As has been the case for a while, the new snail mail is now email, according to this MSNBC story. Now, instant messaging and text messaging have begun to surpass the now familiar email. Welcome to the world of Tomorrow-land.

As a high user of "texting", I can attest that I now keep in touch with my closer friends with the text messaging, routinely going through an average of 800 to 1,000 text messages per month. However, I have yet to catch on to the power of instant messaging. Perhaps that is coming up next for me.

I wonder if anyone else has noticed this striking new trend in personal communication.

I don't have the time to text message-I barely have time to email

of course, if I would stay off this damn board, maybe I would

800 to 1,000 texts per month? If my phone rang that much, I'd throw it out the window! Wow, UCLA, you are one busy man! Watch for finger cramps and carpel tunnel syndrone!

My preference is to TEXT over a phone call because, at times, I can't talk on the phone (in a meeting) or can't hear (poor connection). Then, there are times that all is needed is a quick one or two word answer to a simple question.

NOW --- please understand that there is nothing like getting a real snail mail HARD copy card in the mail box for your birthday. I hate to get e-mail birthday cards.

I agree with you that I prefer something more tangible when it comes to birthdays or holidays. Text messages don't suffice.

Any other time, however, I do prefer texts to anything else. Email for me is pretty well useless, except for sending and receiving files.