AUDIO TAPING PEN PALS (TAPESPONDING)

By Sharon Harms, Iowa

In Jan. '76 my mom gave me a belated Christmas gift--a tape recorder. Little did either one of us know what it would lead to. Two months later I got a letter from a gal in east central Iowa, asking me to be pals. That wasn't unusual. I had been writing to pals since Sept. '71. But this was different. She was asking me to send her a letter using a cassette tape. After thinking about it--for about 30 seconds--I put a blank tape in the machine and talked and talked; we're still talking after 24 years. Not just on tape but also on the phone, via email and face to face.

For someone who's never done it, it's easy to get started. All you need is a recorder, blank tapes, paper for notes, padded envelopes and time. Time is a big factor. Time to talk, time to listen and take notes. But it's all worth it! Oh, I did forget about the postage. Basically, as of right now, instead of 33 cents it's 55 cents. But as with anything else, it can be higher when you add photos, fbs, etc.

There are some advantages over writing letters. One, it's easier to get to know someone. You can go into greater detail on things. For example, when I write & tell my letter pals about my experience going to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle, that's all they get. But my tape pals get to hear the excitement--and fear--in my voice.

One of the fun things about taping is hearing all of the different accents. I love it when I hear someone from the South or New England. I have also taped to women in Great Britain and Australia. Even women here in Iowa have different accents.

I've been trying to think of some disadvantages to taping. The time and postage can be considered that for some people. And then there's the post office. When I think of how many tapes have been lost and broken (and a few literally crushed), I cringe.

Now, I realize that taping isn't for everyone. Some of the 'excuses' I've heard are--not enough time, not enough 'quiet' time (background noises can be a distraction on both ends), I hate the sound of my voice on tape, etc. Several of my pals have solved the problem of privacy and time by taping in their car. One bit of advice if you do that, don't hold the recorder near an open window. Wind can really affect the sound quality.

So, why not give it a try? Request tape pals in fbs, ask the pals you already have (you might be surprised), or put an ad in a pen pal newsletter.

(Sharon is a 49 year old stay-at-home housewife [mom of two who have flown the coop] who loves bears of any kind, unusual business cards, traveling and spending time with her friends - mainly pals [letter/tape/email]. Has a daughter & 3 grandchildren in south Texas and a son who is a MP in the army).