Postcards: short, sweet, and goes on the fridge.

January 8, 2010 3:47 PM

Postcard Exchange, anyone?

After suggestion from this post and the cookie exchange, I was thinking a postcard exchange between mefites would be fun.

Post where you're from in the thread here, thereby putting your name in the hat of interested participants, and we can all exchange addresses through mefimail (rather than setting us up for weird junkmail and stalkers by posting addys here). Whaddaya say?

posted by lizbunny to MetaFilter Gatherings at 3:47 PM (313 comments total)

definitely in!

Ontario, Canada.
posted by gursky at 3:59 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

Hat <--- me!

Seattle.
posted by hattifattener at 4:07 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

San Antonio, TX

I wouldn't mind doing more than one exchange.
posted by bigmusic at 4:11 PM on January 8, 2010 [5 favorites]

Sounds fun. I'm in Montreal.
posted by jeather at 4:11 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

I love postcards. New Orleans.
posted by gordie at 4:13 PM on January 8, 2010 [5 favorites]

I'm in.
From Boston
posted by InkaLomax at 4:14 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

Yes! San Francisco.

I'm already on postcrossing but exchanging my first few postcards is taking a while, and I'm impatient.
posted by tantivy at 4:17 PM on January 8, 2010 [5 favorites]

I live in Summerfield (just outside of Greensboro), NC.

But I'm from Houston. Just putting that out there. And my fridge is not magnetic.

Since probably no one wants to exchange with me now, I'll go ahead and ask how we're supposed to match up. Just pick someone and memail my address to them? Or will we have some sort of matching algorithm?
posted by jeoc at 4:18 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

I assume you mean actual "see the sights" postcards, showing all the lovely places you can visit if you go there on holiday?

If so, I'm currently halfway between Scunthorpe and Grimsby. You'd better hurry, I can't send everybody a lovely greeting from two of the most beautiful places on earth!
posted by Sova at 4:20 PM on January 8, 2010 [8 favorites]

When we do the holiday card exchange at Metachat, we sort into groups of 10-12 and send cards to everyone in that group. Something similar maybe?

And I am so in. New York City.
posted by gaspode at 4:21 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

I'm in!

Depending on when the exchange takes place, I'll either be in Toledo, Ohio or Kenosha, Wisconsin. (Or I can head to Chicago and pick up a card/take pictures there, since it's way more exciting than either of those cities. :P)
posted by biochemist at 4:24 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

Secret Quonsar was fun, so sure, I'd like to. Near Philadelphia.
posted by fixedgear at 4:30 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

I'm in Portland and would like to exchange postcards.

You're more likely to get something crafty like a collage from me rather than something sightseey. Or maybe a combination of both.
posted by dchrssyr at 4:31 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

I'm in, why not?
Northwest Missouri. Not too scenic at the moment -- pure, unadulterated, WHITE as far as the eye can see.
posted by lleachie at 4:38 PM on January 8, 2010 [5 favorites]

Sure thing.
Raleigh, NC.

I'll find one for some weird old defunct NC tourist trap.
posted by marxchivist at 4:43 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

Normandy, France.

But, I don't have an address yet; I'd love to be partner to exchanges that can be redirected to friends for a good and good-natured laugh or squirm.
posted by whatzit at 4:49 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

I adore receiving mail, so I'm totally in. Toronto, Canada.
posted by Go Banana at 5:06 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

Sure, I'll even use a nice stamp. San Francisco, CA.
posted by Quietgal at 5:13 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

In. Vancouver, Canada.
posted by PercussivePaul at 5:22 PM on January 8, 2010 [6 favorites]

I'm in.

I'm in Brooklyn.

I'm in Brooklyn and I think this is a good idea.
posted by defenestration at 5:46 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

(and I already know exactly where I'll get my postcard)
posted by defenestration at 5:47 PM on January 8, 2010

In! I have a bunch of postcards sitting on my desk!
posted by pjern at 6:04 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

Newfoundland, Canada.
posted by futureisunwritten at 6:17 PM on January 8, 2010 [7 favorites]

Oh, and I'm in.
posted by futureisunwritten at 6:18 PM on January 8, 2010

Postcrossing
posted by DU at 6:18 PM on January 8, 2010 [1 favorite]

Anyone who sends me anything will get something in exchange. Other than that I promise nothing.

Christopher L. Jorgensen
P.O. Box 93042
Des Moines, IA 50393

Hell, you don't even have to be on metafilter. You can be some weirdo who just like reading metatalk.
posted by cjorgensen at 6:30 PM on January 8, 2010 [6 favorites]

Somewhere I have a few international stamps. (I got internationally dumped in October, so they're just hanging around, waiting for a joyful purpose. I'm too proud to send mean postcards to the dumper. And too hurt to send him anything nice.)

So, I'm in. Fort Lauderdale, FL.
posted by bilabial at 6:44 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

Why not? Count me in!
[Northern Tuscany]
posted by _dario at 6:45 PM on January 8, 2010 [5 favorites]

In.
posted by bondcliff at 6:45 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

I'm in. New Orleans. I am willing to send a card anywhere.
posted by govtdrone at 6:53 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

Garner, NC. Home to.. home to... ehhhh... turkey vultures. sometimes. Otherwise, pretty much fuck all. But I'll take a look around at the gas station and see if I can't find something worth sending in the mail.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 7:13 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

In! Toronto, Canada.
posted by yawper at 7:21 PM on January 8, 2010 [5 favorites]

Kansas here, count me in!
posted by julie_of_the_jungle at 7:29 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

Anyone who sends me anything will get something in exchange.

Done. Not a postcard, though.
posted by fixedgear at 7:30 PM on January 8, 2010 [1 favorite]

Texas

(And I'm willing to send internationally.)
posted by Partario at 7:32 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

Sure. Tokyo. And I'm willing to send one to cross_impact's mother-in-law, too. I missed that thread the first time around, so thanks for bringing attention to it.
posted by misozaki at 7:47 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

Austin, TX! This will be awesome.
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 7:59 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

Oh. Sorry. Boston area.
posted by bondcliff at 8:02 PM on January 8, 2010

Kyushu! Totally up for postcards.
posted by that girl at 8:04 PM on January 8, 2010 [5 favorites]

I'm in! The lovely and picturesque town of Durham, NC.
posted by pecknpah at 8:13 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

Me please! Hong Kong.
posted by typewriter at 8:15 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

Count me in too. Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Exciting, I know.
posted by MultiFaceted at 8:27 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

Iowa City
posted by thirteenkiller at 8:32 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

Yes, please! I'm in Minnesota.
posted by sciapod at 8:55 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

In! Borin' ol' Los Angeles.
posted by buzzkillington at 9:22 PM on January 8, 2010 [2 favorites]

Ohhh me too! I also would not be opposed to using some of my MASSIVE stationary stash to write real-deal letters!

I am Cincinnati, OH and/or Los Angeles, CA depending on what day of the week it is, but I have a ton of postcards, so I'm willing to sign up for a few (or dozen) exchanges.
posted by banannafish at 9:38 PM on January 8, 2010 [4 favorites]

In!

