Thu, October 22, 2009 - 8:06:38

What Would Emily Post Do?  Study Reveals High-Tech Etiquette Rules for the New Millennium

image courtesy of BloggersBase.com.

Fifty years ago, if you had asked famed etiquette expert, Emily Post, whether or not it was ok to bring a Blackberry to a wedding, she probably would have looked at you with quite a quizzical expression, wondering why anyone would consider fruit an appropriate gift.  But, in today’s high tech world where “twitter,” “blackberry,” “apple,” and “pearl” have all taken on new meanings, Americans are creating their own new rules for etiquette.  And weighing in on the findings of a recent online poll conducted by Harris Interactive, Anna Post, the great-great-grand daughter of etiquette’s grand dame and expert in all things polite, says that while times change, a little common courtesy never hurts.

The Harris Interactive poll, which surveyed 2,625 adults, found that while most people agree that technology is an unavoidable part of daily life, there are new self-imposed mores regarding its use.  Most notably, the vast majority of respondents agreed that texting, checking emails, and making phone calls while in a meeting, spending time with friends and family, or on a date was strictly off limits.  And using a cell phone, lap top, or other productivity device during a religious service or ceremony was considered particularly offensive. 

While we certainly agree with these common-sense tech-etiquette rules for the new millennium, there was one opinion listed in the article on TodayShow.com that we would like to sway.  According to the research, most Americans believe an email thank-you note is an acceptable substitute for a hand-written one and frankly, we disagree.  And so did Anna Post, telling TODAY, “I stand by the handwritten thank you note.”

Of course, we’re all for expressing gratitude in any form and sending an email to say “thank you” is a kind gesture that in today’s fast-paced society is an important step that should be taken within 24 hours of a job interview or business meeting.  But, in our opinion, nothing trumps the value of a simple, handwritten thank you note, so why not send both (and if you really want to get noticed, why not send it via FedEx)?  Your handwritten note will help to reinforce the sentiment in your email and serve as an additional reminder of your meeting.  And in an age of email-overload, who doesn’t feel just a little bit special receiving something other than a bill in his or her mailbox?

So, for all of you email addicts out there, the next time you find yourself opening up Outlook to send an electronic word of thanks, take a step back and ask yourself, “W.W.E.P.D. (What would Emily Post do)?”  Then dust off your old stationery and get writing.

Posted by Linda and Robin