Firstly, there is this new intelligent article submission site Qassia.com. It is at the beta stage, but I kind of like it. Right now you can earn money, not real, just virtual, to have your articles submitted to the 'world'. So the more money you accumulate the better chance is to get on the top of the search engine. However, I have not figure out how it really works, but by submitting some of my articles and reading other articles and rating, I generated some credits. However, most of all I learned something too by reading. So enjoy and explore Qassia.com - not to hide anything, this is my referral page, and like someone said, I will say it to, yes I get some credits if you sign up. No pressure you are free to do what you wish.
Secondly, I want to quickly write about mail versus email. Couple of weeks ago I received a letter from the old friend of mine - how nice to receive the old fashion mail. The letter was from pan pal friend I met in elementary school over 20 years ago. We never met in person yet - but I am hoping one day. All our correspondences happened through the regular mail, and even now. I am sure that she has the access to the Internet, however, some how we still write to each other the old fashioned way. I remember in the old days, to receive a letter in the mail was a big thing. We all loved it, especially for occasions like Christmas, Easter, name days, and chain letters. Yes, name days in Europe were more popular than birthdays, I guess that way you were able to acknowledge anyone you wanted to send a card just by looking at the calendar. And yes chain letters existed then, and it wasn't easy, as there was no photocopier, and there was no typewriter, only your hand needed to re-write the letters about five times or more. So that was fun and practice.Now we have emails. The communication time among us changed from weeks to minutes or even seconds. We can write, send pictures, send videos, publish on line pictures and videos. We not just letting our friends know about our life, but any stranger may some times drop by.
So tell me, do you still like to receive old fashion mail or do you think it is not practical anymore. Just ignore the cost, because we all know that emails are somehow free. Myself, I like the old fashion mails, the fact that they are hand written makes is even more authentic.
Hello Anna,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely post: it brought back some memories :)!
I used to write a lot of letters (I dind't have a penpal; but since I travelled a lot, I wrote to my friends here in Portugal); and I love writing them :). However I must confess that nowadays I prefer email because it is faster, so the anxiety is less LOL :).
But there is one person to whom I still write love notes: my fiancé. I write them in a nice hand-writing, I put flowers and leave them for him :D!
You are absolutely right: when communication is hand-written it makes it more authentic, since our energy goes with that letter, our breath rests on the paper, our perfume (or natural scent) is transported onto the letter as well...*sigh* it is so romantic, isn't it? :) I reminds me of the 18th, 19th century when people used to write loads of letters as entertainment....
Sometimes I think that emails are so impersonal, but at the same time less time consuming.
And there is another reason for me to prefer email: in Africa, Brazil for example, when you send a letter there you have to pray that the recipient will actually get (corruption in the post office); whereas by email you are sure that the recipient of your messages gets it!
This was a marvellous post, Anna :)!
Cheers
Anna,
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to receive a snail letter from a long time acquaintance!!! I have noticed our mail is down and do think email is the reason why. Old fashioned letters bring a personal touch emailing doesn't.
Hugs, JJ
Hi! Good luck with Qassia.com, I'll have a look later on. As for communicating with friends and family the old fashion way, I just wonder if the art of handwriting is going down the drain.
ReplyDeleteMany moons ago we learnt different styles of handwriting at school. I never got the hang of it anyway, but many others did.
My parents and older folk had beautiful handwriting. Some were works of art with there many different curls and ways.
Now we have computer letters. No art here, except in the way we write. On top of that we have Spell and grammar check!
Sadly its all coming to an end. No art, no styled writing, just plain old communication.
Well, I suppose its better than nothing. I can't complain too much. My hand writing and spelling is atrocious.
I miss the licking of stamps and the screwed up face on the taste of glue.
Regards
Peter
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteI red the whole post but its great writing to start with! Too much to react on everything, but one I will react on, about the regular mail.... I understand what You mean, my abroad friends/family too, used to write me by regular mail, not now anymore since the email came up, I feel so sorry for that!
The same with birthday cards or christmas cards, I do write them always by paper (regular) mail , because its so emphy in the mailbox when one is celebrateing her/his birthday or christmas, or whatever!!!
Emails are no fun at all in my feelings.... so I will (I did that already) go/went back to the regular mail!!!
Greetings from JoAnn Holland
________________
Have a great and creative weekend! I hope to see you also back on my blog, you're being welcome,
Greetings from JoAnn Photography
Hi Max, I must say that sometimes yes email is better, because we are such 'on the rush' society, and sometimes we need to know faster, and email has been such a blessing. Oh Max, you are so romantic, I think relationship between you and your fiance, is beyond the true love.
