Therte are two schools of thought on email. The first is that it takes entirely too much time to fool with, that it becomes a major drag and that it is counter-productive to productivity. The second major thought is that email has greatly revived written communications – grandparents hear from their grandkids, friends who've been out of touch for years start corresponding and it helps everyone who has to deal with the written word write a little better.
   I am one of those people who think email is great. The amount of time (and money) it takes to answer business correspondence is a fraction of writing a letter and I have found (or been found) by several old buddies this year. We keep up with each other from time to time on a pretty regular basis and remember why we were buddies in the first place.
   And now, thanks to vLetterWriter, you can send email that's as personal as your own handwritten letters used to be.
   Actually, there are two options for vLetterWriter: the first is to use the program with a pair of very well done supplied fonts (which were written out by people whose handwriting is certainly better than mine); the second is to have the folks at vLetterWriter make you a custom font with your own handwriting.
   Look at the sample for a moment because you'll see the custom font is really customized, the letters come together just like they should. Years ago I tried to make a custom font for myself with Fontographer and did OK, except, of course, each letter was separate. That is not the case here.
   Fonts aside – although they can be a major enhancement to customization – the program is a whiz. You can vary the color of the handwriting, the color of the background, the graphics of the border or make your own custom "letterhead" like the example on the right (without a border). You even get a "one-click" signature. A major bonus!
   The thing is, that isn't all. You can also send your notes and letters directly by email. At present, they are sent as attachments but soon after the first of the year, vLetterWriter will simply create an HTML email and place your writing on the main page! As a matter of fact, there is an online version in the works, too. Check the web site for more info on this.
   In addition, vLetterWriter will install a toolbar into Microsoft Word, so you can use your font or those which are supplied to write letter-length correspondence in your own handwriting.
   Additionally, there are controls to vary the randomness of the font's letter form selection. I have no idea how they do this, but it is very neat.
   In fact, vLetterWriter is so neat it is way cool. After spam filters, vLetterWriter is the perfect add-in to any email program and you'll be amazed at the comments you get from this excellent program.

   Link to the Signature Software web site.