The 7 C’s of Correspondence Effective communication can be a decisive factor in whether you obtain the results that you want with your research. As in days past, we still communicate through letters with friends, family and other researchers. However, often the letters of today are of the electronic form. Here are seven ideas to keep in mind when writing your letters: Clean – Keep your letters neat and legible. This is just as important if you are using e-mail. There are font styles that are very difficult to read. For electronic media, try keeping the width of your letter at approximately 80 characters. Correct – Be as accurate as possible in your spelling, punctuation and grammar. Be as accurate as possible with the details of your question when it comes to names, dates and places. Clear – Be clear about your purpose, so the reader does not wonder about the purpose of the letter. Courteous – Always be courteous in your dealings with others. And, always respond promptly to every reply you receive. Considerate – Remember that the other person will spend an equal amount of time responding to your letter. However, they may spend much more time looking for information. Don’t demand every piece of information they have, but offer to share any information that you have, as well. Concise – Keep it short and to the point. Complete – Tell what you know about the family and provide the necessary background. If you follow these simple ideas, you will have more success with your own family correspondence. Sally Rolls Pavia Sun City, AZ [email protected] List Owner: [email protected] "Without genealogy, the study of history is lifeless." All incoming and outgoing email checked by Norton Anti-Virus 2002 .