Editorials

I Need a New Name for Snail Mail

I think we need a new term for the Postal Services of the world. We used to call them Snail Mail because it took a while for your letter to be delivered; especially when compared to using Email.

Today I came to realize that I now consider Email to be Snail Mail. Texting on my cell phone, using instant messaging, or even twitter have taken over first place for fast and convenient communication. The only thing that is really faster is the telephone or face to face conversations (even virtual conversations using tools like Skype).

These new tools have an neat characteristic in that you don’t require immediate interruption when contacting individuals. But, once a conversation is begun, you can have back and forth interaction without lag other than the time it takes to type. Moreover, my typing noise is less distracting to others around me than a voice conversation. Texting is more acceptable in meetings, etc. when your full attention is not required.

Now I need to come up with a new name for the postal service delivery times. How about Ancient History?

Are you using the communication tools effectively? Why not share your perspective on the many ways you use our communication mediums today?

Cheers,

Ben