A Post on Post

Today we heard a wonderful conversation on NPR with Marty Moss-Coane of Radio Times about the future of the United States Postal Service. Before you begin writing your letters and purchasing stamps, listen to this podcast.

The United States Postal Service, the second largest employer next to Walmart is considering the suspension of their Saturday delivery opting for a five day service instead of six as they too are facing an economic crisis. The postmaster general said they have lost 2.8 billion just last year. For some time now, new technologies have been taking place of good old-fashioned correspondence such as the use of telephones, email, fascimile, and texting not to mention the effects of our current economy.

When was the last time you received a personal letter in the mail? When was the last time you took the time out to write one? Stop typing and pick up your pens! We're not going to hide the fact that we are a part of this technology driven generation, but there's a huge difference with reading an email and reading a written letter in your hands. Tangibility. There are things we cannot let go of. While we still have this digital journal, we also have paper journals almost documenting similar things. We prefer books, magazines, newspapers, and printing out long emails, articles, or stories offline instead of sitting in front of our computer or reading from a handheld pda. We've been sending out postcards since we started trucking and traveling these states. Now we're not saying that if everyone writes a letter it will save the sixth day of service, but rather just slowing down and remembering what it feels like to write and receive a letter in the mail.