Modern Techonology or Old School?
@thebohemianheart (8827)
United States
September 11, 2009 4:28pm CST
The past few years I have gotten kind of lazy about writing letters and, sending cards. It is just easier to find a card on line and e-mail it or, pick up the phone and talk to the person. I try to justify this by telling myself that it is better because they get the message right away...on the day it is intended for them to get it.
Yesterday I received several e-cards, poems that friends had written for me, and all kinds of messages from friends and family on fb and in my e-mail. I loved it. Some of these things made me giggle and some made me a little teary eyed.
But, today I received a card in the mail, a real paper card, from a niece. It was a beautiful card, and just seeing it brought a lump to my throat. When I opened it and, read the words she had written and, thought about the time she took to pick out the card, just for me, I was moved to tears.
Do you still send cards and letters to your friends and loved ones, or do you take the easy way out and pick up the phone or, send them a quick e-mail?
4 people like this
18 responses
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
11 Sep 09
You brought tears to my eyes as well! I was into texting and emailing and sending egreetings much until a few years ago. But now i would rather talk to the person or reach him directly. Last year, i had made sure to send real paper greetings cards on Christmas and New year and guess what most of them send me back old style greetings! it felt wonderful!
3 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
12 Sep 09
I know. I think we all like getting something in the mail besides bills!
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
11 Sep 09
Me either. Getting that card today, from a child of the modern age, really made me think about it, though. I mean the girl lives on her phone, texting, mobile uploads and all that stuff. Yet, she took the time to send an actual card. Maybe I should try to get back to some of the basic pleasures in life.
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
12 Sep 09
Yeah. I get one from my in laws every year. It just surprised the heck out of me when I got this one from my niece. I even told her that I was so moved by her gesture that I cried. She will probably roll her eyes and say, " My auntie Emm is such a dork!" But, that is ok, I love her even if she does think that.*L*
2 people like this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
11 Sep 09
Hey Bo,
I don't like to show my ignorance but what do you mean by fb?
Like most people today, I too have gotten into the E-Cards and phone calls for all occasions. Actually, I was never very good at sending cards except when my second husband was alive. He reminded me because he was into sending cards big time. I always took the time to call because I thought it meant more to me but now I stop and think about it and realize that you are absolutely right. The time and care in taking the time to pick out the right card means so much these days. Now I'm lucky to be able to get to a store and stand long enough to choose a card. But now that I have a better perspective on this things called cards, I will try and do what is so appreciated by all and attempt to get a card in the mail. Big Hugs!!
leenie
PS. How is your daughter doing these days?
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
12 Sep 09
fb= facebook.
I think there are circumstances where an e-mail, e-card or phone call are just fine, Leenie. I think that having my young niece, who is all about texting, uploading and living on her phone, send me an actual card just made me realize how lazy I have gotten over the years.
My daughter is doing very well. She has started seeing a phyciatrist, has been put on medication and she says her head is more clear now than it has been in a long time. Thanks for asking*S*
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
12 Sep 09
Bo,
I didn't even notice the misspelling. And I forgot to mention how special you must be to your neice. She went beyond the line of duty into the I love you Auntie realm. It's difficult to impossible to get the young people to even remember a special day much less to take the time and effort to do what she did. These are very Good Feelings!!
leenie
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
12 Sep 09
Heeeheee. I meant she is now seeing a psychiatrist.
I have no idea what that other thing I said is!*LOL*
@uicbear (1900)
• United States
12 Sep 09
I know exactly what you are talking about. There is just something special about going to pick up your mail and finding something that is not a bill and more importantly something personal.
It's so easy to get caught up in the rush of chores and work and life that you think there's no possible way I can take time and send our cards for this and that. But, it really doesn't take much. As far as my correspondence goes, for the everyday stuff, I will use email or call. But for birthdays, and other special things and events, I will send a card or a letter or even a note to let the person know I am thinking of them.
