Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with letter

3-Ring A4-sized Binders

sdis — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:19:46 -0800

EuropeanOfficeFilter: Is there such a thing as a 3-ring A4-sized binder? How about a hole-puncher that works with A4 paper? American 3-ring binders are infinitely superior to the silly 2-Ring "PageRipper" Binders or the 4-Ring "CantTurnPages" Binders that are normal out here.

Anyone know of a 3-ring binder that fits A4 paper? (Most American binders, the paper is taller than the binder)

Bonus points for finding a 3-hole puncher that has a centering guide for A4 paper.

Linus said git was a file system!

jeffburdges — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:33:14 -0800

Anybody have opinions on abstraction vs. commuting patchs (git, mercurial, darcs) for handling short form letters in latex? I usually write form letters by first building a framework with various variables holding various bits that might change, and then tweaking the bits for individual letters. I found this "abstraction" approach was fairly efficient for very repetitive form letter, but I've encountered some situations requiring more flexible forum letters recently.

Does anyone have any comments about using distributed version control systems like git, mercurial, or darcs for forum letters? I'd imagine the main issue will be the enormous number of branches, so being able push a patch through to all branches simultaneously might become annoying.

I'd usually use git for version control, but maybe darcs is worth it here?

p.s. Anybody have other approaches for resolving this question?

Please help me with this break-up letter

Anonymous — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:50:55 -0800

Please help me with this break-up letter I received a relationship-ending e-mail today and hope you might be able to help.

As background, we're both late twenties, teachers (different grades, schools, divisions). We communicated online, by way of a mutual friend, for a month or so and then dated for a month. We seemed to be very comfortable talking, spending time together, and just enjoying sharing time. We did sleep together, which was not an insignificant fact for either of us. I was extremely excited, because I thought that this person was pretty much the ideal of what I've been looking for. She's attractive, intelligent, kind, and on and on.

I'm not really sure what happened. I got sick (H1N1!) and was out for a week, and our communication never really seemed to repair. I tried calling and e-mailing, but we just couldn't get in contact. Tonight I received an explanatory message from her one Facebook. It does bother me that I've gone for nearly a week without hearing from her only to get this.

My only guess as to reasons for the lack of connection she's identified, besides intrinsic aspects of myself that I can't change, is that I was probably a bit over-enthusiastic. I may have tried too hard; she simply blew me away, and it was difficult to maintain that sort-of early-relationship distance that often seems necessary.

Obviously, I still care a lot for her. I do wish there was a way to re-do some of it all, so I'm looking for any advice that might slant that way. Or, of course, people telling me to get over myself/it. Actually, any advice would be appreciated. As for being friends: I want my friends to be happy. Knowing that we want the same thing (long, not short-term) makes it more difficult to (want to) be friends, if that's not just an empty nicety, and watch her find that elsewhere.

I've removed names and changed grammar enough that it should be most anonymous. I'm not super comfortable posting the contents here, but at the same time, none of my friends would really be interested in reading it or giving the kind of advice I'm hoping for.

Apologies for rambling on and thanks for reading.

Here we go:

Hi [X],

I’m really sorry it’s taken me so long to get in touch with you; I’m sure you’ve been wondering what’s going on. I’ve been thinking a lot about you and the time we’ve spent together. I had thought, and hoped, that there was something between us with the potential to be long-term and maybe serious. That’s definitely what I am interested in at this point in my life. But unfortunately I don’t think that potential is there. I decided to send this message instead of calling to talk about it because, frankly, I’m far more articulate in writing than I am over the phone, and I thought it might be easier for both of us.

I hope you’ll indulge me to say a few more things. I have really enjoyed getting to know you and spending time with you. I find you smart and attractive and interesting and – this is kind of a big deal for me – so easy and comfortable to be around. There is definitely a connection between us, I think, but just not quite the kind of connection I am looking for, in terms of a long-term relationship. I know that probably sounds vague. I like your sense of humour, I like the clever way you write a facebook message, I like that you took me bowling and to a blues bar and offered to cook me salmon for dinner and come help out at [the mission]. I think you’re excellent in so many ways and I’m glad you decided to contact me.

Perhaps this is a long shot, but I would really like to be friends. I’m sure you have more than enough friends already, and I know the post-dating friendship thing can be a dicey proposition. But if you find it’s something you’re interested in and willing to try, I hope you’ll let me know. I’d consider myself lucky to have you as a friend in any capacity.

