Expert: Warren D. Miller - 6/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: Is it still proper etiquette to omit the signature block if the author's name (and therefore other contact information) is printed on the letterhead of the stationery?

ANSWER: Thank you for an interesting question, Rebecca. I'll be glad to try to help you here. First, however, I need to clarify something: Are you referring to a signature block on printed stationery? I assume you are, but I have to ask because it's the key to how I respond.

Many thanks--

Warren

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm referring to typing a signature block four spaces below the closing on "embossed" stationery when the author's name, title and contact information is imprinted. Years ago, when I took this course in school (and it was a school for American kids at an embassy) that was the rule we were taught.

Answer
Hi, Rebecca--

Well, I know that I answered this question yesterday, but it's still here, so let me try again. That happened once before on AllExpers.com. Not your fault, of course, and I'm sorry my reply is delayed an additional day.

I consulted my go-to authority on this kind of thing, The Chicago Manual of Style (15th Edition), and came up empty. Drat. However, I do know from my own experience as the recipient of letters from attorneys and CPAs that a 'signature block' is common, even when the letterhead is embossed with all of the contact information and title of the correspondent. Sometimes, however, rather than a full sign-off (e.g., Rebecca P. Thatcher, etc.) in the signature block, there might be just Rebecca. That is a function of the tone of the letter. If it's less formal and/or more personal, then Rebecca might be all there is--no Attorney-at-Law, nothing else.

In this case as in many in our society these days, common sense and personal preference seem to have displaced prescribed conventions. On the one hand, that's OK, I guess, but, on the other, I for one, like a little continuity in such conventions. I'm not a rigid, stuffy guy, but I do decry the decline in tone in our culture. It benefits none of us.

That's probably more opinion than you signed on for, but I thought it was appropriate to express it. It's a great country, though, and we certainly do not all have to agree on these matters (though I suspect, from the tone of your notes, that you and I might be in sync on this one).

Please do me a favor by completing the rate-the-expert email you'll receive about the same time you get this reply from me. Your ratings and, especially, your comments help me do a better job of helping folks like you who ask such interesting questions!

Take care, and thanks very much--

Warren