“Each word – each letter – was handcrafted just for me. It embodies the values of their generation, when all the little things mattered.”  What is Matthew Von Pinnon from The Forum describing?  He is describing the factors of letter writing.  In the 21^st century, the act or hobby of letter writing is often times called the ‘lost’ art of letter writing.  Communicating with written letters used to be common before the invention of the telephone, internet, and e-mail.  It is common nowadays for people to struggle with apt logic-based structure when communicating without face to face interaction because of instant messaging.  A sense of personalization, when communicating without face to face, maybe the worst lost amidst it all. 

But, headway is being made despite the overuse of 21^st century technology.  Articles are being posted online, books are being written, newspapers are producing articles, and blogs are discussing and realizing how much of a pastime it truly is.  These mediums are bringing necessary attention to the ever decreasing action of letter writing.  They are also bringing promotion and a sense of unification to letter writing, much like an act of a revolution.  There are many discussion standpoints found upon researching.  For many bloggers, the article “The Art of Letter Writing” from Art of Manliness proved many positive reinforcements.  The article summarized how powerful and pleasing letter writing can prove to be.  People responded by posting about how inspiring the article was.  One blogger said it added class and etiquette.  A negative I found was one blogger he had a problem with messy handwriting and letter writing proved to be difficult.  Another finding from a blogger was emotional value is added to a written letter in comparison to an e-mail, which it doesn’t contain emotional value.  One powerful statement from which Brett McKay, whom is the author of Art of Manliness, responded to a post, “People are hungry to take part in the letter writing tradition – they just need someone to start the chain and give them a little push.”  Another interest, upon reviewing more posts, was people are interested where they can find stationary, fountain pens, etc.  What the blogosphere has done is provoked the readers to be interested and, moreover, begin letter writing.  Finally, this post was found on ArkansasHomeSchool blog, saying, “In a technology-driven world dominated by “words” such as “LOL,” “OMG,” and “Pwnz0r’d for the win,” reviving the art of the handwritten letter doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.”

I previously used this topic in my persuasive documented essay, and I used it again now because I feel letter writing needs to be brought up on the level playing field.  I firmly believe routine letter writing should be embraced because it brings about many strong and valuable life and communication skills.  I have been personally affected within the last year with letter writing.  I would consider it a hobby of mine.  A fact that I love about this hobby is that it only requires paper, pen, and some thinking.  I can attest to the fact that upon letter writing, it gives a feeling of reflection and meaning.  When writing a letter, it has to be logically formatted.  It is much like sorting out what a person’s thoughts are on any particular subject.  Also, penmanship gives it the personal touch because it is something tangible from the writer to be given to the addressee.  I’m glad that the blogosphere has helped with reviving the lost art.  I believe we are in the worst part of the communicating era, and it can only get better.