I hope I hear from you. Take care,
[Y]

How Do I Write to Comrade Fidel?

Deep Dish — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:25:03 -0800

I would like to write a letter to Fidel Castro. How do I get a letter to him, or find his address? Nothing too formal. I've just read a book about him and would like to share some thoughts and see if I get a reply.

Who gets to be the lucky person to write me a letter of recommendation?

carpyful — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:02:10 -0800

I'm applying to graduate school and need 3 letters of recommendations. However, I am having trouble deciding the right people to ask. HALP. I'm applying to MPA/MPP programs for the Fall of 2010. My work and academic careers have not been ideal and now I'm not sure what to do. Here's my situation:

I got my BA in May 2007 with pretty good grades (I got nearly all A's in my political science courses, which I majored in). Even though I did well, I was the type to do my work and leave class -- I never spent time talking to professors at all. It's now been 2.5 years since graduation and I feel uncomfortable asking any of my old professors for letters of recommendations. Also, I no longer live near my school so I'd have to do this all through phone or email. If I go this route, I'll be contacting my polisci seminar professor. I got an A in the class and an A on my thesis paper.

As an undergrad, I spent a summer interning at my local Congressman's office and my local state Senator's office (both in the same summer, part time with each). This was in the summer of 2006 which means that it has been a while. The only saving grace is that I used one of my internship supervisors as a reference to get my current AmeriCorps gig last year so I've had some communication there.

After graduating, I didn't really know what I wanted to do so I spent a little over a year working in unrelated fields. I did some private tutoring and freelance design to keep busy. Even though I did good work and have maintained some connections with my clients, I feel that the work is so unrelated and short-lived (most of my freelance work was 3-6 month gigs and my tutoring jobs lasted about 9 months) that they might not be great to use for applications.

The only place I am confident in getting letters of recommendations from is the place that I am working at now: I am an AmeriCorps VISTA at a nonprofit doing work I enjoy. I know a few higher-ups in my workplace that would probably write me letters. I am tempted to get more than one person from my organization to write me a recommendation but I would imagine that isn't the best idea ever.

Finally, I am in a cohort with other VISTAs (we are all in different workplaces and meet twice a month for trainings) and the supervisor of that program would write me a letter, as well. I worry that getting a letter from my work supervisor and my VISTA supervisor would be confusing and detrimental.

So to summarize my questions:
Which 3 people do I ask for letters of recommendations?
Is it worth asking professors from undergrad who I never really spoke to (but got A's in the class)?
Is it worth asking people I interned for in 2006?
Is it worth asking clients that I did work for in unrelated fields?
Is getting a letter from more than one person in a workplace weird?
If I get a letter from my work supervisor and a letter from my VISTA supervisor, will that be seen as negative (since most people won't know the difference)?

As you can see, I am in need of guidance.

"student often made rude and inappropriate requests"

hector horace — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:46:35 -0800

A question about university reference letter etiquette. I'm about to ask a few of my former university professors for references letters. Is it customary for professors to provide a copy of the reference letter to the requesting student before they submit them to the relevant party, (i.e. the school that the student is applying to)? If not would it be bad form to request to see the letters before they are forwarded?

I'm not worried that the letters will be negative but I'd rather have a look at what is said before it becomes part of my application. I'm sure I'm just being paranoid but I hate the idea of not having control over such an important part of my application.

thanks

The War on Drugs claims another one.

Anonymous — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:10:11 -0800

Dear AskMe, Should I be concerned about writing to someone in prison that knows about previous illegal activities I've participated in? Three people involved: X (my friend), Y (in prison), and I (me).

In the past, all of us went to the same college. (Y dropped out second semester senior year, X and I graduated in 2006.) The last time we heard from Y (before this incident) was last year at our homecoming. Y and I went out at around 4am to smoke pot since X didn't want to wake up to go. That was the last time any of us had spoken to Y until about a month ago.

X found out about Y's imprisonment via Y's mother posting a message on Facebook asking people who knew Y to write letters. X told me about this and said that they already written Y and said that I should write him as well. I pretty much forgot about it due to some personal stuff getting in the way.

In college, Y sold X pot on several occasions. (I was there, but never actually exchanged or recieved drugs or money. I have smoked in the presense of Y (and X) on several occasions.)