But I'm in Canberra, Australia. I might have to send some from Jervis Bay or something instead, because it's prettier.

I love you all. This is awesome.
posted by po at 10:00 PM on January 8, 2010 [5 favorites]

I'm in - BC, Canada.
posted by deborah at 10:08 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

That would be fun! Western suburbs of Chicago, IL.
posted by SisterHavana at 10:10 PM on January 8, 2010 [3 favorites]

London UK!
posted by vacapinta at 1:57 AM on January 9, 2010 [4 favorites]

Why not?! I'm in. Brisbane, Australia
posted by latch24 at 2:59 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

In. UK.
posted by paduasoy at 3:03 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Me, too!
Southern California.
posted by Monday at 3:17 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

me too please. Manchester
posted by slyrabbit at 3:19 AM on January 9, 2010 [4 favorites]

South Plainfield, NJ
posted by ShawnStruck at 3:52 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Yess... I'm in Istanbul, Turkey. I have a few postcards from Tbilisi, Georgia lying around though, so I might send those.
posted by hasna at 4:13 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

I'm in, London UK.
posted by Augenblick at 4:29 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

I would be in for this too. UK
posted by Eumachia L F at 4:29 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

Interesting. Mount Holly, NJ.
posted by graymouser at 5:06 AM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Providence, RI in the US. I would enjoy such an endeavor.
posted by GenjiandProust at 5:21 AM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

In! Utrecht, the Netherlands.
posted by bjrn at 5:50 AM on January 9, 2010 [5 favorites]

Yay! fixedgear is sending me a bike!

Yeah, I don't care if I get a postcard or something silly or something from your are/country.
posted by cjorgensen at 6:04 AM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Brighton, UK
posted by i_cola at 7:05 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

South Wales, UK
posted by Petrot at 7:07 AM on January 9, 2010 [4 favorites]

Warsaw, Poland.
posted by juva at 7:09 AM on January 9, 2010 [5 favorites]

Northern Ireland, UK
posted by Tapioca at 7:39 AM on January 9, 2010 [5 favorites]

The geographical centre of North America needs representing. Winnipeg, Canada.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 7:45 AM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Heck yes! San Francisco! Postcards! Wheeeee!
posted by mollymayhem at 7:49 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

I'm in. Boston, MA.
posted by LittleKnitting at 7:51 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Berkeley, California.
posted by ORthey at 7:52 AM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Sounds awesome! I'm in Little Rhody and will send postcards anywhere. Except to the moon. The postage for that is just THROUGH THE ROOF.

I couldn't help myself. Well, probably I could, but obviously chose not to.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 7:52 AM on January 9, 2010 [12 favorites]

This is a great idea. I'm in boring Denton, TX, but I bet I could find a cool card.
posted by shmurley at 7:55 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

I'm in. I'm about a mile from Washington, DC.
posted by violette at 7:56 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

yes, please.
posted by theora55 at 8:31 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

I'm interested!
I'm in Quebec city
posted by domi_p at 8:41 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

Salvador, Brazil.
posted by wallaby at 8:48 AM on January 9, 2010 [4 favorites]

In! I'm in Austin, TX.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 9:10 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Yes, please, and thanks for thinking this up! I'm in Philly.
posted by angrycat at 9:13 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

I'm in. Winchendon, MA.
posted by usonian at 9:24 AM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

i'm not too vain to admit that i'm not sure what i'm supposed to do, but...

Yay! Bloomington, Indiana.
posted by CitizenD at 9:34 AM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Me too! Waltham, MA.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:37 AM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Yup. Cornwall, England.
posted by biffa at 9:47 AM on January 9, 2010 [4 favorites]

Fun! Yes, please, and I promise my postcard will be handmade! Seattle.
posted by TochterAusElysium at 10:19 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Definitely! Vaud, Switzerland.
posted by bettafish at 11:18 AM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

I'm in too.

Depending on when this actually happens I could either be in London, Oman, or Rostock.
posted by jonesor at 11:38 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Israel.

I'm for each person sending five postcards and then getting five postcards from five different people and five different places.

I'll volunteer myself to help organize this. Also, let's have a final date for adding yourself to this list. And the date you have to send the postcard by. To regulate things.
posted by alon at 11:55 AM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Yeah, sure. Atlanta, Georgia.
posted by SpringAquifer at 12:00 PM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Yeah count me in. I like the 5 cards idea. I'm in Grenoble, France.
posted by handee at 12:51 PM on January 9, 2010 [4 favorites]

Seattle, but I have some lovely Tulip Festival postcards floating about that I'd love to send out!
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 12:54 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm in.

Colorado, if that doesn't ruin the surprise.
posted by 7segment at 1:16 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

And me, of course. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada.
posted by lizbunny at 1:32 PM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

In, of course.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:38 PM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

I'm in. Baltimore, MD
posted by youcancallmeal at 1:57 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Yes, please.

Chicago, IL
posted by MCMikeNamara at 2:05 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

*puts hand up in Eastern Australia*
posted by Duke999R at 2:43 PM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

I'm in! St. Paul, MN.
posted by beandip at 2:45 PM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

I'll join. Salt Lake City, UT.
posted by freejinn at 2:47 PM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

Yes! I would also like to join.. I'm in Hillsboro, WV.
posted by ajarbaday at 3:37 PM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Yes please! Dublin, Ireland, and I could go either handmade-but-postcardy or tourist postcards, whichever suits.
posted by carbide at 3:38 PM on January 9, 2010 [4 favorites]

Centre Hall, PA. That's not a typo.
posted by Toekneesan at 4:10 PM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

Chicago suburbs here.
posted by achmorrison at 4:18 PM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

Me please. Toronto, ON.
posted by soft and hardcore taters at 4:25 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm in! Near Boston, MA.
posted by initapplette at 4:27 PM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

Yes please! Long Island.
posted by pemberkins at 4:36 PM on January 9, 2010 [4 favorites]

Sounds good. Honolulu.
posted by scottymac at 5:15 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Munich, Germany
posted by munichmaiden at 5:34 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Glendale, CA. Postcards!
posted by snowjoe at 5:40 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

THIS IS THE BEST.

Raleigh, NC.
posted by lucy.jakobs at 6:15 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Count me in! I'm in western Massachusetts, but drive to Baltimore via Pennsylvania regularly (Amish-themed postcards?).
posted by apricot at 7:03 PM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

portland, or
posted by mimo at 7:16 PM on January 9, 2010

Yes, please!

Atlanta, GA
posted by pointystick at 7:21 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm in! I have box of postcards of B Movie posters that I've had for years that I've never done anything with that will be perfect. I just apologize in advance for my handwriting.

Bay Area, CA
posted by kosher_jenny at 7:39 PM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

The exotic locale of Austin, Texas. Prepared to send western cowboy kitsch postcards if requested. :-)
posted by ishotjr at 7:41 PM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

Shore! Middle of nowhere, Quebec, Canada, The Earth, Space.

i'm not too vain to admit that i'm not sure what i'm supposed to do, but...

