[calvinmorrison]

> I find the idea that everyone needs an address is outdated and harmful at least to some groups.

The #1 thing the USPS could have done to retain customers would be to have an actual sane forwarding service. I just had a company I worked at 10 years ago call me for an updated address because I had mail that kept going there after being returned from an address I had 5 years ago...

I wish I could just tell the USPS my current address, and instead just list an address for leters that would forward to my actual address.

(yes this exists as a forwarding service, but we could skip all that)

[ryandrake]

Taking this even further, I wish I could just give out some randomish 64 character string for an address, and that the USPS could translate that string into a physical address for delivery. Then, when I move, I just notify the post office, and they update my entry in the look-up table. If I'm going to be without a physical address, no problem, they can make the look-up table point to a PO box or something.

There is no good reason that I should need to give someone literal directions to my physical house, just so they can send a letter to me. Only the post office (and other delivery companies) need to know the physical address to send their trucks to.

[ckorhonen]

USPS is actually working on this, though more slanted towards marketers: https://www.productionsolutions.com/up-next-from-usps-inform...

> USPS is now piloting a new technology platform: Informed Address (IA).

> This innovative concept enables mail to be sent and delivered without a consumer’s physical address. Instead, Informed Address allows recipients to use identifiers including an email address, social media handles, or a custom name for mail processing and delivery functions.

> As privacy remains a top concern, Informed Address will replace the delivery point with a unique code where the usual IMB (Intelligent Mail Barcode) is substituted with an “Informed Address IMB”, which contains the physical address information. This allows customers the enhanced privacy and identity protection, as marketers will no longer need to obtain or hold a physical address for their mail communications.

> During the testing period, the USPS will assess consumer engagement, gauge mailer interest, and determine technical feasibility. This new technology provides the opportunity for marketers to provide additional services, including vanity address development and enhanced consumer targeting for B2B and B2C marketing.

[evan_]

and you could give each entity you interact with a different 64 character string.

[jaycroft]

After dealing with changing dozens of addresses and forgetting to change countless more after moving every few years, I have always dreamed of a DNS like service for mail. Give me a serial number, then I don't need to keep my address on file with anyone except for the post office (and maybe FedEx and UPS).

[bserge]

What, like a mail forwarder like MyUS?

Would that be legal in the US? It sure wouldn't be in most of Europe because you don't live there. Which for some fucking reason is a must.