Indirect Organization is Ethical

In my opinion, the indirect strategy is unethical only if the writer intends to deceive the reader. When the writer deliberately delays the main idea for reasons such as when the receiver is unable to properly receive and comprehend the message, the receiver is actually benefiting. Using the indirect method can also make the receiver feel like the writer has been tactful and that he/she cares for the receiver. Using the indirect method is often very helpful when attempting to soften the blow of a bad news message. Ethical communicators do not intend to deceive the reader. Bad news can be announced in a bad news message but should never be used to misrepresent or avoid the truth. The indirect strategy may be easily used to manipulate the reader, but as long as it is used ethically it will benefit both the writer and the reader in every situation. 

Writing Plan for Adjustment Messages

According to the Business Dictionary, an adjustment message is, "A written response to a claim letter sent by a customer by a business representative or manager. An adjustment letter is generally written after a client of the business makes a material claim. Basically, it is a response to a customer's claim letter. Unfortunately, claims are often letters from customers that are upset or unsatisfied. To resolve the customer's complaint, an adjustment letter can be written. Adjustment letters should be sent as soon as possible after receiving the customer's claim letter. A successful claim letter can often prevent a customer from leaving a company and establish a strengthened relationship. 

Like with any type of letter, it is important to begin with brainstorming ideas and putting together an outline. Outlines help to gather one's thoughts in a manner that will be easy to transfer into the letter format. It is important to gather relevant information about the customer's relationship with the company. 

Next, it is important that you establish what you want the reader to do. According to Englet, for an adjustment letter to be effective, it must consist of:

1. Acknowledgment of receipt of our complaining customer.
              -Use a phrase such as, "Thank you for your letter of" or just refer to information in the claim                 letter.
2. Expression of our apology
               -Clearly state what the apology is for. 
3. Explanation of the problem
               -Introduce the problem that was found, the causes, and effects.
4. Solution of the problem: It can be an action or reimbursement.  
               -Let the reader know that changes have been made to prevent re-occurrence and assure them                  it will not happen again.  

It is very important to maintain goodwill throughout the letter. Never end a letter with a negative tone. Always end with words that imply the customer will be continue doing business with the company. 

Social Bookmarking, Professional Networking, and Social Networking

Pinterest, Linked In, and Facebook are all sites that many people use daily. I am an avid user of Pinterest and Facebook, but I do not have as much use for LinkedIn. I find that each of these sits are very beneficial in many different ways.

According to Webtrends, social bookmarking is "tagging a website and saving it for later." Every time someone sees something they like on Pinterest and sends the link to someone else, he/she is participating in social bookmarking. According to Cnet.com, Pinterest now has "100 million monthly active members." Pinterest isn't the only social bookmarking site, so this means that there are at least 100 million social bookmarking users in all. Social bookmarking allows users to save and share websites. Users are also able to discover new things by browsing through items tagged by other users. Spam is con when it comes to social bookmarking. Unfortunately, people can create the same web page multiple times. This creates more views for the creator, but also more problems for the user.

According to Deitel, a professional networking site can be used to network with other professionals, find and post jobs, grow business contacts, etc. Professional networking sites are becoming more popular as time progresses. According to Statista, Linked In has at least 97 million active users. Through the little experience I have with this website, I have learned that professional networking sites are very beneficial to people who are trying to expand their connections with other business professionals. Various users have reported that sites such as Linked In can have many people who are not who they say they are. This can be risky when trying to build credibility with a company.

WhatIs.com has described a social networking site as one that is involved in "expanding the number of one's business and/or social contacts by making connections through individuals." Social networking sites such as Facebook allow users to connect with people around the world simply through mutual contacts. Connecting with new people is a great way for someone to become introduced to an array of opportunities that he/she might not otherwise. Statista.com reported that Facebook has nearly 1,500 million users monthly. This number has increased drastically within the past few years and will definitely continue to do so. Unfortunately, as the level of online interaction rises, the level of face-to-face interaction falls. This could ultimately lead to a society where people do not know how to communicate effectively with one another. Social networking use among minors increases their chances of contact with predators and pedophiles. Social networking sites can be both beneficial and dangerous; they should always be used responsibly.

Each of these types of sites has the ability to broaden one's knowledge and interest of past, present, and future things and people. There is much to be gained from the use of these sites, but there is also potentially much to lose. It is imperative that adults use these sites responsibly and that parents monitor their child's use of not only these types of sites, but all sites available on the Internet today.