World Postcard Day - prelude

 On October 1 of each year, we observe World Postcard Day in order to remember the creation of this unique and valuable item.  The simple and inexpensive method of communication is commonly accepted to have begun in 1869 and after a peak in popularity has declined in use but endures to today.  Each year, Postcrossing releases a postcard design for the benefit of its member to use to mark the day on auspicious day.  This year's design was announced this just morning and is a beautiful one by graphic designer Rose Wong.  In previous years, Postcrossing has derived the card design from an open contest.  But last year the winning design was later found to have copyright issues.  Also, AI - derived artwork has infiltrated card contest submissions and is difficult to detect.  So this year the card design has been directly commissioned.  We are told that the design is meant to honor the Universal Postal Union, which is an 1874 treaty organization that standardizes and streamlines the exchange of international mail, and this year celebrates its 150th anniversary.  I've already downloaded this year's postcard design and sent in an order to have a batch printed up so I'll be ready on October 1 to send postcards around the world, continuing the quaint, anachronistic hobby I've enjoyed for over a decade.