MS attacking government use of open source

[Gerry Creager N5JXS]

In a recent discussion with a professional lobbyist, I asked the 
question of how to get the highest probability of a response from your 
congressman/senator.  I was told that a conventional letter is 2-3 times 
more effective than e-mail, and almost as likely to get a response as a 
personal visit to the office.  Phone calls, telegrams are essentially 
lost causes, unless you're on the short list to always get the 
politician.  E-mail and form letters are somewhat successful; at least 
they are usually seen by a human and logged.  Personal letters, 
handwritten being best, or typed, virtually always get a human answer.

That said, in my last official gripe with a Senator, my e-mail to James 
Sensenbrenner was answered twice: once obviously by a staffer, and the 
second, a letter that had the appearances of Sensenbrenner's personal 
touch (a rather sincere apology and explanation of statement in 
question) by posatl mail; the first in 12 hours, the second in 3 days...

gerry
Texas A&M University

Alan Scheinine wrote:

> David Edwards gave advice about writing to your representatives.  Let me
> add one point.  Someone with experience in this suggested to me to
> always put a question in the letter because it increases the chances
> that you will receive a reply.
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