt Erma. Surprise…its hot pink socks. Not exactly what you wanted, but you decide to send a thank you anyway.
But time passes and you get busy. The hot pink socks start collecting dust. And before you know it, the dog turns the socks into a chew toy, and they end up in the trash. Oh, no. Guess you should have sent that thank you note sooner.
If you’ve ever wondered about sending thank you notes, we’ve uncovered the answers to your most pressing questions, like can you send an email instead of a handwritten note? Find out.
Why a Note Means More…
Turn off your computer, grab a pen and sit down for this. Email can’t compete with a warm, personal handwritten note. It simply can’t.
According to Emily Post, the American author famous for writing on etiquette, you should always send a handwritten thank you note when you receive a gift, and the gift giver wasn’t present to thank in person.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Here’s a quick guide to eliminate the guess work:
Plus, there’s one more important thing to remember – and it’s about receiving money. Say how you’ll use the money in your handwritten thank you note. For example, you might be using the money to furnish your new apartment, or purchase a membership to the local aquarium.
This tiny piece of information means more to the giver, because now they know how you’ll be enjoying their gift.
Have you written a thank you note recently? If so, please share your ideas for making your note fun and original. Also, have you signed up for our blog yet? Simply sign up for weekly discounts and great blog posts conveniently delivered to your inbox!
But time passes and you get busy. The hot pink socks start collecting dust. And before you know it, the dog turns the socks into a chew toy, and they end up in the trash. Oh, no. Guess you should have sent that thank you note sooner.
If you’ve ever wondered about sending thank you notes, we’ve uncovered the answers to your most pressing questions, like can you send an email instead of a handwritten note? Find out.
Why a Note Means More…
Turn off your computer, grab a pen and sit down for this. Email can’t compete with a warm, personal handwritten note. It simply can’t.
According to Emily Post, the American author famous for writing on etiquette, you should always send a handwritten thank you note when you receive a gift, and the gift giver wasn’t present to thank in person.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Here’s a quick guide to eliminate the guess work:
- Shower gifts. Even if the gift giver attended your shower, you should still send a thank you note.
- Wedding gifts. Like shower gifts, you should always send a handwritten thank you note – even if you already thanked the giver in person. Send the note within 3 months.
- Holiday gifts. Write these notes as soon as possible, preferably within a few days. But, worst case scenario, seal, stamp and deliver before the New Year.
- Congratulations cards or gifts. Anyone who sends a gift or card to congratulate you should receive a handwritten thank you note.
- Gifts received while sick. You have a little leeway on this one since after all - you are sick. But, a note should be sent whenever the patient is feeling well enough to write it – or a family member is able to assist with writing it.
- Condolence gifts or cards. Send a thank you note to anyone who sends a card, gift, flowers or donation. For this one, a friend or relative can write the notes on the recipient’s behalf.
Plus, there’s one more important thing to remember – and it’s about receiving money. Say how you’ll use the money in your handwritten thank you note. For example, you might be using the money to furnish your new apartment, or purchase a membership to the local aquarium.
This tiny piece of information means more to the giver, because now they know how you’ll be enjoying their gift.
Have you written a thank you note recently? If so, please share your ideas for making your note fun and original. Also, have you signed up for our blog yet? Simply sign up for weekly discounts and great blog posts conveniently delivered to your inbox!
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