Are website "thank you's" poor etiquette?

Question

The following website allows people to thank troops by choosing a card, editing a message and then Xerox prints out the cards and send it to soldiers. This method of thanks would be poor etiquette when it comes to wedding, shower or birthday gifts. Is it also poor etiquette when thanking someone for their service?

http://www.letssaythanks.com/home.html

I should add, I was a soldier myself and my husband is currently in Iraq. I know that if I had received any printed out generic cards like this, they'd go directly in the trash. I think our military men/women should expect a hell of a lot more from the American people.

Answer 1

The troops should appreciate any type of encouragement or thank you they receive. I can almost gaurantee that etiquette is the last thing on their mind when they are out there. I know this because most of my friends and my husband are in the service. At least thet's how they feel. Whether something is just printed off a computer or not, some one took the time to do it. To just throw it away seems rude and unappreciative. Yes, Americans as a whole should do more to support the troops but the sad truth is that most will not. At least the website is an aattempt to do some good. It seems from your tone that you already have your mind made up on it though and that you are only looking for validation.

Answer 2

If you are referring to the soldiers (service), I don't think so. The website you mentioned was set up especially for service people, wasn't it?

I think this allows people who use the computer everyday to send a greeting. If they want to do more than that, there are other venues.

I agree about wedding and other gifts. Sending a thank you via e-mail is tacky and lazy.

Answer 3

I think that sending a Thank You to troops, from any country (I am Canadian), any which way you can is appropriate. Having been one, it's nice to know that the people back home are supporting and are thinking about you. In fact, I still write to people who sent letters to me overseas and it's been over 6 years for one correspondent. She has become a very dear friend who I have never met in person. We "talk" both by e-mail and by good old-fashioned hand written letter.