Idea No Good

I talked to a USPS person and was told that the idea to save the USPS by encouraging friends and family to write letters is considered a chain letter and as such is illegal. I had thought that it was only illegal if money was involved but I guess the stamps enclosed could be considered something of value.

It was a marvelous idea that the one who would benefit from it declared it un-doable. So, what can be done?