I'm not too vain to second this. Milling around and seeing what happens is my current stratagem.
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 9:02 PM on January 9, 2010 [2 favorites]

City of Bronson!
FL
posted by toodleydoodley at 9:23 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Sounds like fun. Denver, Colorado
posted by BoscosMom at 9:34 PM on January 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm in !
Vancouver BC
posted by seawallrunner at 9:37 PM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

Yay, mail! Manhattan, Kansas.
posted by donnagirl at 10:29 PM on January 9, 2010 [3 favorites]

India! I can't guarantee it will get there quickly, but these 520,191 guys will make sure it gets there eventually.
posted by whitewall at 3:11 AM on January 10, 2010 [2 favorites]

I'm in too. Bury, Greater Manchester, UK.
posted by idiomatika at 6:18 AM on January 10, 2010 [3 favorites]

Yes please - Singapore.
posted by hellopanda at 6:52 AM on January 10, 2010 [2 favorites]

Moi aussi! Paris, France.
posted by tractorfeed at 7:02 AM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm in! Palm Bay, FL.

Where it is absurdly cold right now.
posted by misha at 8:15 AM on January 10, 2010 [2 favorites]

we sort into groups of 10-12 and send cards to everyone in that group. Something similar maybe?

As much as I'm all in favor of postcards crossing the world willy-nilly, would someone be willing to chunk up this list into groups of maybe five and then MeMailk us all a list of the groups so that we can contact folks to get mailing addresses? I'd love forthis to be set up so that everyone gets some postcard love.

And unlike my other genius plans, I am not volunteering to do this.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:25 AM on January 10, 2010 [2 favorites]

I think alona above volunteered to organize it.

Wouldn't it all be easier to just email her your address, let her memail the people the addresses so each person doesn't have to contact 5 other people? Also, this way it would be a surprise as to who you get. Maybe that doesn't matter.
posted by cjorgensen at 8:31 AM on January 10, 2010

In. East Tennessee.
posted by workerant at 9:26 AM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]

Me too, please! I'm in Seattle.
posted by theotheramy at 9:42 AM on January 10, 2010

Washington DC!
posted by NikitaNikita at 10:13 AM on January 10, 2010 [2 favorites]

I think surprise postcards would make it even more exciting. But if it'd be a big hassle to get working I'm sure knowing where your cards are coming from would be fine too.
posted by bjrn at 10:24 AM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]

I've got cards ready for all 9 people who've replied to my memails thus far, going out in the post tomorrow. Hoping for more replies, I want as many as I can get - why limit it to five? :) Will let the ppl know when they've been sent (so they know they owe me :P).

As OP I just figured the truly interested people would be proactive enough to send out requests via mefimail and let the recipients know when the cards are sent. Then the recipients feel more encouraged to reciprocate - or so I hope :P The only drawback I see to being randomly assigned 5 addys is that the anonymity could decrease the sender's likelihood of following through. But no mefite here would ever procrastinate on such a thing, amirite?

Organize away if you like, I'll still send one to any address I've received :)
posted by lizbunny at 11:08 AM on January 10, 2010 [2 favorites]

I'm going to do a riff on lizbunny's approach:

MeMail me your address and I'll send you a postcard: I'll reply via MeMail with my address.

I'm looking forward to this :)
posted by pjern at 11:51 AM on January 10, 2010 [3 favorites]

Same as lizbunny and pjern: MeMail me your address and you will get a postcard. And also my address.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 11:54 AM on January 10, 2010 [4 favorites]

I'm assuming since it's lizbunny's post, I'll go with her figuring. Mail is on the way.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 12:52 PM on January 10, 2010

Here's a suggestion - would it be an idea if we favourite people who we've memailed?

That way going down the list we can see those without favourites, and we don't end up with some people getting 10 requests and others getting none.
posted by handee at 1:46 PM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]

handee - I like that idea. I will mark the folks I've contacted.

Also, until such time as something is organized, I will shamelessly steal the model above. MeMail me your address, and I will send you a postcard! (And my address.) I'll also send my address to a few folks above to get the ball rolling.
posted by pemberkins at 1:55 PM on January 10, 2010

Ohh I see, we're supposed to go about e-mailing people ourselves? Fun! :)
posted by biochemist at 3:08 PM on January 10, 2010

Okay, I dig. Please memail me if you would like a postcard from rural Quebec. I would love to send you one. Warning: any postcard will be heavy in lighthouse, seal images.

Here's a suggestion - would it be an idea if we favourite people who we've memailed?

That way going down the list we can see those without favourites, and we don't end up with some people getting 10 requests and others getting none.

Yes, good call.
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 3:23 PM on January 10, 2010 [3 favorites]

For those of us who don't display favorite counts, this is of no help whatsoever.

In any case, I shall now MeMail ALL OF YOU and live to regret this when I have to buy 6000 postcard stamps and run out of space on my fridge. No, actually, I won't regret it. It'll be AWESOME.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:29 PM on January 10, 2010

Me, too, please. I've never done this before, so any advice would be helpful. Thanks.
posted by pentagoet at 4:43 PM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]

Absolutely! One more from Berkeley, California.
posted by spaghettification at 4:44 PM on January 10, 2010 [2 favorites]

I got 20% through the thread and it won't let me send any more MeMails! The system was not set up for these kind of shenanignans.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:57 PM on January 10, 2010

I can't even reply to MeMails! Why did I not know there was a limit?

(Friends, the limit is 30 per hour.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:04 PM on January 10, 2010

grapefruitmoon, I just ran into the limit as well.

Anyone know whether I should use First Class or International postage (forever stamps vs. 98 cents, I think) when mailing postcards from the US to Canada?
posted by tantivy at 6:30 PM on January 10, 2010

I'm embarrassed to say that the first three MeMails I sent I forgot to note that I am in the USA. Florida, USA. sorry for being so Floricentric
posted by toodleydoodley at 6:33 PM on January 10, 2010

Postcard to Canada from the US is .75. Handy postage calculators: US, Canada.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:42 PM on January 10, 2010

tantivy: postcard postage from the US to Canada is $0.75, says here.
posted by pemberkins at 6:45 PM on January 10, 2010

Or, what jessamyn said.
posted by pemberkins at 6:50 PM on January 10, 2010

New Zealand. Got my mud pool and geyser postcards and pen poised.
posted by chrisbucks at 6:54 PM on January 10, 2010 [2 favorites]

ademas ¿quiero saber si hay alguna persona quién es hispanohablante y que me puede escribir una carta en español? ¿preferidamente desde un lugar hispanohablante?

(translation I want to know if I could get a postcard from a spanish-speaking person in spanish preferably from a spanish-speaking country?)
posted by toodleydoodley at 6:54 PM on January 10, 2010

I'm in San Diego, with buckets of postcards and pens at the ready.
posted by vespertine at 8:22 PM on January 10, 2010 [8 favorites]

Count me as very interested but confused! I'd love to send/receive one or two postcards. I'm in Cherry Hill, NJ for now and I'll be in Urbana, IL (college) in a week. My postcards will probably be craftsy instead of sightsee-ey.
posted by yaymukund at 8:47 PM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]

Postcards from San Francisco anyone? MeMail me!
posted by jasper411 at 9:07 PM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]

Guys! Problem!
I can't organize this. I'm leaving tomorrow for a five week military course, I'll be home pretty much every other weekend.
Would still love to take part though.
posted by alon at 11:10 PM on January 10, 2010

Pjern's / grapefruitmoon's approach seems like it's mnorking OK. Maybe that should just be the official way for this swap to work?

