1. We are here to help you
learn how to write
letters in the English language; we are not a letter-writing service.
Do not simply ask us to write your letter for you, or give you an
example letter. We will not do this.
2. Before you post, search our threads for examples of the kind of
letter you need; there are also many on the internet, at sites such as
THIS and
THIS. You may be able to use
one of these example letter forms and need no help from us!
3. If you cannot find what you are looking for, write a first
(draft) copy and post it in this forum; then we will offer you advice
on how to improve it. Just do the best you can at first; make an effort
to use the best or most appropriate English you know.
Do not post in Microsoft Office or similar software that produces
unintelligible writing like this:
chemas-microsoft-com:office
">marttags" />ate Year="2005" Day="26" Month="8">August 26, 2005ate>. I spoke to Dave at GC Services (collection agency) on ate Year="2005" Day="24" Month="8">Wednesday, ate Year="2005" Day="24" Month="8" ls="trans">August 24, 2005ate>ate>
Many members will find this too confusing to try to correct.
4. A good effort is always respected here, but lack of effort will
dampen our enthusiasm for assisting you. Proofread carefully before you
post-- check spelling, capitalization and punctuation to the best of
your ability. In particular, do not use internet abbreviations like 'u'
for 'you' and 'i' for 'I'-- these are poor form. We will help you
through several drafts of your letter, if you continue to post improved
revisions.
5.
DO NOT double post (offer the same letter in two different forums at English Forums).
6.
DO NOT ask for a private emailed answer. We want all our visitors to benefit from our writing clinics.
7.
DO NOT include information which you do not
wish millions of visitors from the World Wide Web (possibly including
your boss or your spouse) to read.
Substitute fictional names, addresses and other information where necessary if you wish your doings to remain anonymous.
8.
DO be patient-- your advisors are unpaid
here-- we are busy with our regular jobs, but we help as frequently as
we can; also, we live all around the world, so may be sleeping when you
are awake. We are usually very prompt in replying, but do not post a
request for a letter that you suddenly need NOW.
9.
DO remember to be polite. 'Please' and 'thank
you' are magic words that will gain you help and friends. Do not write
in all capital letters: this is a rudeness by internet standards. If
you disagree strongly with any advice, it is often better to quietly
make your own choices about accepting it rather than engaging in heated
discussion.
10.
DO feel free to ask us anything about using English, and enjoy your visit with us. We enjoy having you here.