As far as the understanding of the situation Y is currently in (which I've only been able to find out through X's recounting of the letters Y has written X), Y is in federal prison awaiting trial for some sort of conspiracy and drug trafficking charges. Apparently Y has not had a trial yet, but has said that it will likely be a 10 year sentence. The trial is apparently going to happen in about 6 months or so.

Before this, I would've said that Y was nowhere dumb enough to get involved in anything obvious enough to draw this kind of attention to themselves. X, however, would be, and has actually been fired from one job already on being ratted out by another coworker for smoking on the job and continues to smoke on a regular basis. X was also a lot closer to Y than I ever was.

On the other hand, I only smoke pot when I hang out with X (which is every few months or so for a few days). Other than that, I haven't smoked pot on a daily basis since I graduated. I also happen to have my life together (house/mortgage, car, decently-paying job, etc) more than X and Y. Therefore, I'm a bit concerned about letting Y know that I'm still around and doing pretty well in the world.

So, the question is, should I be concerned about writing to Y? Is there any way that Y can somehow implicate me their current situation? Also, what sorts of things should I tell Y about? I feel kind bad being all 'oh yeah, my life's going wonderfully' while they're in jail awaiting trial.

If anyone doesn't want to respond publicly, here's the throwaway email address: M8R-dp02fx@mailinator.com

Request letter help.

RoseyD — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:04:49 -0800

How can I go about writing a request letter to local companies asking for donations for an elementary school project? My sister has recently started volunteering at a newly created, Title I magnet school -- John Muir K-12. Her task is to approach local "outdoorsy" businesses like REI and Adventure 16 and ask for donations and sponsorships. Because writing is not her strength she asked me to help her compose the donation request letter to be presented to these businesses. I've never seen one of these request letters - I imagine it shouldn't be too needy and should state how donating will help the business? Since the school wants to emphasize hiking and nature and trails and whatever else John Muir was involved in, she is to request items that would help the children learn about or experience these things. What is the best way to go about wording the request letter?

I'd like to love my like

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:36:06 -0800

What are ways of saying "I like you" that don't sound so... clinical? "I like you" and "I'm attracted to you" sound so dry, and un-romantic. "I fancy you" is not bad, but it lacks a certain je-ne-sais-quoi. "I love you" is right out, since, well, I don't.

This is intended to be in a letter, so physical displays of attraction won't really work.

What does writing a sponsor letter for someone to visit the US entail?

Anonymous — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:27:34 -0800

What does writing a sponsor letter for someone to visit the US entail? I have a friend in Nepal who wants to come to the US for a few months and is asking for a sponsor letter. I imagine this letter is much more that just a "hey Unca Sam, he's a heck of a guy, let him in" kind of thing.

As sponsor letter writer, what would I be responsible for? Food, lodging, health care, etc? Are there certain amounts—does money need to be put in a trust or something? Do I have to go through an interview process?

As a side-note, my friend has travelled to France in the past, so this would not be his first trip abroad, although it would be his first to the US. Also, he has a wife and child in Nepal, so I'm thinking the border people would be less inclined to think he was going to drop off the radar or something and stay here forever. My friend is about 30 years old.

If I am unable to meet the requirements (cash or whatever), are there groups out there that help match potential visitors with people who'd like to sponsor them? (or perhaps if groups like these existed, they would quickly be overwhelmed with requests)

I'll keep an eye on this thread, but you can also contact me via anonyaskmefi@gmail.com

To whom it may concern:

pseudostrabismus — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:57:08 -0800

I'd like to see examples of great cover letters, please. In my experience applying for jobs, grants, and programs, I think most of my cover letters have been kind of lame- a little stiff, overly formal, and basically boring. But when I try to make them sound more "like me", they get gimmicky and annoying.

I'd like to read examples of excellent cover letters. I don't really care what type of job or program they're for. I'm not so much looking for advice like "keep it brief" or "use humour" or "write it on a pizza box!" Rather, I'm seeking actual examples of smart, clear, charming, and attention-grabbing cover letters that would easily land an application in the YES pile.

If you know of something online, please share links- and if you want to share a real letter you wrote or received, perhaps you could remove or alter any identifying details, and post it here. (Obviously I'm not looking to violate anyone's confidentiality.)

Thanks!

Reference me that recommendation, please.

ElectricBlue — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:43:54 -0800

How should I approach my professors for recommendation/reference letters for a job that doesn't yet exist? I'm trying to wrap my mind around the situation, but I can't quite figure out how to work everything out in a tidy manner. So... Hivemind to the rescue! :)

I'm a current senior in college. I'm spending my last semester abroad. My study abroad lasts from March until August. So while my friends are graduating and "hitting the pavement," I'll have a very late start in hunting for a job.

