Today is World Postcard Day, in which we celebrate the first use of the humble communication device, a simple small piece of paper. Postcard history tells us that the postcard was first used on this day in 1869 in Austria, and soon grew to a popular and ubiquitous item in the pre-digital world. Short messages and usually colorful photos could be quickly sent via postal mail, and were most commonly used by tourists to keep in touch with family and friends back home. Such missives from travelers were eagerly anticipated and often collected as souvenirs of travel to exotic locations. In today's digital age, postal mail and especially postcards have become an anachronistic curiosity. But in 2005, the Postcrossing project was begun, and today members send nearly half a million cards per month, exchanging them with randomly assigned strangers all around the world. Postcrossers who send a card on this day receive a special badge of participation on their personal profile page. This year will be the seventh consecutive year in which I have participated, and I will be sending copies of the official World Postcard Day design. Each card, as it is received, will play a tiny part in the legacy that began in Austria 157 years ago on this day. Write on.