More importantly: are you able to receive postcards while away on the military course?
posted by hattifattener at 12:04 AM on January 11, 2010

mnorking = working. I have no idea how I made that typo.
posted by hattifattener at 12:05 AM on January 11, 2010

> For those of us who don't display favorite counts, this is of no help whatsoever.
>
>posted by grapefruitmoon at 12:29 AM on January 11 [+] [!]


surely you could switch on faves for this thread, send your memails, then turn them off again?
posted by handee at 12:13 AM on January 11, 2010

If it's not too late I am very much in.

In Jaipur, India.
posted by bookish at 4:25 AM on January 11, 2010 [3 favorites]

Going to pace myself with the MeMails today, but I'm still on a (self-imposed, probably stupid) mission to get ALL ADDRESSES. Anyone who has a better method, let me know.

Needless to say, these postcards are going to go out over a period of several weeks. I may be loopy, but I'm not TOTALLY insane.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:18 AM on January 11, 2010

gold star for grapefruitmoon ;-)
posted by toodleydoodley at 7:09 AM on January 11, 2010

First 15 cards have been purchased and will be going out tomorrow. At present, I have 37 addresses and gaining more. Plz be patient. You will get some kind of wacko Rhode Island card at some point if you've commented in this thread because I have bizzaro completist issues, but it's going to take several batches.

(Namely: How do I decide who I wouldn't send a card to? I don't want anyone to feel left out! This is the problem of being raised in the "Valentines for Everyone!" generation. I CHOO CHOO CHOOSE EVERYBODY.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 8:11 AM on January 11, 2010

Aw, man. I have to turn on favorite counts for this?

Ohkayyyy
posted by NikitaNikita at 9:03 AM on January 11, 2010

I just sent out a bunch of emails with my address to randomly selected posters, and favorited the ones I chose. Am I doing this right?
posted by apricot at 9:04 AM on January 11, 2010

Late, but I'm in! I love, love, love postcards, so I'll borrow methods mentioned above: MeMail me your address, and I'll send you a postcard from lovely [I promise it's lovely, even if it's effing cold at the moment] Pittsburgh, PA! And if you'd like, my address in return.
posted by alynnk at 9:12 AM on January 11, 2010 [5 favorites]

I sent out memails with addresses, but am happy to receive more addresses. I will send internationally (from Montreal, Canada), as well as domestically.
posted by jeather at 9:14 AM on January 11, 2010 [2 favorites]

To save sanity and postage, this is my official cut-off annoucement. The thread just keeps on going and I can't afford an indefinite post card commitment, though I am going to try to get as many out as I can to those who have already commented.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 9:21 AM on January 11, 2010

(Also: Sorry to GenjiandProust, but I've got to draw the line at sending postcards within the same city! My apologies. I would happily exchange beverages instead.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 9:22 AM on January 11, 2010

hey grapefruitmoon if you want to send me your list, you could save me some trouble going and getting all the addresses myself [as a real postcard-phile myself]. Dunnow if that's kosher but I'd appreciate it.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:34 AM on January 11, 2010

Oh, and since it wasn't clear in my mail, I will reciprocate postcards to anyone I sent my address to. I am still ok to receive more addresses.
posted by jeather at 9:39 AM on January 11, 2010 [1 favorite]

I have spent the day rooting out old unsent postcards, so now have quite a few extra to send, including a nice set from York. If you would like a York/Durham/Scotland postcard, especially from somebody not even in those areas, please say.
posted by Sova at 10:02 AM on January 11, 2010

I have some fun postcards I got in TX. I am a DC resident though ha.
posted by anniecat at 10:16 AM on January 11, 2010

I'd be happy to send my finished list on to anyone who wants it, as long as that's kosher with everybody *on* said list. I'll be passing it on when I'm done unless someone objects. (I'm about 1/2 through right now.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 10:16 AM on January 11, 2010

If anybody wants to make my life easier, I have sent messages up to MCMikeNamara - if you want to be added to THE LIST, just send a message my way. I'll keep up with the contacting just in case someone's already dropped out of the thread. A few people have pre-emptively sent me addresses, and I thank them! Pretty much if I'm collecting addresses for The Greater Good and not just my own benefit, it would be way speedier if at least a few addresses found their way to me on their own.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 10:35 AM on January 11, 2010

(Meant to link to this comment, which is where the address collecting has gotten to thus far. If you're below this line, please pre-emptively send me your address!)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 10:36 AM on January 11, 2010

!!!

This is a perfect opportunity to use that vintage betta fish postcard I've been hoarding, isn't it?
posted by bettafish at 11:28 AM on January 11, 2010 [1 favorite]

Ok, I have tons of old postcards. I want to do it! Feel free to memail your address.
posted by mattbucher at 11:45 AM on January 11, 2010 [3 favorites]

I sent the first 7 out today at noon, came home to find two more in my inbox, so I'll plan to do another batch later in the week. :)
posted by pjern at 12:01 PM on January 11, 2010

I'm really late to this, but sure! Our Fair City, Massachusetts. If you're willing to wait a week or two I'll make postcards from my photography (if you want something in particular just browse through my Flickr page and send me the link to the image), or I'll send you a plain vanilla local postcard. Or a can of tuna.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:42 PM on January 11, 2010 [4 favorites]

Oh, and I need to apologize in advance to recipients of my postcards for my degenerate handwriting. It's a skill I don't practice, and it shows.
posted by pjern at 12:44 PM on January 11, 2010

Oh, and I need to apologize in advance to recipients of my postcards for my degenerate handwriting.

My own handwriting is pretty... loopy. I've been told it's borderline illegible, if also aesthetically pleasing. Also, you can tell I don't handwrite the word "grapefruitmoon" all that often. On the 15 postcards I wrote today, the number of "o's" is wildly inconsistent and some of them may not actually have an "i." Hard to say.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 1:25 PM on January 11, 2010

I sent four today. Having postcards and stamps handy plus a mailbox on the base where I work helps, though.
posted by fixedgear at 1:35 PM on January 11, 2010

South Ca'lina checking in here y'all.
posted by mareli at 1:47 PM on January 11, 2010 [2 favorites]

The number of responses have been great. So many Canadians.

I apologize in advance for any delays in getting mine out, I won't be able to go out and buy them until this coming weekend. In appreciation for your patience, I will try to find the three or four New Orleans postcards that don't have alligators and/or boobs on them.
posted by gordie at 2:43 PM on January 11, 2010

Okay, I just mailed off eight postcards and while I was at the post office, I also picked up a WHOLE BOOK of postcard stamps, so I'm still interested in exchanging more!
posted by banannafish at 3:05 PM on January 11, 2010 [1 favorite]

"has been great"

And that's just a preview. Wait until you see how I butcher postcard grammar!
posted by gordie at 3:08 PM on January 11, 2010

Am I too late to the party!?

