The Value of a Writing Experience

A popular style of memo pad in offices across the country carries the command “Write it—don’t say it!” Doubting Thomases around the world voice their suspicions with “I’ll believe it when I see it in black and white!” In order to save time, many business transactions are completed by telephone, yet the final exchange is usually, “We’ll confirm this with a letter.” What is it about the written word that gives it such prominence over conversation? Why must other forms of communication be...