Alas, I don't know what job I'll go into after college. It'll hopefully be something creative--writing, graphic design, etc.--but that's all I know.

I've been staying on-campus for the past six weeks. But I'll be kicked out of the dorms on Sunday. (Literally: someone's moving in my room that following Monday!)

My problems:

1) I'm leaving campus this Sunday. This week could be the last time I ever see my professors.
2) I'd love some recommendation/reference letters for future jobs from my professors while I'm still fresh in their minds. The problem is, how can they write a letter without knowing what job I want?
2b) Should I ask for them to emphasize my character? Traits that are in both fields of graphic design and writing?
3) There's no way that they can complete a letter in the next few days. I was thinking of giving my professors a SASE addressed to my parents' house so that they can send the rec letters at their leisure. But is that the best idea?
4) Am I overthinking this? ;)

So, to summarize: I think that it would be a great idea to go ahead and get some rec/ref letters from my professors before I leave for a study abroad. That way, when I get back from Europe, I can immediately hunt for a job. But I'm leaving for Europe soon, and I have no idea what job I'll be hunting for.

If you have any advice, that'd be awesome. Thanks in advance!

What do I write in a letter to a terminally ill former high school teacher?

cosmic osmo — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:14:46 -0800

What do I write in a letter to a terminally ill former high school teacher? A former teacher of mine is terminally ill, and I would like to write her a letter.

I had this teacher only for a one semester elective six years ago in high school, but we kept a friendly rapport in the halls whenever I would see her. She's also a friend of my mother's, who works at the school. She was diagnosed with ALS about two years ago, and has since retired from teaching and moved across the country to live with family.

I really have no idea what I'm supposed to say in correspondence like this. This woman is brilliant, with an astounding amount of knowledge on the most ridiculously esoteric subjects, but to be honest she wasn't that great of a teacher, mostly because she was so disorganized and lax and students frequently took advantage of her (so to say something like, "You were one of the best teachers I ever had" feels kind of dishonest). But I did find conversing with her out of the classroom frequently fascinating and inspiring and I want to acknowledge that not all learning takes place inside the classroom.

I haven't seen her since her diagnosis, so I'm not sure if I should mention her illness or not, or how to avoid being macabre (because it's pretty clear this is a letter I wouldn't otherwise send if she weren't sick, I'm worried about it reading like a eulogy in the second person, if that makes sense).

Any advice for how to approach this with the proper amount of sympathy and tact?

What does the old POTUS say to the new POTUS?

BobbyVan — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:39:53 -0800

Are the contents of the letters from US Presidents to their successors available in the National Archives or Presidential Libraries? I'm intrigued by the "From #43 to #44" letter that former President Bush left for President Obama in the Oval Office, and was wondering: are the contents of earlier outgoing-to-incoming POTUS letters available for historians and the public-at-large to review?

Obviously, you want Presidents to be completely frank and candid in their intimate conversations (so I would expect there to be a significant period of time before such correspondence would be made public), but it would be fascinating to read what previous US Presidents wrote to their successors.

(And please don't waste my time or yours by injecting your own political opinions.)

Strike the floor jogging

Franklin76 — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:22:33 -0800

I loathe the phrase "[I will] hit the ground running." What can I say in a cover letter that conveys that point without any of the cliche?

How do I recommend someone I have reservations about?

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:09:24 -0800

How do I write a letter of reference for someone I previously supervised and am ambivalent about? A couple of years ago, I was in a supervisory position over a few people in a yearlong community-service program engaged in rather heavy-duty work. One of the people in my group (we'll call E) had a lot of problems, being often defiant, sometimes irresponsible, and an occasional headache. At the same time, E really took to the work when the going got tough and helped me out when I needed it. On balance: not a bad person.

Now, E is applying for an undergraduate program in social services and has recently asked me for a letter of recommendation. I said yes, partly because it was Christmastime and I was feeling magnanimous and partly because E was 18 when we worked together and I recognize that a lot of people just out of high school still have a lot of growing up to do...which I think E is doing. And an undergraduate program is not so high-stakes that I'd feel ethically disingenuous helping E get in; I'd previously refused to give a work reference for another member of the group who I felt truly didn't deserve one, so I didn't take the decision lightly.

