Some of my least favorite junk mail includes requests with the phrase “…please don’t break the chain.” Those words alone cause me to delete the email. It shows a lack of intelligence and/or effort on the part of the sender.
Keeping “the chain” or any chain intact is not on my daily list of things to do. First, it isn’t a chain; it is an unasked for email or letter. Second, if I didn’t request it, I have no responsibility to keep the chain going. Third, the only thing worse is the veiled threat and/or genie payoff: “Bob broke the chain and his leg fell off” or “Jill kept the chain and someone gave her a new car.”
When you request anything, in writing or verbally, make your request compelling and leave it to intelligent people to decide to comply or deny. If it is worthwhile, most will comply. If it isn’t, using “the chain” isn’t going to invoke any higher-order life form to help. That only works on the superstitious.
(Sponsored by the Freedom from Stupidity Foundation)
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