To RSVP or not, chain letters, etc.

I know that I have been guilty of throwing away an invitation and forgetting to call and respond whether I plan to attend such function or not; however, are there really any excuses for not responding to an e-vite these days? C'mon people, the host can see who has viewed the invitation and honestly, if you have time to view the invite, you have time to respond. Ok, so it so happens you might have a conflict. How hard is it to mark the maybe box or even e-mail the host and explain your situation?

Let's say you just don't want to go to this function. A simple mark the no I will not attend box works and you can move on with your life. As a hostess, I would much rather have a no in the box than wonder if you might or might not show up (especially when I am a) planning a meal and b) need to make seating assignments.

Speaking of the e-world. Does this same thing apply to chain letters? I am not sure what Miss Manners would say, but I cannot stomach chain letters and especially the ones that end up on my door. Where is the chain letter resurgence coming from and why did I get three requests last month? No, my son does not need to join a sticker club, I don't need any more dish towels or any used books. Thanks for thinking of me, but I refuse to send this on to someone who feels guilted into participating. By the way, I also chose not to let you know I was not forwarding them on. I am sure that I am not the only one.