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To whom it may concern,

The written word (that is, handwritten) has experienced something of a dearth in recent years. With email, text messaging, mobile phones, IM services, we are exposed to a plethora of communicative media, and letter-writing hardly seems relevant any more.

We at The Letter Experiment disagree. True, this is being typed, and read, on a computer screen, but only with the true aim of encouraging handwritten letters to be passed from one to another of us. In short, we want to bring back the tangible, exciting thrill of receiving paper mail that isn't a bill or bank statement. Let's not forget, without the men and women of times gone by writing letters to one another, we wouldn't be the world we are today; not to mention the wealth of knowledge we'd have simply never been privy to.

Written word is often left out of the greatest inventions of humankind, but it shouldn't be -- which other of man's inventions and technological advances is used more? Can we honestly say that something which allows us to transfer our thoughts across continents and oceans is not truly one of our greatest achievements? What other animal can boast such a feat? Those damnitable dolphins can't for one thing, but I digress.

This isn't a movement; this isn't a protest. This is definitely not a limerick, but you likely knew that. This is an experiment. The purpose? To see if people are still interested in written word; to see if two people can have a conversation purely through letters and still elicit that simple pleasure often now alien to the computer age. If written word is truly dead, then I suppose we will have to raise it to the top of the highest tower during a lightning storm, and see just what happens.

This experiment is purely about bringing to people together through written word and allowing them to openly and thoughtfully discuss the certain things. Then, taking these letters, and putting them here into DeviantArt for the masses to enjoy.

Yours sincerely,
~Broken-Poet & ~fm-vorassi

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Guidelines & Rules

1) Two to three topics will be submitted as possible letter topics and those that are interested in discussing them and willing to disclose their real address will put forth a note with the topic(s) of their choice in it, what their belief upon it is, and why exactly they believe they could discuss such with a complete stranger. From that, I will choose the two who will be exchanging the letters.

2) To keep things as uncluttered as possible, only one pair will discuss each topic and a person may only be a part of one letter exchange.

3) It is up to the discretion of the two participants who sends the first letter, but if an agreement cannot be reached I shall flip a coin.

4) You are not require to stay on topic. You may diverge, but only naturally of course. You cannot dramatically change the subject of the letter and start talking about how adorable your cat is. If the topic strays into inappropriate territory or one of a pointless nature, I reserve the right to not use it. I can’t keep you from sending letters, but I don’t have to use them.

5) If one is below the age of 16, parental consent will be required. Feel free to inquire me about such and we can discuss topics. It’s more to cover my own behind from angry parents wondering what brought about a strange man sending letters to their teenage daughter.

6) I ask that the letters be hand written, as to preserve the true fashion of it all and that the letters would be preferably under three pages but as long as one.

7) You are asked to provide your own stamps, stationairy, envelopes, and writing utensil. I cannot buy such things for you without great hassle, but I apologize for the inconvience and money spent. Think of it as one of those great sacrifices for your art.

8) The fully revised and finished copy of the letter being sent must be sent in a note so that it may be submitted as a deviation, with full credit give to the author and that people may go through the series of letters with as little hassle as possible.



It seems like a good bit, but rules are needed, as in any experiment. But as the moderator of this, I must make several promises to the participants.

I will try with all my might to be unbiased. I will no doubt know some of those that would like to be a part of this, but I promise no special treatment. Though, truthfully, if I know them better, I will have a better feel they will have as a writer. If you feel this is unfair, get to know me and my personal account. I will do my darnest to moderate this. Criticism and suggestions are always welcome.

I will try to make this as enjoyable as physically possible, I will weed out, if possible, any trouble makers who just wish to be a nuisance or people who just want other people’s addresses for various reasons. You do not have to disclose your address to me. Only the person you will be corresponding with will be required to know that.



At the moment, there are zero topics as this is just a rough draft meant really for revision. I please ask that you watch this account if you are interested and, if you so wish, offer opinions any rules or ideas that should be changed or possibly inserted. As soon as I can figure on a few good topics I will update this journal and hopefully get several interested parties.