Now I'm feeling uncertain. I can't back out (that would be shitty) and I don't want to write a tepid letter (that would be passive-aggressive and shitty), not to mention that E has asked me to send it direct to E's house...which I guess ups that chances that E will read it before sending it in.

So I guess my question is, how do I focus on the positive in order to crank this thing out?

Inspriring farewell letter by a sci-fi author

monocultured — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:36:55 -0800

Help me find a Sci-fi writers farewell letter. Could be Asimov, could be someone else. As a kid I burned through all the Swedish translations of sci-fi I could find in my local library. In one anthology of novelettes – I'm assuming it was one of Sam J Lundvalls collections – there was a farewell letter from a sci-fi writer. It wasn't a suicide note, but rather written by someone old and grateful for a life well spent.

It was atheist in sentiment, and very well written. I still recall this as the attitude one would like to have when on a death bed. (Not sure if it was actually written on a death bed or earlier)

Anyway, I haven't been able to find a copy of the collection, nor any mentions of such a letter. If it is Asimov the letter might well be included in It's Been a Good Life, but I haven't seen that.

Suggestions? Links?

Onomatopoeia x

Penelope — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:19:46 -0800

Onomatopoeia for letter X I'm writing a book and need an onomatopoeia word for the letter "X". Googling has got me nowhere. Any literary types out there that could help me out? Thanks!

Frustration

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:03:38 -0800

I'm a writer/translator who is crap at writing cover letters. Yes, I am dumb. Please help. This is terribly embarrassing. I need to write some letters offering my translation services to book publishers, in which I basically say "Hello, I am a young translator and I would like to translate books for you - I know I have no experience translating actual books, but I have translated shorter texts and I can do a book, really. Please have a look at this lovely sample and see for yourself."

The thing is, I am drawing a complete blank when I have to come up with the actual letter. I've had pretty much the same problem every time I had to come up with a cover letter for my CV in the past years. I will write pages and pages on whatever subject you can think of with barely controlled glee and I know I'm good, but when it comes to cover letters I just freeze. I usually end up getting a generic cover letter from the internet, changing it until it is no longer recognizable, sending it off and then staring into space, filled with self-loathing. Or, in some cases, giving up on the idea of doing it right completely and just sending out a preposterously silly cover letter that is only designed to grab the (undoubtedly bemused) other person's interest and make them look at my CV.

I've hardly ever been refused an interview or even a job, so crappy though it makes me feel to do it like this, I must be doing something right. But there are no generic cover letters for translators contacting a publisher. Presumably because in this field, at least, people actually expect you to be able to come up with something good - and rightly so. And the publishing industry is HARD. So what do publishers look for in a letter? Can you give me advice? A skeleton text I can use to mangle as I see fit? Anything? Thanks so much.

Not looking to be sued, just wanted to express an opinion...

melangell — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:38:02 -0800

Do most newspapers allow anonymous letters to the editor? I recently submitted an anonymous letter to the editor of my local newspaper regarding a pet store's treatment of its ferrets. I had spoken to the store employees and management several times, but was always treated rudely and dismissed. I looked on the paper's website for guidelines, but did not find them, so I mailed my letter in.

I do not subscribe to our local paper, so it was a couple days later before I saw a paper copy and the printed guidelines. Apparently, you must submit name, address, and phone number with your letter. I did not think this would be an issue, but now I wonder if this is the status quo for newspapers or just the decision of my local, conservative paper. Please let me know. Thank you, Metafilter friends.

Origami -- A4 to US letter fold??

dbooster — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:02:02 -0800

How can I turn A4 paper into American letter size? Is there a simple fold I can use to do this? I know an origami fold to turn letter into A4, but I would like the opposite.

How should I say 'thanks!'?

JRGould — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:26:36 -0800

How should I write thank-you letters for charitable donations? I'm currently working on a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and have asked all of my family and friends to make donations on fund raising website (hosted by ACS). Beyond that I've also asked them to tell their family, friends, and co-workers about what I'm doing, in hopes that they'll contribute as well.

For my family and friends, it's pretty easy, I see that they've made a donation and I call them or write them an email saying something along the lines of "thank you so much, you're awesome and I love you!" But I'm kind of stumped now that friends and co-workers of friends, etc have started donating. I want to send them a personal note letting them know that I appreciate their contribution, but I don't want to cross any lines as far as formality, etc. since I don't know the person personally and especially in the case that it's a co-worker or boss.