Northern Utah, it's beautiful here!
posted by TooFewShoes at 3:27 PM on January 11, 2010 [1 favorite]

Man, I just realized I have tons of postcards I could send - I used to travel a lot and bought postcards in case my photos turned out awful. Plus people seem to think I collect them (I don't) and send me stuff from places I haven't been to.

I have artsy cards from museums plus touristy cards from Thailand, Malaysia, India, Mexico, Ghana, Brazil, various parts of the US, Eastern and Western Europe, Fiji - you name it. Just nothing from San Francisco! So if you want a certain locale, just let me know and I'll try to find something for you.
posted by Quietgal at 3:44 PM on January 11, 2010

This idea/thread is chaos. I love it.

Is it too late to sidebar the idea?
posted by cjorgensen at 4:44 PM on January 11, 2010

Am I too late? I'm in Chicago, though most of the postcards I have on hand have nothing to do with that. I'm sure I could find some U of C ones, though, if anyone were so inclined.
posted by dizziest at 5:00 PM on January 11, 2010 [2 favorites]

Is it too late to sidebar the idea?

OH GOURD NO.

I've already been asked to close the thread (or rather, been asked to ask a mod to do so) so that everyone gets on "the list," which leads me to believe that I am now obligated to continue "the list."

FRIENDS THIS WAS JUST CRAZINESS ON MY PART. This was never intended to be a "thing" and this master-list idea is starting to bug me out a bit. I'll pass on the "list" of addresses that I collected up to my arbitrary cut-off point, but there is absolutely no way I can go on forever, especially if this is SIDE-BARRED.

I didn't start the offer with the notion of this being some epic list that would get passed around, I was just trying to be nice. And I still want to be nice, but man am I ever overwhelmed.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:02 PM on January 11, 2010

I can no longer favorite the comments of addresses I've requested because I've reached my favorite limit for the day.

This thread is certainly showing the limits of MetaFilter in ways I've never known.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:08 PM on January 11, 2010 [1 favorite]

Ok! I have requested the address of every single person who has commented in this thread (with the exception of GenjiandProust, who if he sends me his address, I would be glad to put it on The List, but other than that - I do have to draw the line at swapping within the same city). Even the two or three who commented *after* I said I was done.

I don't even have all of the responses and this has taken up a whole day, so I'm going to request that any person who receives The List make a pledge to send a bare minimum of 5 cards as I've used up my quota of MeMails a few times over. This is an awesome project, but I started collecting addresses so I could send something to each person, not to create a "master list" for others to pick and choose. Basically, I want this to be used for the MAXIMUM AMOUNT of awesome.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:17 PM on January 11, 2010

I've already been asked to close the thread (or rather, been asked to ask a mod to do so) so that everyone gets on "the list,"

I assume you're talking about one of the other mods, because all I wanted was a copy of your list so I could not duplicate your efforts getting people's addresses.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:18 PM on January 11, 2010

My wording was a bit off - what was suggested is that I ask a mod to close the thread. This was not suggested by any of the mods themselves, just by another user.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:02 PM on January 11, 2010

Ok, just memailed some random folks. Feel free to send me your address to receive a post card, even if you are already maxed out on sending your own!
posted by freejinn at 6:16 PM on January 11, 2010 [3 favorites]

Before the thread is closed--please count me in. DC + Shenandoah Valley.
posted by apartment dweller at 8:22 PM on January 11, 2010 [2 favorites]

grapefruitmoon, I'm sorry if this has been a hassle for you, rather than Postcard Love. It sounds like you've been foisted with the role of co-ordinator for what was a pretty chaotic plan in the first place. For the record, as one of the people who rather rudely bombarded you with their address after you said you were done, feel tooootally free to ignore it (I didn't expect mail in return, for real). Had I considered how many people have signed up for this (almost 200 comments now, gack!), I wouldn't have taken your offer seriously.
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 9:14 PM on January 11, 2010

I am in, Bronx more or less, memail me an address.
posted by mlis at 1:54 AM on January 12, 2010

Custom hand made postcards.
posted by mlis at 1:54 AM on January 12, 2010 [1 favorite]

I want to participate in this. I have three sides of a fridge to fill.
For anyone who MeMails me their address, I will send a handmade postcard.

BONUS CHALLENGE: include a simple subject (person, place, or thing) of your choice and I will do my best to draw it.
posted by at the crossroads at 3:43 AM on January 12, 2010 [3 favorites]

Alright, having received 21 more addresses since last night, I declare the list complete. Please memail me with your *actual* email address to receive a copy as a txt attachment.

I totally never intended to actually be "coordinating" anything, so I apologize if I've come off as a bit frazzled in my last few comments. It just seemed to snowball into "Ok! I will do this silly thing!" to "Wait. This is a SERIOUS thing now? Crap."

And also, to the people who promised to get something out to me in the next few days - there is no rush. I have at least a hundred addresses. This is going to take A WHILE. The first 15 have gone out today and I'm going in order of addresses I've received, so if you just sent me your address now (or even yesterday as I'm still on addresses from the day before), it's going to be about two weeks until I get yours out. I'll do this as fast as I can, but I don't have the time to be writing postcards in batches larger than 15.

(Note: I am totally willing and pysched to do this because it was my own idea and I love the thought of spreading the schmoopy, I'm just pointing out that this is a bigger undertaking than I had anticipated and while still TOTALLY THRILLED to do this, I would like the recipients to be patient if they don't receive anything right away.)

(I'm seriously wicked excited about this, I want to be sure that that comes across even if I'm a tiny bit overwhelmed by the pressure of being the keeper of some magic "list.")
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:39 AM on January 12, 2010

Just a warning... I think I might have to start enspousenating you folks in order to keep track of who I've send postcards to.
posted by alynnk at 6:59 AM on January 12, 2010

I put my first six in the mail yesterday! More shortly.

And a big THANK YOU to grapefruitmoon for curating the magic list! I'm sorry it has been a hassle.
posted by pemberkins at 7:05 AM on January 12, 2010

No worries, really. I'm trying to downplay the frazzled, but it's hard to express both befuddlement and excitement through a text box.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 7:11 AM on January 12, 2010

Attention! If you DO NOT want to be on the list, comment HERE. I'm really, really trying not to be a master puppeteer and can't possibly keep up with revising/re-sending the list. Put a comment in that you don't want to be included in a master list and those who have already received it can adjust accordingly.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 7:18 AM on January 12, 2010

(Because really, if I take you off "The List" now, that means you won't get a postcard from me, and if that's what you want, contact ME, otherwise just leave a comment here for other people to adjust *their* lists.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 7:19 AM on January 12, 2010

Ok, 20 cards are going out in the mail on my way home, and I still have a few spare stamps/cards! People from outside the USA/Canada are particularly welcome to apply, as I don't want these international stamps to go to waste!

Any opinions on if/how people want to report back on their received postcards? MeTa thread and people can link to pics if they wish?
posted by lizbunny at 7:37 AM on January 12, 2010

Hello all, please take me off any master list, as I am only in my current locale for a few months. (I don't want any dangling postcards arriving after I leave.) Still open to exchanging, just drop me a memail and we can trade addresses! Cheers and thanks!
posted by typewriter at 7:53 AM on January 12, 2010

This is totally ridiculous and random. I love it!

