Write a letter to the future
It's pretty simple.
Step One
Write a letter. It can be as short or as long as you want. It can be to someone else or yourself. It can be public or private.
Step Two
Choose the date you want the letter to be delivered to the recipient. This could be tomorrow or in a few years—your choice!
Step Three
That's it! Everything else is automated. So, sit back, relax, and read letters by other people. Or, you can support the site.
Is it really free?
Yes. Future Postbox is completely free—it's a side hobby of The Postman who runs the site. That said, the site does cost money to run and The Postman has some lofty dreams of where it could all go:
· Imagine being able to send messages based on geography, temperature, or factors other than just time!
· Imagine sending different types of media: Videos, documents, voice messages, and more!
· Imagine having your own app and account where you can keep track of all the letters you've sent and received!
Perhaps one day, but that all costs money and The Postman is a volunteer. If you'd like to support the site visit Future Postbox's support page.
What do you write?
Whatever you like! People use Future Postbox for lots of different reasons. Some use it as a time capsule of thoughts and feelings, some use it as a way to set or track goals, some use it to say the things that are too hard to say face-to-face, and others use it as a daily journal. If you're after more inspiration, you can read letters others have written. NB: There are some limitations on explicit content (see below).
I used to be able to upload images! What happened?
In short: cost. The Postman runs this site without income and the cost of collecting and hosting images became too expensive (I'm looking at you, Webflow!) . If you already wrote a letter that included images, rest assured your letter will still be delivered with the images attached.
Are there any limits on content?
Future Postbox is a place of love and good vibes.
· The Postman will not tolerate any form of cyber bullying, trolling, or illegal activity.
· Letters may be screened and The Postman reserves the right not to send, delete, or forward your letter to any relevant authorities.
· Anyone under the age of 18 should seek permission to use Future Postbox from their parent or guardian.
· Please refer to the Data and Privacy Policy for more information.
Is it automated?
Yes! As of October 2023, Future Postbox is now completely automated. In the past, The Postman manually sent every letter. This was not only tedious but resulted in some occasional issues with consistency of delivery (The Postman apologises to anyone affected). So, the service should now be a lot more reliable! Oh, you may wish to add the email address thepostman@futurepostbox.com to your safe senders to avoid messages going to spam.
What's the difference in privacy options?
· If you select "This letter can be public", your letter can be read by others via the read page. If you've made your letter public, but later change your mind, send an email to The Postman with your details and it will be removed from the public page.
· If you select "Keep this letter private", then it will only be sent to the intended recipient.
What does The Postman do with your data?
The Postman is extremely cautious with your data. Primarily, it's used to:
· Get the letter to where it needs to go.
· Provide you (extremely infrequent) updates about Future Postbox.
For more information, please read Future Postbox's full Privacy Policy.
A glimpse at what other people have written.
November 13, 2011
From:
Daniel Anderson
To:
Daniel Anderson
Date to be sent:
November 13, 2012
Dear Future me, I don't know if you are successful yet, however, don't give up, you're still young. You have a bright future if you keep trying. You dont have to be the best, just try your best. I don't know whats happened over the past year but at this time last year you were pretty stressed with final exams and certain things in your life which werent going your way. Anyway this is just refreshing your mind of a year ago. Push yourself over and over until you achieve your goals. Remember to respect those you care about, they wont be there forever, as you can remember. This must have been a big year for you future me so goodluck with the rest of it, it may be hard but it will get easier. Regards, Past Self
September 28, 2012
From:
Raquel Buen Cabrieto
To:
Nikki Godino
Date to be sent:
September 28, 2013
Hi Nikki! :-) Haha writing this now, taking a break from worrying about the workshop we're marketing. Thank you so much for being one of our saving graces and for doing your best to pursue our endeavor! :D Sorry for the times, I've just been afraid, or busy or frustrated balancing everything. I bet a year from now (when you read this! :P) We're on to a new adventure with Teachables and earning our (cross fingers**) first million! Or atleast on the way to doing sooo! :) I'm really glad we stuck it out - even if it's been tricky at times. I love you and our team! Let's celebrate our success and party!!! :P