Some suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

(also if you'd like to donate so I can practice on you, check out http://sonotcool.org/j to find out more and get a link to donate on the ACS's website... :-)

I'll write a tipsy letter to a real good friend of mine

numinous — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:39:13 -0800

Darling-Letter-Filter: Where can I purchase attractive, design-inspired paper goods online? I am planning on hand-writing some letters in order to re-connect with people in my life (and to update them on my current whereabouts/endeavors, etc.). Thus, I am looking specifically for sheets of paper + envelopes for letter-writing. I really enjoy the design sensibility of current independent designers, so I'd like something that reflects this.

I'm well-acquainted with designers on Etsy, but I'm not finding what I'm after. Most of my other leads are from places like Creature Comforts and Oh Joy! (taking a look at those, you'll get a good feel for what I'm looking for). However, as with Etsy, most of the suggested designers are primarily invested in creating folded note-cards, and not singular sheets for letter-writing.

Can you suggest somewhere online where I might be able to find such stationary? I want links! Lot of links!

If there is a designer or online storefront that doesn't offer such stationary, but you feel shouldn't be missed, please feel free to post those links, too! I might find use for those later on. :)

Now that you're not so busy, maybe you can read my letter...

the christopher hundreds — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:53:29 -0800

Have you ever written to a celebrity who has fallen from grace? Especially one who landed really, really hard? For the record, the person I'm thinking of writing to is Chris Langham. I've enjoyed a ton of his work but Help and The Thick of It are masterpieces. On one hand if I were in his shoes, I'd like to hear from people who like my work. On the other hand I don't buy his Townshendian explanation about why he did what he did and don't want to present myself as an unquestioning admirer. On yet another hand it seems the odds of getting a response is higher in these circumstances than it would be in other, better times.

Have you ever contacted a similarly situated celeb? How did/would you weigh these issues?

Help me write a statement supporting my request for a pay rise

t0astie — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:13:21 -0800

I recently got promoted. Hurrah for me! But I badly need help with how to word a statement supporting my request for a payrise. I applied for a job, which was a position that had been vacant for about six months, knowing that it paid lots more than the job I was in. Other people who have done and/or are doing the same job take home over $200-week more than I do after tax.

But when I got the job, I was told that, no I would not be getting a pay rise.

At the time I said, politely but firmly, that I thought it was reasonable to expect my significantly increased responsibilities to be reflected in my remuneration. My boss said he agreed and that I would get a pay rise in the middle of the year.

And he asked me to write him a short statement supporting my request for a raise.

I think I’ve got a pretty good case, but I’m not sure exactly how to word the statement. Especially the bit where I ask for A LOT more dollars. Or whether I should mention the extra expenses I’ve incurred in taking up the job.

These extra expenses are big ones. I’ve had to buy a car which puts me out of pocket about $150/week and move to another town where it’s horrendously expensive to live, taking on massive rent stress in the process. I estimate I’m about $300/week worse off, working five times harder. If I’m honest, this is the reason I want the raise. And it will certainly be the reason I leave if I don’t get it.

But I'm pretty sure it won't hold much sway with those higher up. Or would it? I don't know.

I'm not planning to threaten to quit in my statement. But I'm broke enough that if a decent raise (much more than CPI) is not forthcoming, I won't have much of a choice. I guess, I'd like to communicate just how serious the financial strain is.

And: the people who get paid much more have much, much more experience. So I might expect to be paid a *bit* less. But we do exactly the same job. And, if I do say so, I'm good at my job. I don't mean I'm the most awesomest ever. But I am good enough to be paid fairly for what I do.

Last: my boss is not a callous penny-pinching ogre. He helped me find a good deal on the car, so that saved me a couple of thousand bucks. And he organised for the company to advance me an interest free loan, which I pay back each week, so I could afford to rent a place in the new town. True, it's in the company's interests to get me here doing the job, but those things did help me, and I do appreciate them.

I am, however, still broke.

I’ve got as far as…

Dear Boss

Further to our discussion, I’ve outlined some points in support of a request for a pay rise from my current salary of $not much to $something I can live on.

Increased responsibility
Improved performance
Increased expenses
Increased cost of living

Sincerely
My Name

I was going to flesh out each section with one or two lines. Am I on the right track? Wildly off base? Should I put something at the end to say ''thanks for your consideration'' or similar?

Any suggestions about content and/or wording would be a big help.