I contacted a few (no/low-favourite-count) folks, got contacted by a few random folks, and I'm randomly sending out postcards from Washington DC USA area (or Chevy Chase or Bethesda... I'm new here, I doubt they make cards for the latter. Who knows.)

Yay silly!
posted by NikitaNikita at 9:20 AM on January 12, 2010

I've just sent out a load of postcards today, yay! I still have a couple left, if anybody wants one.

(I would also like to apologize in advance for my writing/spelling/composing skills. I really come over poorly in handwriting - so it seems.)
posted by Sova at 10:21 AM on January 12, 2010

FYI: Once grapefruitmoon collects that master list, I plan on sending postcards to everyone on it (eventually), but if you reach out to me via mefi mail, I'll respond with my address that way. I'm not sure if you'll get a purchased Chicago-postcard or a homemade one -- depends on when I do them I suppose.

(I wanted to purchase some from the Chicago Postcard Museum -- just because that would be SO meta -- but at $1.50 a pop, that could get a little out of hand very quickly.)
posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:40 AM on January 12, 2010

Please note: I am NOT trying to collect a Master List! I am only wanting to be nice and send postcards. I am passing on my list to anyone who emails me (email in profile), but I really feel like it needs to be emphasized:

I am not intentionally coordinating anything. If you would like the VERY LONG list that I have, please email me. Beyond that, this is not a "Master List" of any kind and I am not collecting it for anyone's benefit other than my own and the implication that I am is really, really stressing me out.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 11:34 AM on January 12, 2010

Also: to anyone who gets this list - out of respect for the fact that this was never meant to be a "master list" and I absolutely have committed to sending postcards to every single person who sent me an address, please, PLEASE send at least 5 cards. I would hate to have this list distributed without more cards actually being sent. I know jessamyn is going to be sending out a batch of cards, so that's at least two of us sending out to the whole list (she's working from the bottom up, I'm going from the top down, so everyone should get *something* soon and *something else* later) - I'm not going to ask that anyone else join in on that insanity, but please, please if you get this list, commit to sending at least 5 cards so that I can continue passing it on knowing that I'm passing on the awesome and not just participating in an exercise in futility.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 11:39 AM on January 12, 2010

I bought 9 cards today and I have four confirmed so if anybody else wants to exchange with me, I have extra!
posted by shmurley at 12:40 PM on January 12, 2010

I drove all over Garner yesterday looking to buy postcards, no joy. Not in the gas stations, not in the gift shops, not in the drug stores, not even in the Hallmark card shop. They (Hallmark) sent me to the Cracker Barrel and Cracker Barrel sent me to another gas station. Zip. Zippo, Zulch. They would probably have some in Raleigh at the Farmer's market and I know they have expensive ones at the museum of art, but today I went to the art store and got supplies to make my own....I have some African stamps around here from a previous project. Who knows what kind of nuttiness I will craft!
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 8:03 PM on January 12, 2010

grapefruitmoon, I'm going to send to as much of the list as I possibly can. (Should be every single person, unless something weird happens... it'll just take a few weeks.) Will be working my way through it in random order.
posted by tantivy at 9:34 PM on January 12, 2010

Of course, mine are off-the-shelf postcards, some touristy and some not, so it's not nearly as much work as people who are crafting their own little collages. I am kind of amazed at all the people who say they're going to make something! Where do you find the time and motivation?
posted by tantivy at 9:35 PM on January 12, 2010

(let me try for the right thread now)

Mine will probably go in the post on saturday, for some reason La Poste by my workplace has been shut all week so stamps are hard to comeby. I'll try to get nice cheesy tourist cards with mountains and French on them to anyone who memails me before Saturday morning...
posted by handee at 12:51 AM on January 13, 2010

grapefruitmoon, while I don't have enough cards to send to everyone on the list, I'm certainly going to try and use up almost all of my box, save for a few I'd like to keep for myself (so if anyone had their heart set on receiving a card for The Love Wanga or Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, I'm afraid you're out of luck) since otherwise they're just taking up space. I'll just pick at random, and try to make sure I don't accidentally send two to the same person, or myself.

I'm probably going to be drawing on the backs of mine, rather than writing (lest I wind up with high school yearbook syndrome) so if anyone has any requests, memail me and I'll do my best!
posted by kosher_jenny at 1:08 AM on January 13, 2010

I'm totally happy to see other people trying to send to the whole list, but I certainly don't expect everybody to participate with the same level of insanity that I've dedicated to the project! It's awesome if we all get some postcard lovin', but I think we should keep this low-stress if possible.

(I'm feeling much better about it since I cut-off additions to the list. Phew. There is now a definite number and not a GROWING number! Anyone who hasn't been added, contact your fellow MeFites as there are a number of people still sending stuff who aren't me.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:20 AM on January 13, 2010

Hope it's not to late.. St. Louis here.
posted by hypersloth at 9:28 AM on January 13, 2010

*too
posted by hypersloth at 9:28 AM on January 13, 2010

Anybody mind getting faux-angry and bitter postcards from a jilted ex-lover, cards from a long lost second-cousin twice removed, or anything else of that variety of completely fictional weirdness? Sometimes is fun to make up ridiculous things to write on postcards and keep any snooping postal worker entertained, but I'm never sure if my sense of humor will match anyone else's, so I'm a bit hesitant to do it without checking first.
posted by that girl at 4:55 PM on January 13, 2010

I for one would love a bizarre message out-of-the-blue like that; the weirder the better. Just nothing that'd get me in trouble with the missus.

That's a good idea, esp. if you're having "writing to a stranger"'s block like I am. Just for that, that girl, you'll be getting something weird from me in return..
posted by Hardcore Poser at 5:04 PM on January 13, 2010

I'm a bit hesitant to do it without checking first.

Fairly certain the post office reads my postcards [and everyone else's, tiny town] so funny or weird is fine, made-up-life stuff (i.e. possibly true) is less fine. That stuff could be halfway around town before I even know about it and no one would believe my denials. If it happens it happens, but my presumption is that someone's whole household might read a postcard [or office mailroom, or dorm] so erring on the side of non-incriminating might be a good idea.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:43 PM on January 13, 2010

I would love to trade handmade for handmade (are there other forums for this sort of thing? I suspect so…)! Message me your address and you might receive one like this (eventually, I'm doing one a day).
posted by TochterAusElysium at 6:16 PM on January 13, 2010

So, no more like this jessamyn? :(
posted by mlis at 9:39 PM on January 13, 2010

I got my first postcard yesterday! Thanks, fixedgear! I'm thinking of photographing them/making some kind of "art" project, but that's going to have to wait until after my Mid-West adventure this weekend.

Also... the postcard I got had a 30c stamp. All of the research I did on rates (I looked them up at least three times!) said that the going rate is 28c domestically. Are my postcards doomed? Am I going to have to resend the domestic cards that are already out there? AAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

(Oddly enough, I have no fear about the international cards because I *know* I overpaid. I didn't have international postcard stamps, so I just stuck a bunch of regular 42c first class stamps on there that I had left over from before the rate increase. Maybe I should have just overpaid on ALL of the cards.)

