For more information on electronic cards replacing traditionally mailed greetings, contact Marilyn Chalupa at [email protected] or (765) 285-5231.
CHRISTMAS CARDS MAY BE CANCELED FOR MANY
MUNCIE, Ind. - Cost and access to new technologies could significantly reduce the number of holiday cards mailed in the coming weeks, says a Ball State University expert.
Using e-mail cards has become common, especially when you consider the cost, which is free, says Marilyn Chalupa, a business information technology professor.
"One must think of the intended receiver as with any communication," Chalupa said. "Some people may not send the traditional e-mail card. Instead, they may just send their standard annual letter via e-mail."
The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in 1840s England when a new national railway system gave the public the Penny Post mail service.
The transportation revolution of the 1800s that made postal service convenient is comparable to the current method of electronically sending messages via the Internet, Chalupa said.
Family photographs have been popular as greeting card covers, but those photos will be treated differently on an e-card, she warns.
"If you are sending a photo, don't expect the recipient to print the photo," Chalupa said. "Most people probably won't print the annual letter sent via e-mail either."
Businesses wanting to cut costs are also turning to electronic mail. Companies often send cards, calendars or discount coupons as a way of expressing gratitude to clients and customers.
"E-mail does eliminate the extra something that many businesses would mail as a token of appreciation," Chalupa said. "However, businesses need to consider the financial return and their image if they eliminate a gift by using e-mail."
Online delivery won't replace traditional printed greetings cards any time soon, Chalupa said.
"There are still some messages to convey that are best sent via the stamped envelope, such as expressions of sympathy, caring or congratulations," she said. "Again, good business manners and common sense should be followed. The only difference is in the delivery. One must always ask what is the best medium to deliver the message."
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(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Chalupa at [email protected] o r (765) 285-5231. For more stories visit the Ball State University News Center at www.bsu.edu/news.)Tim Underhill11/30/01
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