The development of information technology, especially personal computers, has significantly affected the structure, format, and tone of letters to shareholders over 25 years.
             When General Mills's letter to its stockholders and employees was written in 1977, the personal computer, or word processor and presentation software, had not been invented. General Mills wrote this letter by using a typewrite or printing office, that required a certain format. In General Mills's letter, the two column alignment seems pretty plain, but there is a reason. A typewriter cannot layout the letter vividly like the recent samples. Justification is required, since it's not easy to change the layout of the words and one font type and the same size is convenient and necessary for the letter.
             Twenty-five year development of information technology has allowed us to decorate our writing. It is much easier to read when there is space between lines, though the size of the word becomes smaller. It is achievable because you can easily adjust the font size and space between lines in order to become reader oriented with the computer. It also allows us to use different types of font in different sizes. Layout has dramatically changed (e.g. you can layout writing vertically or horizontally). Picture can be added. In some sense, a writer becomes a graphic designer. All these changes enhance the impact of the writing. For example, P&G CEO, Mr. A.G. Lafley's picture looks as if he is talking to you.
             Some people would ague that it's an undeniable fact that young people no longer read as (much as) they used to. It's true, but on the other hand, it's one side of the analysis. Presentation software like Power Point is increasing this trend.
             Form the perspective of a potential investor, P&G, Sony, Microsoft, and Corning are more effective. Not only does good layout of the letter give potential investors a good impression before reading
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