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
My mom, my two sisters, my daughter and I do a round robin letter. That is fun. We all get to communicate with each other and find out what's going on with everybody.
That is about the only letter writing I have done in ages.
Hmmmmm, wonder who has the last batch of letters, and what is taking so long for her to get it all back out to us?
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
12 Sep 09
I love to use the phone because I get to hear the person's voice and it is like I am right there with them to celebrate. The card in the mail is usually fun for someone to receive. I think an internet card is appropriate for adults and the card in the mail should be for a child or a person that needs the cheering up. Like I said though, I really like the phone because it is more personal than the other two methods.
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
Yeah, I don't know why I put the bit about the phone in. I am always picking up the phone to call friends and family who are far away. Not because I am lazy, but I do want to hear that familiar voice, or I need to hear my mom, or a friend who laughs with me.
I do enjoy getting something other than bills in the mail from time to time, though.
@moneymakingtoday (4061)
• Philippines
12 Sep 09
i do it the easy and quick way thru the email.
if he/she is an officemate, i find time to buy a beautiful card. for some very close friends, i personally make small gifts to accompany the card. these gifts may be a bead necklace or bracelet, which is a hobby.
i know they appreciate something where personal labor and love are involved. i, too, would feel special that way.
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
12 Sep 09
I think that there are some instances where it is ok to send e-cards and e-mails on special occasions. For instance, I have many friends on line who I have never actually met and, they may not be comfortable giving me their actual mailing address. This is understandable and, makes sending an e-card acceptable, I think.
1 person likes this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
13 Sep 09
I sent ya a PM, does this count too? 
I can imagine how lovely it must have been to receive an actual card! My Mum sends them to me on my birthday's as well and it's always great to get them. I do also give cards to my Wife on her birthday and on Valentine's day, but she's here with me! In terms of people at a distance from me, I honestly don't remember the last time I sent anyone a letter or handwritten card? I'm not much of an emailer either! I'd much prefer to pick up the phone and call wherever possible. It's a shame that we've gone down this path actually. It's all about convenience these days and the true emotion behind communication like this has gone for a toss I reckon. 
I sent you a lifesize David Hasselhoff birthday cake by the way. Did you get it? 
I can imagine how lovely it must have been to receive an actual card! My Mum sends them to me on my birthday's as well and it's always great to get them. I do also give cards to my Wife on her birthday and on Valentine's day, but she's here with me! In terms of people at a distance from me, I honestly don't remember the last time I sent anyone a letter or handwritten card? I'm not much of an emailer either! I'd much prefer to pick up the phone and call wherever possible. It's a shame that we've gone down this path actually. It's all about convenience these days and the true emotion behind communication like this has gone for a toss I reckon. I sent you a lifesize David Hasselhoff birthday cake by the way. Did you get it? 1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
Of course it counts! All messages , regardless of the form they came in, were saved in a folder. I absolutely was flabbergasted at the amount of e-mail and messages from all over the place that I go that day.
As for the cake, Yeah, I got it and, it was so lifelike that I was frightened and smashed the thing to bits but, thanks just the same!
@littleowl (7157)
•
11 Sep 09
Hi bo'
For me I like to send cards wether they are homemade or bought but those are the more meaningful to me, e-cards are not my thing I prefer to buy them and put a poem that I write in there too...LoLo
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
12 Sep 09
And, I bet the recipients of your poems are very appreciative.
Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate all my friends who sent me e-mails and messages yesterday. It made my day. I even saved them in a file on my computer.
I used to buy cards for special occasions but, I never remembered to send them. 
1 person likes this
@philtaylor (37)
• United States
12 Sep 09
Like you, I often take the easy "email" way to correspond with friends and family. And yes, a real card or letter has more impact usually, but frequency and thoughfulness of communication is more important, and you can't beat email for this. I try to send photos or links to my websites (particularly social websites, such as Facebook and Twitter) so that the communication can be more "realtime" and complete.
