There is confusion about the term: “free postcard.”

Free in this context means given to you but might included a requirement to have patronized the giver. Many hotels for instance give free postcards but they are in the rooms so they have an implied caveat “free postcard with the purchase of a room.” These are still free by our definition.

But what is a postcard? For the purposes of this blog a postcard must be:

1. Within the size parameters stipulated by the USPS. So that it can be sent at the postcard rate.
Postcard Rate Dimensions:
– Minimum: 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by 0.007 inch thick.
– Maximum: 4-1/4 inches high by 6 inches long by 0.016 inch thick.

This one is to large:

This one is just right:

2. And have a writable area on the back left that is at least 25% of the message side of the reverse.

3. And be available for more than just a moment.

So most of the Art exhibit opening cards fail tests two and three.  An advertising card could easily qualify and here is a picture of one that does:

Even Libertarians have rules.

Having said all that I’ll repeat postcards are an excellent anachronism for staying in touch, for giving a little bit of pleasure and for promoting a product or service.  If they also meet the above rules it is even more excellent.

Wouldn’t you like to get this postcard.  You would know the person who sent it had fun acquiring it and if you ever got to Chicago you might be tempted to give O’Tooles a try.