Ask HN: Handwritten notes

3 points·3Dpuzzlepiece··8 comments

When you receive a handwritten note - maybe a thank-you note after an interview or something - what are your thoughts?

If it is from a house guest who attended a party or social function I've hosted, it is a much appreciated expression of gratitude and may end up temporarily on the fridge especially if there's witty quip or cool-looking stationery.

If it is from an elderly relative or child under 10 years old, it is appreciated as a quaint old-fashioned gesture: awww isn't that cute! It goes on the fridge.

If it is from a job candidate who I've just interviewed? I will assume it was from a hapless out-of-touch person who took out-of-date job-interview advice uncritically and verbatim. It raises a small red-flag for awkwardness. It goes in the shredder.

Seriously? Why the double standard? Seems cynical.

You expect a professional comedian to know their audience will enough to make tasteless jokes work. You expect a stranger to not make jokes in poor taste at all.

It's not a double standard, it's just a standard. Do what is appropriate.

Your analogy conflates the medium and the message.

Then you're paying too much attention to the wrong part of the analogy.

> I will assume it was from a hapless out-of-touch person who took out-of-date job-interview advice uncritically and verbatim. It raises a small red-flag for awkwardness.

It could just be from someone who does or thinks a little different. +1 for monoculture.

It is a thoughtful gesture and proper etiquette.

Show's some time invested, which is appreciated.

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