ReplyDeleteYou wrote: 'since our energy goes with that letter, our breath rests on the paper, our perfume (or natural scent) is transported onto the letter as well...*sigh* it is so romantic, isn't it? :) I reminds me of the 18th, 19th century when people used to write loads of letters as entertainment....' - yes in deed it is. My parents have many letters from their family or friends, and they are just laying around (my parents don't know anything about email yet), so sometimes I ask them if I can have it because these are people I know also, and there is always some history or story left behind - and I like to keep the record. I have to tell you I like to keep things - not much of things like figurines, or gifts, but anything written I keep.
You are right about the corruptions. We sometimes send letters with money to Europe, and those never and never get to the person, and sometimes when they do, it is visible that the letters have been opened.
Max, as always thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts with me. You are such an inspiration and not just to me, but many of other bloggers. Thanks, Anna :)
JJ no more mails for you, I don't think they can do that yet. But yes the email is taking over, and we are so used to it to now that it will be hard to let go. However, the snail mail will be missed if once gone. Thanks for sharing JJ, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHey Peter thanks for your comments. You said: 'I just wonder if the art of handwriting is going down the drain' - I think I will make a post one day about handwriting, there are some interesting facts about handwriting as you get older, and analyzing handwriting to see what kind of person you are. I had it done, and I just couldn't believe, but then she was also an entertainer.
ReplyDeletePeter you are funny: 'I miss the licking of stamps and the screwed up face on the taste of glue.' - and how about liquid paper too. I think I pass on those, as you know they don't just make screwed up faces.
Peter thanks for your great sense of humor and as always making me laugh as you comment, it is always appreciated.
Anna :)
Hi JoAnn again, thank you for dropping by the story blob, it is appreciated, and your kind comments. Absolutely you cannot compare the email to mail, it is now all about convenience, and not about art of beautiful expressions. JoAnn again thanks, and I will see you later on your blog. Thanks, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHello Anna,
ReplyDeleteI agree, we are living in "on the rush" times and so we want everything as fast as possible. Do you think that we have become less patient?
Romantic, me? You know, I was never a romantic girl, but after meeting my fiancé I became a little bit romantic perhaps (as I told you before he is more romantic than I am). I like to think that we have a true love, yes :D...
"yes in deed it is. My parents have many letters from their family or friends, and they are just laying around (my parents don't know anything about email yet), so sometimes I ask them if I can have it because these are people I know also, and there is always some history or story left behind - and I like to keep the record. I have to tell you I like to keep things - not much of things like figurines, or gifts, but anything written I keep." - I also keep things (written things)...It is amazing the amount of paper I keep in boxes lol. Oh, your parents still write to their family and friends? That is so precious; and so good for them...that way they are not captive of the "on the rush" era, which can drive people mad *nodding*...
"You are right about the corruptions. We sometimes send letters with money to Europe, and those never and never get to the person, and sometimes when they do, it is visible that the letters have been opened." - in Europe it happens too? Now, that I didn't know...I will have to add it to my notebook *nodding*. We never send money through mail cause it rarely gets to its destination *nodding*...
"Max, as always thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts with me. You are such an inspiration and not just to me, but many of other bloggers. Thanks, Anna :)" - you are most welcome, my dear *bowing*. Oh my, you are being kind *blushing*! Thank you for these most kind words :D.
Cheers
Anna:
ReplyDeleteI like the convenience and promptness of using e-mail. If I want to tell somebody something right now, e-mail is the only way to go. Also, I think e-mail is better in some cases than the telephone. With e-mail you can't get sucked into a long conversation. Just say what you want to say, and then get the response. Case closed. But having said all of that, I must admit that I do like to get an old fashioned letter once in a while. It's sort of like getting a surprise present under the Christmas Tree. It just feels good.
Have a nice day.
Ahh yes, REAL mail can be a treasure. I still have some letters that were sent to me decades ago!
ReplyDeleteAnd I used to write long, long letters to friends way back when, banging away on my old typewriter.
I do love the ability to send images so easily in e-mail, that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
By the way- what was that 'name day' you mentioned as being even more popular to send mail for than a birthday? I've never heard of name day.
Hi Max, and you asked: 'Do you think that we have become less patient?' - I say yes and no, depending what you are waiting for. If the setting changed for emails and every time someone sends one and it takes 2 weeks to get it, then yes, I think we would be very impatient because we know that we can receive one within seconds. However, we know that it takes 2 weeks for regular mail, then we will wait. I think it all depends on the situation Max and reasoning - but then I like to throw that some loose patience for everything, lol. Yeah I hide my romanticism too, lol, just I want to make sure that it will last for a long time, lol - this is conservative me. Now thinking, just trying to figure out what romantic stuff I do, lol, will get back to you. Yes my parents still write, but I think they are getting lazy too, and they don't even know the email, lol. You know I have to tell you something, every time I get a birthday card from them, they all sign like a contract of some sort by first and last name, not like my parents in-law: love mom and dad, lol. Thanks for coming back, and I will see you around - not sure which post yet, lol. Thanks again, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteSwubird, I don't think there is wrong or right about email or mail. It is personal preference. And yes it is much better than the telephone, but believe me I can be sucked in with the email also, but then have more control when I want to answer I guess. Therefore, I say I agree with you. The old fashioned mails becoming novelty, and I think we will always enjoy it, and thanks to those who still write. Thanks for dropping by Swubird, appreciated. Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jaya, it is nice to see you here. Thank you for your comments. I like that 'REAL mail can be a treasure', well said. The benefits between the mail and email are equally weighted, yet different satisfaction. I am the same, if the email was gone one day don't know what I would do.
