From: "John Michael Stevens" <joyfulnoise@uswest.net>
To: <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Your First Impression
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 09:38:40 -0700

To Whom It May Concern:

This is what you might call "an open letter" to all the decorators on this
list.  In no way is it meant to criticize, or "put anyone down."  I am only
offering my suggestions based on what I have observed on this list (and
others) over the last two years.

I belong to several lists, but the problem that I have observed, seems to be
more common on this one.   Many times there have been posts with questions
regarding marketing, brochures, web pages, etc.  Most of us have been
trained, in the basics, at least, of the "hands-on" business of decorating
with balloons.  (There are many CBA's on this list also.)  But apparently
not many have been schooled in the basics of the English language.  I
realize that, on the Internet, there is a certain degree of laxness allowed,
and we are not to correct one another's grammar, spelling, etc.  This is not
meant to do that, only to offer a suggestion:  when it comes to creating
marketing materials, if you are lacking in this area of language, it may be
a good idea to engage the services of someone who is better at it than you.
You can hire someone, or perhaps a family member, or friend, can do it for
you.

Always remember the rule about first impressions, and many times, the first
impression that people willl have of you and your business, will be from
your promotional materials (business cards, brochures, etc.)  Some of you
may even wish to have someone else write your letters for you, when the need
arises.

I know that many of the mistakes I see are just "typos," and that most of
you don't have time to re-read your posts to catch those, but a lot of them
are just a lack of knowledge in this area (such as, "I seen...;"  and the
difference between "your" and "you're;"  and "its" and "it's;"  and when to
say, "you and I," and when to say "you and me;" and many more).  As I said
earlier, this is not a criticism of anyone, or of how anyone expresses
themself on this list, ONLY a suggestion that when you go to create those
promotional materials, or write that important business letter, or put
together your own web page (I've seen these same errors on web pages!), it
may be a good idea to have it done by someone who knows the language.  And,
by all means, re-read your work before you have it printed.  It would be a
shame to lose business over a few mistakes in grammar, or some typos.  Don't
you think...?

Just my humble opinion...thanks for "listening."  (Opposing viewpoints
welcomed.)

John Michael Stevens, CBA