(This, my friends, is an illustration of "Sonja's Law": If something DUMB can happen, it will happen to me.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:00 AM on January 14, 2010

I'm pretty sure the rate is 28c, grapefruitmoon. That said, I used the "overpay" strategy by because I only had first class stamps on hand.

I'm working on my second batch, and they'll go out today or tomorrow. After that I'll need to get more postcards.
posted by pemberkins at 6:09 AM on January 14, 2010

I'll go buy postcard stamps today and find out what the rate ACTUALLY is. And if anyone receives one in the meantime and cares to assuage my worries, sending me a MeMail would be awesome.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:38 AM on January 14, 2010

it's $.28 in the US unless your postcard is bigger than 4"x6" in which case it's first class rate. Postcards with insufficient postage will usually arrive postage due since it's tough to return them to sender if there's no return address.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:59 AM on January 14, 2010

I'll start postcarding this weekend. I am thinking of sending puzzles instead of text, so I hope you're all clever. (And that I can come up with at least more than 1 puzzle to send.)
posted by jeather at 9:16 AM on January 14, 2010

Thanks, jessamyn! (Especially because I wasn't *actually* able to get to the post office. Curses!)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 10:09 AM on January 14, 2010

Yes, thanks, grapefruitmoon. It's full of bridge-y goodness.
posted by fixedgear at 2:43 PM on January 14, 2010

I got home today and found my first two cards! Thanks grapefruitmoon and pjern!

Now that I have more stamps, my next batch will go out tomorrow.
posted by pemberkins at 4:27 PM on January 14, 2010

I'd love to have all the postcards out in the mail already, but I'm doing double-duty while my husband's away and with all the juggling I haven't bought any postcards yet! So, maybe tomorrow, but definitely by the weekend they'll be in the mail and good to go. Hope that's okay, everybody!
posted by misha at 7:23 PM on January 14, 2010

WOW! A deluge of cards today - kalessin, pemberkins, toekneesan, usonian, and sciapod (? username hazy due to postal barcode placement) and a notquite "postcard" painting of some oranges - not sure who that's from, if there's a username on it, it eludes me.

I'm taking photos of the bounty and I'll be sending out batch #2 on Monday. I'll be off in the Midwest this weekend, and I look forward to what my mailbox is gonna look like when I come back!

PS, to sciapod: My mom's entire family is from Minnesota, and I happen to know that the blonde Viking sex g-ds thing is true.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 7:32 PM on January 14, 2010

Nairobi, Kenya. (or somewhere else in Africa depending on when I get around to it and where I'm at. or quite possibly Haiti as I may end up there for a good part of this year).
posted by allkindsoftime at 9:49 PM on January 14, 2010

Got my first postcard; thanks pjern! This is fun!
posted by TochterAusElysium at 1:30 PM on January 15, 2010

I sent out two postcards the other day, and the rest will go out when I get to the new town! :) (Monday). I put two stamps on the international card, but if it turns up "postage due" I'll mail ya an envelope with some change in it.
posted by biochemist at 3:26 PM on January 15, 2010

PS, to those who sent me postcards, I won't get to see them 'til Monday. I can't wait! ^.^
posted by biochemist at 3:26 PM on January 15, 2010

I vote we send someone (not me) a bunch of chimpanzee-themed postcards.

(kidding)
posted by biochemist at 6:21 PM on January 15, 2010

I ended up sending out an even dozen: last ones went out today. Already got two in return!
posted by pjern at 11:19 PM on January 15, 2010

My 9 went out today. USA-based recipients will get to see the ugliest, fiddliest stamp ever.
posted by handee at 5:49 AM on January 16, 2010

Sorry for the delay; mine are out now. To make up for the wait I've put a limerick on each one. This may or may not be vewed as a bonus :)
posted by Hardcore Poser at 1:05 PM on January 17, 2010

Sorry for the delay. I've got the stamps, I'll pick up some nice cards tomorrow and get them sent I promise.
posted by jonesor at 1:08 PM on January 17, 2010

Has nobody gotten a postcard from me yet? Oh, okay, I'll come back tomorrow...

(Please forgive me again for the craziness/crappiness of the messages, I'm really no fun without the ability to write, rewrite, consider, and edit what I say.)
posted by Sova at 3:36 PM on January 17, 2010

Tomorrow is a US Federal holiday, there may be no mail delivery.
posted by pjern at 5:41 PM on January 17, 2010

I sent 30 or so on Thursday or Friday. There is definitely no mail delivery tomorrow. I'll send more next week. I've gotten maybe four so far. Yay mail!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:02 PM on January 17, 2010

Jessamyn, do you want another copy of the same one from me? I'd be happy to oblige, but the cards I've sent out are the one I sent you a while back.
posted by pjern at 2:22 AM on January 18, 2010

Work has been nuts, so I only made it to my PO once last week (believe me, I have a major postal addiction, so this is rare).

It's MLK day, so can't until tomorrow, but I will, and return items will start to go out!
posted by cjorgensen at 7:25 AM on January 18, 2010

Friday/Saturday saw a deluge of postcards in my mailbox. Thnx all! I'll try to create some kind of documentation to put up on Flickr. Oh, and yes, more cards will be going out tomorrow! Probably another 15, maybe 20, tops. I'll get to everyone on my list, slowly but surely!
posted by grapefruitmoon at 9:46 AM on January 18, 2010

Mine are all set to go, but today is MLK today, so they'll go out in tomorrow morning's mail.

Fun!
posted by misha at 10:23 AM on January 18, 2010

I just mailed 21 today. Everyone I corresponded with, your postcard is in the mail! I haven't received any yet, but most people are international so I imagine it will take a while.
posted by PercussivePaul at 12:49 PM on January 18, 2010

Oh word, I was just checking this thread when my mum came in the kitchen and handed me a postcard that came today! Wheee....
posted by Sova at 1:16 PM on January 18, 2010

I'm cataloging the results over on tumblr if anyone is interested!
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:17 PM on January 18, 2010 [1 favorite]

And I have 8 postcards sent out. This is fun! Think I might go out and get some more.
posted by misha at 1:44 PM on January 19, 2010

I've received two postcards (yay!) but for some reason my mail carrier didn't take the two I put in my mailbox on Friday (boo!). So I too apologize for the delay.

Over the weekend I purchased about 40 postcards--I'll send randomly to the master list but if you want one specifically from me, please send a memail.
posted by apartment dweller at 8:55 PM on January 19, 2010

I was crazy busy during the the week this thread was unfolding, and I've finally gotten around to sending mine out to those who sent one to me. Thanks and sorry for the delay!
posted by misozaki at 12:13 AM on January 20, 2010

On Friday I managed to do the trick where you write the postcards, turn around to pick up laptop rucksack, pack laptop, leave cards on desk. However they went on Monday, all to North America, and should be there by Monday-ish, all Cornish local scenery.
posted by biffa at 5:10 AM on January 20, 2010

I finally bought postcard stamps and mailed mine out today! I have only received one so far, from Jessamyn.
posted by apricot at 9:06 AM on January 20, 2010

is it way too late to join in on this fun? I'd love to get/give postcards?