ReplyDeleteAnd now, the name day if actually very popular in Europe, or I must say in Poland where I grew up (btw I am Ukrainian not to confuse things). We don't have this type of calendar here in Canada or US, but if you ever see the European country calendar, each day has assigned name, and usually they are names of Saints. For example, December 6th is St. Nick day. Then if your name is Nick, people will wish you happy name day, or even send you name day wishes with the card. I remember also that International Children's Day on June 1st and Woman's Day on March the 8th, superseded the Mother and Father day, must say poor men, lol. Hope this helps Jaya, and thanks again for your visit.
Anna :)
Hello Anna,
ReplyDelete"However, we know that it takes 2 weeks for regular mail, then we will wait. I think it all depends on the situation Max and reasoning - but then I like to throw that some loose patience for everything, lol." - lol true, my dear friend, true...
"Yeah I hide my romanticism too, lol, just I want to make sure that it will last for a long time, lol - this is conservative me. Now thinking, just trying to figure out what romantic stuff I do, lol, will get back to you." - there is nothing wrong with being conservative...I am, and I am not ashamed of it :). LOL Ok, get back to me on that one :D.
"Yes my parents still write, but I think they are getting lazy too, and they don't even know the email, lol. You know I have to tell you something, every time I get a birthday card from them, they all sign like a contract of some sort by first and last name, not like my parents in-law: love mom and dad, lol." - LOL LOL I love your parents already, they are plain Europeans, right? My African family also signs letters like a contract...so I know what you mean. Your in-laws are Latin; us Latins are more emotional and affectionate :D...which sometimes get in the way (there is a lot of drama too lol).
"Thanks for coming back, and I will see you around - not sure which post yet, lol. Thanks again, Anna :)" - no problem ;). I will see you around!
Cheers
Hi! I forgot to add that the best part about mail was the stamp collecting we did as children.
ReplyDeleteWe collected those stamps from family and friends for yonks. Then one day, the fun ran out. Why?
We had grown older and our interests had turned to other things. But I'll always remember our happy little faces that glowed as our collections grew larger.
Even though our faces are now not so little anymore.
Your friend,
Peter
Anna,
ReplyDeleteYou have been awarded:
http://maxcouti.blogspot.com/2008/01/box-full-of-awards.html
Congrats!
i always felt that real mails are somehow more warm :)
ReplyDeletethe last one i received was from my blogger friend (and now much more than just blogger friend) Sameera as a part of Pay It Forward act - you can read it in my bloge here http://it-is-all-my-world.blogspot.com/2007/11/there-are-more-reasons-for-giving-or.html
and it was so much exciting and couldnt be compared with all the e-mails i receive daily :)
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteYou said: 'I love your parents already, they are plain Europeans, right? My African family also signs letters like a contract...so I know what you mean.' - I thought we were the only ones, but then if we ever become famous, lol, may be those autographs will mean something, lol. You said: 'Your in-laws are Latin; us Latins are more emotional and affectionate :D ... which sometimes get in the way (there is a lot of drama too lol). - oh never really look at it like that, but I think you are right, lol. Thanks for sharing.
I will talk to you later Max. Thanks again. Anna :)
You are funny Peter, and I can relate to. We used to collect stamps like crazy and put them under the steam of the boiling water to seperate them. However, you are right the fun eventually ran out, but believe or not I still have my little collection hidden in my threasure box, lol. Thanks for sharing and reminding me, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Max for the award, you are so kind, will be there soon to pick it up personally. Thanks, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lena, thank you for your comment. This is some interesting concept (I checked out your blog to read about PIF - interesting , did you change the theme of your blog again, lol). It is in fact nice to receive a little gift letter like that. This is really cool. Thanks again for sharing, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteyes, Anna, changed the template again. Hope this one is final :D
ReplyDeleteDesigning this one took quite a lot of time but i wanted my template to be unique :P
And yes, PIF is a very nice concept, brings a lot of positive emotions for you and for recipients :)
Hi! So you still have your stamps. Believe or not they may be worth something. Have you tried looking them up to see if you've hit gold.
