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Subject:Re: Greetings and Salutations From:Peter <pnewman1 -at- home -dot- com> To:Jan Stanley <janstanley -at- earthlink -dot- net> Date:Mon, 27 Dec 1999 18:31:32 -0500
I agree that is sounds cold. Many now use Hi Susan, or just Susan, of course it
has the disadvantage of not sounding as respectful. But, IMNVHO, not formal is
better than cold.
Peter
You can lead a horticulture,
but you can't make her think.
(Parker)
Jan Stanley wrote:
> A couple of people have proposed "Dear Susan Smith." I agree
> that it's a useful form when we don't know the sex of the
> recipient, or which name is the family name and which is the
> given name.
>
> I'd prefer Ms. Familyname or Mr. Familyname, though, where those
> things are known (or can be found out -- I've called companies
> and asked the receptionist about the person to whom I'm writing).
>
> Dear Susan Smith is alienating because it's the salutation that's
> typically used on direct mail marketing pieces, which are sent to
> huge mailing lists. Such pieces try to be friendly and
> personal, but don't succeed. Because the salutation is in a form
> that no-one who knew you would use, you know from the beginning
> of the letter that you're just another name in the database.
>