I try not just to blast out "forwarded" emails, like jokes, to my contacts, because these are often just annoying, or have no real value. What I really appreciate is the personal update of what is happening with my contacts, their thoughts and feelings on how their life is going. Sharing these things makes me feel closer and more in touch with them. Phone calls and custom cards would be nice to receive or send, but they require time and money--it is the real contact that counts with me, and I hope, with them.
1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
I don't know that a paper letter or card has more impact for me. I think I was just truly surprised to get an actual card in the mail, especially from one so young.
After I posted this, I thought about it, and it made it sound like, to me anyway, that I didn't appreciate the on line correspondence I received that day. Nothing could be further from the truth. I know that each one of those messages was heartfelt and I appreciated each and every one of them.
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
12 Sep 09
I do a little of both. I will send family and friends a quick email just to say hello, but if it is a holiday or birthday, I will send a card in the mail. I do pick up the phone a lot to call people, especially my Mom, just to hear her voice. I think that technology is great, but I still enjoy the old school way too.
1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
I am with you on that one*S* Sometimes, it is nice to be able to go either way.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
12 Sep 09
Sigh, I have to confess that I take the easy way out too. The sad part is I am usually the first one to decry the decline of letter writing in our generation. Yet I can't remember the last time I wrote an honest to god paper letter. Does that make me a hypocrite?
1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
Well, if it makes you a hypocrite, I am one, too. *Shrugs* Maybe we should try to slow our lives down a little and get back to a few little basics, huh?
@prinzcy (32305)
• Malaysia
11 Sep 09
I just send out real cards for this coming festive celebration. I don't think I'll get a real card reply but it's okay. I just suddenly feel like sending out real cards for fun. It bring back memory to do this. One of my colleagues saw those cards on my desk and she said, "You still send real cards? Wow~~~"
Ecards, emails and text are convenient but the feeling of the sender convey is lost in the sending process.
2 people like this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
12 Sep 09
Ecards, emails and text are convenient but the feeling of the sender convey is lost in the sending process.
Sometimes this is true. However, I know that the messages and poems I received from my friends here were very heartfelt, and I still appreciate every one of them.
1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
It is tradition here, too. I just forget to do it, sometimes and then I am scrambling to have communication in whatever way I can.*S*
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
I give Hubby and the kids cards on their birthdays because they are usually at my house then. The rest of the time, I just forget until it's past the special day, then I pick up the phone and call the person.
Nice to see you again. How are you?
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
12 Sep 09
I used to be a big letter writer. I loved it and loved receiving them. Now like you said, modern technology makes it too easy to skip the time it takes to write out a letter or pick out the perfect card. Back in May, I sat down and wrote my ex-mom in law a lengthy letter as I hadn't seen her in a while. She lives in another town and since she retired, she rarely leaves home anymore. Just tonite when I got out of work, I found I'd recieved a letter from her. It was lengthy and interesting. I absolutely loved it. I actually think I'm going to take the time to respond back to her this week & try to keep in better touch with her. She doesn't have a computer and neither of us are much for the phone. It's pretty much a lost art these days, isn't it?
1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
Yes, it is. As I mentioned before, my mom, two sisters, my daughter and I do a round robin letter. That is about the only writing I do these days. I talk to my mom on the phone every Sunday morning, and my dad every couple of weeks or so. It is nice to hear the voices once in a while, you know?
@udnisak (609)
• Australia
12 Sep 09
well........ i think a modern technology tool like email has lots of benifits.. but still a card can touch ur heart.... so i m with cards to touch ppls heart (like my girl friend's heart).. but with emails to connect with my friends and rest of the world as it is quick and time saving......
i think u guys also shud try sending cards to ur special person... havn't u tried that ...??
1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
14 Sep 09
My special person lives with me so, I don't send him cards but, I do occasionally, when I am out and about, just find one that reminds me of him. I buy it, sign it and put it on his plate at dinner, when he gets home.
