Ann Telford, from Dublin, asks whether it is appropriate to thank for dinner by text message or e-mail.

The old-fashioned courtesy is a handwritten reply in genuine ink, but this is probably idealistic. Many young do not possess fountain pens. Tempora mutantur. At least you imply that it is appropriate to thank for dinner in a bread-and-butter letter. In 2008 a brd-‘n’-btr text will do. PH

Dr Margaret Gullan-Whur, Heacham, Norfolk: “It’s a lot better than not thanking at all.”

Philip Whyatt, Derby: “Surely this would be acceptable only had the invitation to dinner been sent by e-mail. But it still seems deplorable.”

A. S. Mason, Cardiff: “If the dinner came in a polystyrene tray, then, yes, it’s perfectly appropriate.”

David Agress, Newport Beach, California: “Personally, I quite enjoy the vibration which hails the arrival of a text message.”

Richard Dixon, Deal: “A simple phone call will probably suffice.”

Tim Mickleburgh, Grimsby: “Only if you have a mobile phone or internet access.”

Readers are invited to send their responses to this week’s question by February 16. A selection will be printed in a fortnight. Email etiket@thetimes.co.uk

How do I politely tell my lazy boss to shut up and let me work?

AnonyMs, Frodsham, Cheshire