From Eric Calhoun, Inglewood, CA:

I agree with the editor that we all have to be good stewards of our work when it comes to sending pen-pal letters. Let's also remember: When sending letters through the mail, please let people know that you would like a response.

Reasons for not wanting to respond to someone must be completely stated.

Acknowledge each other's interests, and make good conversations. Whatever your interests, don't put down the person who is writing to you. When someone writes to you, it's not necessary to go over past behavior, especially if that individual has been the target of other pen pals. Don't take things too personally! After all, they may be totally different from what you might have heard.

Finally, put some flair into your tapes and e-mails! You've got to learn how to laugh! You can also share music on your tapes.

Dog barking is a form of nature's music. If your pen pals are dog lovers, this should be music to their ears.