If you're going to write a letter then go for maximum impact and maximum speed..

[Fumesucker]

Personally I think it's futile but I'm someone who likes seeing things done right so here's a politician to tell you what gets his attention..

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/838

Politicians are strange creatures, says politician Omar Ahmad. And the best way to engage them on your pet issue is a monthly handwritten letter. Ahmad shows why old-fashioned correspondence is more effective than email, phone or even writing a check -- and shares the four simple steps to writing a letter that works.

Omar Ahmad is an internet infrastructure maven and a member of the City Council for San Carlos, California.

[mmonk]

1. Interesting.

Thanks.

[JuniperLea]

2. A handwritten letter got me a job once...

I didn't want to wait until I had access to a computer; the job was freshly listed and I didn't want to waste time. I got a call three days later, and the gentleman told me the letter is what made my resume stand out.

I believe this is a lost art that should be reborn!

[chollybocker]

3. Interesting.

If true, I wonder how much this adversly affects the youngest voting demographics, who have rarely written or received a hand-written letter in their lives. Thanks for posting it.

[enough]

4. Having spent a long time living with an elected official (local level), I think this guy is

right on. Not so much about the medium of communication, but about the kind of stance to take when trying to communicate.

Elected officials get so much flack, so many people screaming at them about EVERYTHING all the time -- if you take the time to establish some understanding (point #1, "I appreciate") then follow the next three points, you will stand out from the crowd.

As an elected official, you spend all your time listening to people shout about how stupid you are, and how corrupt/evil you are. Nobody actually thinks this about himself/herself. Starting your communication with this sort of insult is counter productive.

He gives good advice.

[occupyeverywhere]

5. Find their home address and send letters there.

They don't read the crap that comes through their offices. But they damn sure will take notice if they know you know where they live.

[my2sense]

6. Can't get the page to load - can you give a summary?

[Fumesucker]

7. Handwritten letter..

Be polite, don't jump down their throat in first sentence, you appreciate they have many demands but your perspective is this, try to offer advice toward a solution rather than just complaining.

If speed is of the essence a fax gets a lot more attention than an email, particularly if the fax is of a handwritten letter.

You can fax through the internet for free and take a picture of a handwritten letter with a phone or camera to do it.

[my2sense]

8. Thanks!