I also have saved a fair number of Internet frequently forwarded
messages (FFM) and appreciate receiving any of those. If you
would like to receive forwards of FFM that I get let me know.
>From time to time I may "publish" analysis of chain letters here,
or will gladly attempt to answer any questions. The evolution of
chain letters is complex, and there are a few surprises, such as how
rapidly a successful innovation replaces prior forms. For example,
around 1978 someone added: "Remember, don't send money. Please do not ignore
this. It Works!" In a sample of over 70 letters since 1980 this appears
on all examples. Examination of details shows that all these started with
a single letter - the resulting progeny being about a billion letters perhaps.
Other remarkably replicative innovations were the use of new titles around
1982-83 ("Kiss someone you love ....." and "With Love all things are possible")
and the "Retype testimonial" of 1988 ("In 1987 the letter received by a young
woman in California was faded and barely readable ..... retypes .... got
a new car."). Variations that increase in the sample can usually be
related to some replicative advantage, such as the obvious advantage of
the Retype testimonial for legibility. Dan VanArsdale 2/4/96