[SpamCop-List] Re: Tiresome

[Dar]

> > > I'm not aware of that law/tradition/practice (likely after my time),
do
> > you
> > > have any links?
> >
> > http://www.writing-business-letters.com/business-letter-format.html
> > Dear Sir or Madam:
>
> That's when it is to an individual. When it is to a whole department or
> company, it is "Dear Sirs". (In this context it is being used
collectively).

http://www.fgcu.edu/careers/students/successpacket2.html
In any case, avoid potentially offensive salutations like
"Dear Gentlemen," or "Dear Sirs."

http://www.kanten.com/styleguide/letelem.html
When the addressee's name is unknown, several options are available:
Ladies and Gentlemen: (or the reverse)  Ladies: (all women)
Dear Sir or Madam: (or the reverse)  Gentlemen: (all men)
Dear Friends:     Dear Colleagues:
Sexist salutations, e.g., Dear Sirs, Gentlemen, etc., are not used.
When none of the non-gender alternatives seems appropriate, a
simplified letter format (omitting the salutation) may be used.