Thursday, March 24, 2011

Letters, Lists, and Letteras

letterlists 1
letterlists 2
letterlists 3

13 comments:

deek said...

I know this doesn't help, but I kinda just go by feel. I've fairly certain that the max weight would be gotten to with four sheets of 20lb copy paper or two sheets of HP Premium paper or 8 sheets of onion skin. Load an envelope up and feel what that's like.

And, if I feel like I might be over or too close for comfort, I just go to the post office to double check. Granted, I work right across the street from our main branch, but still.

Ryan said...

So, at the type-in I mentioned how I wasn't pleased with the 33's 3. We had a "3 off" where we compared it to the other typewriter's 3's. What do you think?

notagain said...

I should re-read some of the Nero Wolfe series. He's the ultimate INTP role model.
Watership Down was good too.
and Ryan I liked that 3 on the Lettera

Elizabeth H. said...

@Deek...yeah, going by feel is where I failed with the one that came back. I guess I gotta go to the post office. The annoyance is that it's barely open when I'm not at work, and well out of my way to anywhere.

It's funny how the numbers often seem to be the biggest differentiating factor between the various typefaces, isn't it? Here's a quick 3 example. The Lettera 33 has a fairly standard Olivetti pica typeface, like my 21, so I think it may be different than yours, Ryan. The Olivetti 3s are kind of...loopy, though. And overlarge in the base or something.

My favorite number thus far is the 5 on my Royal Arrow. I love the little upturn, like it's tipping its hat.

Anonymous said...

R. - I forgot about the "3 Off". That was funny.

E. - It seems to me that I don't get anything done without a list. Nothing formal but if it's not written down, I won't remember to do it. Also, if you need any more penpals, I'm always up for more, especially within the NW branch of the almighty Typosphere.

As far as mail art (or anything other than standard letters), I usually go to the post office to send it, though I send way more letters with handdrawings on the envelopes than true mail art.

J.A. said...

I tend to go by feel, but also have an el-cheapo scale for letters. Nothing has come back yet. The extra ounce stamp is only .17, so it's worth checking.

What I mess up on is the size and shape. I like to make my own envelopes and didn't realize the P.O. folks actually have this nifty tool for seeing if envelopes fit a certain size (and therefore go under the standard $$ cent stamp or something more). Next time I am there I will ask if one can buy one of those for home use!

deek said...

USPS.com also publishes the dimensions of valid mail types as well. So in case you ever need to know...

Yeah, I'm still not at my full penpal capacity either and will always accept another letter!

Elizabeth H. said...

I think I need to get some of those one ounce stickers. Adding a bit extra to the postage just to be safe wouldn't bother me as much as doubling it does. Sounds like I need to make a post office trip sometime soon! Maybe I can pick up some more interesting 44 cent stamps (I'm almost done with the boring Liberty Bell ones) as well as some 17 cent stamps.

@Deek and Justin - I'd be up for more penpals! Let me know how to find your addresses...

Anonymous said...

I would offer to write first but you'd have to post your address, which you may or may not be thrilled about. If not, you'll have to go first:
http://snohomishwriter.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/uping-the-ante/

(Sorry - I'm not much of an e-mail fan.)

The Missive Maven said...

I have a letter scale. I wish I had those calipers to determine precise thickness; sometimes I guess on that, and when in doubt, use lots of extra postage. But my little hand-held scale cost me about 5 bucks and it is pretty well accurate.

Melissa said...

Was drawn to your typed posts, but totally relate to the lists! I recogonize your Tunes list...not common fare. What do you play?

Elizabeth H. said...

I play mandolin, mostly, when it comes to tunes. Guitar a bit as well. I'm not great, but I love the music! Do you play?

Melissa said...

Yes! I play the hammered dulcimer and fiddle. Love to go to music camps around the country and have frequently been to Seattle's Folklife Festival.