ReplyDeleteTake Care!
Peter
Thanks Lena, I hope it is last one too, lol. Many times I was confused and wasn't sure if I was talking to the same Lena, but then I decided to memorize your icon, and actually recognize the writing style of yours, I think I had memory laps for the title of your blog, so I made point to remember too - and after all that, I just added link to your blog on my photo blog, so I knew that I been at your blog before, lol - if you know what I mean. Having said that, hey I do the same, sometimes totally undecided. Thanks again for sharing the PIF concept with me and may be when I dig myself from the hole of all these things to do I may consider, and finally I will see you later. Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, thanks again. You think they may be worth something, so may be I hold on to it a bit more (this is greed speaking, lol). Never really checked it out, but I am not sure if the stamped stamps have any value - plus some have a bit of sentimental value to me. But I have to tell you I am actually proud owner of Diana stamps, brand new ones, I ordered set when there was hype during her death, where practically everything had her name - you name it, lol. Thanks Peter for the encouragement, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteSwinging by for a hello. I was just remembering all of the cool stationery I used to buy. I do miss that time of my lfe.
Hugs, JJ
It is so hard for me to sit down and write a letter instead of just emailing someone. Even my Christmas cards have letters printed. But, when I am forced to write a letter to those who do not have computers, I find it enjoyable. I love receiving letters back from those who only correspond "the old fashioned way." It's those letters that become precious after that person is gone from this world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog today. I hope you return again very soon!
Jo
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog today, and a lovely day it has been, so the finger crossing and touching wood seems to be working!
I love receiving emails, but real letters in the post are even better, I have a file marked "Keep" and another marked "Stuff", and if you have a look through them they are full of letters and cards that have come through the post. However much thought we all put in before we type, we put more in before we write something as we can't just use backspace or delete. As a result they mean more, and often contain sentiments that we just don't express otherwise. Or they are just plain funny - my little brother sent me a thank you letter for his Christmas cheque saying how hard he had been revising for his exams when his Mum (we are half brother and sister) had been telling me only days before that not only had he been doing nothing, but that he had left half his books in school!
Hi Anna! I had signed up for Qassia, (I just so much feel like that word needs a "u"!), but have not done anything with it since. I will take another look. So little time and so much to do.
ReplyDeleteI used to do lists also. Still do sometimes. But I get frustrated when I see all the things on it I don't get to. At least if just try to keep the list in my head, I forget about some of the items and then I feel like I accomplished more!
-Will
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I enjoy getting the old-fashioned hand-written letters. But I hardly do! That's one thing that's so nice about the Christmas holidays. I get some hand-written cards, sometimes with letters enclosed. Sweet.
JJ I am kind of late with replying to this message - so thanks for swinging by, stationary are cool. Where I grew up we always wrote on the graph paper, and we used to draw little flowers there and there to dress it up. I remember once when I was about 8 or 9 years old, I sent a letter to my godfather, and on the envelope I trace this monkey from some book, never really told my parents about it, but my uncle was so pleased that he told everyone in the family, and me being shy and not liking too much attention, everytime I heard that I would blush, lol. Now I look back and I say oh that was cute, lol. JJ again, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jo, welcome to my story blob blog and thank you so much for commenting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and yes sometimes we do not realize, but there are things that we did years ago, and now with this great technology, the old fashion stuff is really being pushed a side. The snail mail will become distinct.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for visiting and commenting here, Jo I will be come back soon over your blog. Thanks again.
Mima, thank you for coming by my blog. It is really appreciated. As you said the real mail written has real character. It can often show the person emotions, as happines or sadness or even being rushed. Where in the email, all this is hidden. Mima that was funny about your little brother. Thanks again for your kind visit, and hope all is well. I will be visiting your blog in the near future. Thanks again, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHi Will, so you are member of Qassia too. I have not done anything with them in the past couple of weeks. I am not sure if it will workout. I ran into little issue with not being able to view it at home (I mean not even access the site), where at work I can. Something is blocking, and I really don't have time to get it up and going. Speaking of time, you are right, so little time and so much to do. I think I am coming to realization that I cannot do everything, lol. And speaking of lists, they come and go with me. But I actually put some really stupid items on sometimes, like dust the counter, so on the end it is the perception that motivates me because my large list of things to do been crossed, in the mean time that could have been clean the kitchen item, lol, oh well at least I am having fun, lol. Thanks for visiting Will this side of my blogging, Anna :)
ReplyDeleteHi San, welcome to my blog and thank you for your kind comments. I guess we can say that we all enjoy the old fashion mail, but I think the new technology invaded us, that now it is becoming novelty. The good thing is that we do enjoy it. San thanks for visiting again, and I will see you over your side soon. Anna :)
ReplyDelete