IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL LETTER WRITERS: READ BEFORE YOU POST

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001. 01b00PLEASE MAKE AN EFFORT TO WRITE YOUR LETTER YOURSELF FIRST02b00. We are here to help you 01b00learn how to write 02b00letters 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. 02br
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002. 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! 02br
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003. 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:02br
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01i00chemas-microsoft-com:office05000marttags" />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>02br
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00 Many members will find this too confusing to try to correct.02br
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004. 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. 02br
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005. 01b00DO NOT02b00 double post (Do not offer the same letter in two different forums at English Forums). 02br
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006. 01b00DO NOT02b00 ask for a private emailed answer. We want all our visitors to benefit from our writing clinics. 02br
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007. 01b00DO NOT02b00 include information which you do not wish millions of visitors from the World Wide Web (possibly including your boss or your spouse) to read. 01b00Substitute fictional names, addresses and other information02b00 where necessary if you wish your doings to remain anonymous. 02br
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008. 01b00DO02b00 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. 02br
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009. 01b00DO02b00 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. 02br
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0010. 01b00DO02b00 feel free to ask us anything about using English, and enjoy your visit with us. We enjoy having you here.02p

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