The development of postcards
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Writing.
The Evolution of Postcards
Introduction
The journey of postcards began in 1865 in Germany and has since evolved into various forms, from traditional holiday greetings to digital e-cards.
Early Development
The concept of postcards was first suggested at the 1865 World Post Conference in Karlsruhe, Germany. However, it faced initial rejection due to moral concerns. By late 1869, Austria intoduced a correspondence card with an imprinted postmark, priced at 2 Kreuzer, cheaper than a letter. This idea caught on in Germany by 1870, particularly during the German-French War when postcards featuring landscapes from occupied territories became popular.
Naming and Commercialization
By 1872, the term "postcard" emerged, and companies began incorporating photos. A year later, postcards with imprinted postmarks became available, marking a turning point in accessibility. By the century's end, postcards were sold in tobacco and stationery shops.
Types of Postcards
Picture Postcards
These feature images of holiday destinations on the front, with space on the back for personal messages. The first picture postcard was sent by Albert Schwartz on July 10, 1870.
Reply Cards
Introduced in 1872, these came with an attached reply card, allowing the sender to cover postage for the recipient. Production ceased in 1992.
Film Postcards
Emerging between 1910 and 1920 from the Ross Publishing House, these cards showcased portraits of film stars and scenes, becoming popular collectibles.
Serrated Postcards
Introduced on June 1, 1913, these postcards were part of a series and could be fed into typewriters for continuous writing. They later included reply cards.
World Postcards
From July 1, 1875, postcards could be sent internationally. These featured multilingual imprints and often came with increased postage for special services.
Electronic Cards (E-cards)
E-cards are the digital counterparts of traditional postcards. Online services offer a variety of designs, including birthday, holiday, and invitation themes. Users fill out a web form with their message, sender, and recipient details, and send the card via email. Many e-cards also include animations and music, adding a personalized touch.
Conclusion
Postcards have transformed from simple correspondence cards to digital marvels, adapting to our evolving communication needs while maintaining their charm.
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