You'll be astonished to learn why they were formed in the first place. Chain letters take use of every human feeling and desire, from alarm to laughter to indignation and despair, all with one purpose in mind: to convince others to distribute them. Whether you believe they can help or not, it's impossible to say; but they are certainly able to make people feel good about themselves, which is exactly what they are after. They spread by word of mouth. If someone wants to share the letter with their friends, they will. They may even go so far as to write "Someday I'll explain everything! In fact, I'll let you know when that day is!" on an envelope and put it in the mail. This is how some people have found copies of the letter floating around many years later. People think it's funny. That's probably why most chain letters start with a joke. It makes people laugh, so they will want to pass the letter on to their friends. The funnier the better, according to some fans. People need encouragement. Sometimes we all need to hear something positive said about ourselves. That's where chain letters come in. They tell us we're wonderful just the way we are, without trying to change ourselves or our relationships. They encourage us to live life to its fullest. People want to help others.