Electronic Mail Vs. Handwritten Mail Outline, Summary, Working Bibliography

                                   Outline


1. Intro:
       a. The transition between direct and electronic mail has affected the society in many ways. 
               i. The changes seen in mail art, technology/convenience, physical motions, and psychological changes.   
       b. Basic history of postal and electronic mail
2. Art of mail
       a. Stamps, envelopes, handwriting, mailboxes
               i. Handwritten letters becoming a dying art?
       b. Digital icons and avatars, fonts, inboxes/outboxes
3. Technology/Convenience 
      a. Instantaneous (E-mail) or Waiting (Physical mail)
      b. Risks of both
               i. E-mail containing viruses
                             1. Sending to wrong recipient/ lack of privacy
              ii. Postal mail getting lost
                             1. Bomb/anthrax threats
      c. Cost
               i. E-mail: normally free besides internet/testing plan
              ii. Physical mail: cost of stamp, driving to post office, etc.
4. Motions
      a. Physical hand/pen motions 
               i. Universal ability 
              ii. Using ink and paper
             iii. Putting mail in box or envelope and walking to post office
     b. E-mail motions
               i. Typing on keyboard
              ii. No need for ink and paper but needs Internet and electricity
             iii. Needs computer knowledge (clicking buttons like “send”, opening browsers)
5. Process mail goes through
      a. Handwritten mail going through sender to post office to recipient (etc.)
      b. E-mail going through networks
      c. Failure to send, sends mail back
               i. Email: gets failure notice through network hosts
              ii. Direct mail: gets mail sent back from post office
6. Psychological changes to society and people
      a. E-mail making people lazier or smarter?
               i. Shows responsibility due to instantaneous responses?
              ii. Lack of privacy and risk of viruses making users paranoid
      b. Handwritten mail showing dedication? 
      c. Showing acceptance to change?
      d. Post office workers becoming laid-off.
7. Conclusion
      a. Restating thesis
      b. Suggestion of what may be done

Summary

           

            Ever since the introduction of the postal system in 1653, mail has gone through many stages of evolution.  Much like most developments, mail began as a small inspirational “movement” in efforts to improve communications.  As technology made advancements and the Internet became well known, the discovery of electronic mailing was introduced.

            Electronic mailing, though fast and convenient, has been scrutinized for some of its disadvantages as well.  For example, supporters of physical mail believe that e-mail can’t ever replace direct mail’s ability to pull on heartstrings; direct mail shows a source of dedication from the sender and recipient for the sender must wait for a reply and the recipient must wait for the message.  Ultimately, it tests one’s patience.  However, this has also become a major disadvantage for direct mail.  If there’s an emergency, time is limited and therefore e-mail is proven to be more convenient.  Just imagine having to handwrite a letter, place it in an envelope, stick on a stamp, and drive all the way to the post office – impossible when an instant reply is needed. 

            Of course other things come into consideration like mail art or lack of.  Stamps and handwriting are two of the significant artistic inspirations to direct mail.  Though e-mail provides different fonts and the option to attach emoticons, the inspirational message has somewhat decreased.  This is possibility due to the digitalization of the letters.

            Risks are involved in both direct and electronic mail.  For example, e-mails may contain viruses and Internet as a whole lacks privacy.  However, direct mail could become lost as it goes through the mailing process.

            Both mailing options have its pros and cons so it is important that both systems exist.  The decline of physical mail is jeopardizing the jobs of post office workers and the motivation of society.  Something needs to be done to balance the usage of the systems. 

Working Bibliography

Books:

Epstein, Rachel. Mailbox, U.S.A.: Stories of Mailbox Owners and Makers : a Celebration of Mailbox Art in America. Salt Lake City: Gibbs Smith, 1996. Print.

Reebel, Patrick A. United States Post Office: Current Issues and Historical Background. New York: Nova Science Publications, 2003. Print.

Robinson, Phillip. Delivering Electronic Mail. San Mateo: M & T, 1992. Print.

Shepherd, Margaret. The Art of the Handwritten Note: a Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communications. New York: Broadway, 2002. Print.

Articles:

Filler, Lane. "Save the Postal Service by ending home mail delivery." Newsday, (Melville, NY) 15 Apr. 2011: Newspaper Source. EBSCO. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.

Long, Sonny. "Neither rain, nor sleet, nor e-mail... : Technological advances rock Postal Service." Victoria Advocate (TX) 16 Jan. 2011: Newspaper Source. EBSCO. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.

Tobolski, Francis P. "Direct Mail: Image, Return & Effectiveness." Journal of Advertising Research 10.4 (1970): 19-25. Business Source Elite. EBSCO. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.

Other:

Bellis, Mary. "The History of Mail and Postal Innovations." Inventors. Web. 20 Apr. 2011. <http://inventors.about.com/od/mstartinventions/a/mail.htm>.

"The Handwritten Letter Is A Dying Art." The Rest Is Still Unwritten. Web. 23 Apr. 2011. <http://diamondkt.blogspot.com/2008/09/handwritten-letter-is-dying-art.html>.

Sniderman, Joe. "Email vs Snail Mail | Thoroquel.org." | Thoroquel.org. 25 Oct. 2010. Web. 23 Apr. 2011. <https://www.thoroquel.org/tags/email-vs-snail-mail/>.

Valencia, Milton J. "The Personal Letter Is Quickly Becoming a Thing of the past - The Boston Globe." Boston.com - Boston, MA News, Breaking News, Sports, Video. 20 Sept. 2009. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.<http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/20/the_personal_letter_is_quickly_becoming_a_thing_of_the_past/>.