Any ideas?

[SmedlyButler]

I don't write letters as a rule, e-mail or phone is so much less time consuming. However I'm in the position of having to communicate with a government bureaucracy in a more formal correspondence. My problem is the salutation. Are the old standbys - Dear Sir or...To whom it may concern... still acceptable? In my googling there is some suggestion they are outmoded but no reasonable alternatives are to be found. Anybody know the best salutation for a letter to an anonymous government bureaucrat these days?

 

[norwegen]

USGS Correspondence Handbook - Chapter 4

 

[SmedlyButler]

USGS Correspondence Handbook - Chapter 4

I came across that site. It would be helpful if I was writing POTUS or knew the name or title of the anonymous faceless bureaucrat who'll probably be reading my letter. Appreciate your time.

 

[anam600]

I have no any idea on it.