I'm in Mississippi - a tiny little town down here, but I'm sure they have post cards. :)
posted by patheral at 9:17 AM on January 20, 2010 [1 favorite]

I've been rather slow on sending out my postcards, mostly because I'm still waiting for the ones I ordered through Flickr/Moo to be delivered. About ten touristy ones went out today, and probably as many will go out tomorrow.

On the other hand, I've received a nice bunch, and hope to put them up on Flickr sometime soon. :)
posted by alynnk at 1:06 PM on January 20, 2010

I just got one from Jessamyn. A modcard! Sending mine out this afternoon.

One thing I wanted to clear up: all the cards I'm sending out are reproductions of old postcards from the golfing mecca of Pinehurst, NC.

Please, anyone who gets a postcard from me, I AM NOT A GOLFER.

Still got a few cards and stamps left, memail me if you want one.
posted by marxchivist at 1:39 PM on January 20, 2010

Dropped 7 off at the Post Office tonight and they will go out in the morning. Received two yesterday, thank you violette and TochterAusElysium!
posted by mlis at 11:09 PM on January 20, 2010

I dropped mine off at the post office yesterday, and have received a few in the mail so far. Jessamyn is in the lead for "sexiest postcard" award.
posted by backseatpilot at 6:08 AM on January 21, 2010

I've received two so far, though I'm disappointed I did not receive a sexy postcard from Jessamyn. Unless sailboats are sexy. Still, getting stuff in the mail that isn't bills or junk is pretty neat.

It'll probably be some time before I send mine out.
posted by bondcliff at 6:48 AM on January 21, 2010

SAILBOATS ARE SEXY. That there's a frigate!

maybe?
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:53 AM on January 21, 2010

SAILBOATS ARE SEXY. I agree.

I have gotten one postcard so far, occupational hazard of Japan, I guess. I still have one on the list of "people who have memailed me" to send out, and then I will use up my remaining stamps on random others. Anybody want a card from Japan who hasn't asked?
posted by that girl at 5:14 PM on January 21, 2010

OK, I just noticed one of them is a French sailboat. So, yeah, totally sailboat sexytime.
posted by bondcliff at 5:20 PM on January 21, 2010

My received list is as follows: (thus far)

Jessamyn (She clearly knows me, she sent me a postcard of steam locomotives:)

theotheramy (Seattle Skyline, very pretty!)

TochterAusElysium ( beautiful handmade card, with wonderful things written inside)

toekneesan ( a Castle Hotel reservations card (very cool)

grapefruitmoon (rhode island bridges ! ) (I love bridges)

pemberkins (port jefferson harbor postcard - pretty scene)

PercussivePaul (I'm not sure how to categorize it, but it's a neat diagram separating mammals into classes based on how they travel)

I think I'm looking for about 6 more. This is waaaaay more fun than I thoght it would be!
posted by pjern at 4:51 PM on January 22, 2010

Don't have any postcards yet, but my mail carrier is a snail, so I could see them tomorrow or not until Monday.
posted by misha at 5:08 PM on January 22, 2010

ok, I got one so far - Thanks DU! You sure know how to make a supply side Republican girl happy ;-) and as soon as I meet one I'll send her your address and a HAMBURGER!

(DU sent me the bitchinest Ronald Reagan (painted by Norman Rockwell) postcard evar)

and I sent out 6 today. memail me stat if you're dying for a card from Tha FLA. also, I went to all the walmarts around here and couldn't find any nice postcards of roadkill, so everyone's getting vintage jazz photos by william claxton.
posted by toodleydoodley at 5:53 PM on January 22, 2010

I got my first transatlantic arrival, thanks PercussivePaul!
posted by biffa at 6:40 AM on January 23, 2010

just in case anyone is sending out postcards to "the list" that was compiled, i don't know where i'll be living 1-2 months from now, so my address can be deleted.
posted by gursky at 3:43 PM on January 23, 2010

gursky, doesn't Canada have a change of address/forwarding standard so that when you do move, you just file a change of address card and your mail will be forwarded for the next year? or are you moving out of the country?
posted by toodleydoodley at 9:47 PM on January 23, 2010

I'm painfully shy about contacting people, but I will gladly send postcards to anyone who memails me. :)
posted by patheral at 10:39 AM on January 24, 2010

Massively updated the postcard tumblr - I mentioned this on its Projects post, but I'm mentioning it here as well to get maximum visibility because there are a number of you who I don't know who to thank! Real names are awesome, but without usernames, I have no idea who to shout out my thanks too! So, if you see your card, THANKS!
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:58 PM on January 25, 2010

I'm guessing that the one I got with saxophones is from toodleydoodley, unless there's a toodleydoodley impersonator who is also sending out jazz cards.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:00 PM on January 25, 2010

Just like to say thanks! I've got loads now, and they're ace. Though I feel a little bad because all of mine were so poor touristy efforts with random screeds on the back. C+, will try harder next time.
posted by Sova at 4:01 PM on January 26, 2010

Sova, random screeds and tourist cards that get addressed and SENT win. Don't you worry about a thing.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 4:06 PM on January 26, 2010

Mine finally went out today. They should be with you next week.
posted by jonesor at 4:16 PM on January 26, 2010

Sova, I loved your card. Hope you found my random screed & tourist scene OK. I also loved the cards from Apricot, Jessamyn & one from someone who I'm sure hasn't commented in this thread but has sent me one anyway (yay for the list!).
posted by handee at 4:45 PM on January 26, 2010

email apparently killed the postcard as an art form around here.

All I was able to find were cards that are not good enough to be awesome, and not bad/kitschy enough to be fantastic, just overall "eh".

I'll have to dig deeper, which means that the second batch (first went out a few days ago) will wait a bit longer but hopefully get better* cards.

*for values of better = "either very good, or very bad; SFW, anyway. Maybe."
posted by _dario at 6:32 PM on January 26, 2010

Postcards have been trickling in since last week but I got a batch of FOUR today which was so exciting. Thank you to workerant, betaafish, biffa, that girl, freejinn, banannafish, pjern, megami, and violette! There's been such a variety and they complement each other very well when they'll all stuck to the fridge together.

Oh and I hate to play favourites but banannafish, how did you know Edward Gorey was my favourite illustrator? I don't think I could love a postcard more.
posted by PercussivePaul at 8:03 PM on January 26, 2010

I am loving this! slowly working my way through grapefruitmoon's list - if anyone else wants one, send me a mefimail with your address. Thanks to everybody who sent me one - they are going up on the wall in my kitchen and look awesome so far!
posted by beandip at 8:37 PM on January 26, 2010

I love terrible postcards. The best one I ever got was a terribly kitsch and badly photographed beach scene featuring teddy bears with buckets and spades. I really wish I'd kept that card. I'm also rather fond of the old 1960s saucy seaside humour ones. I still see those for sale from time-to-time...
posted by jonesor at 4:41 AM on January 27, 2010

When you get mine, I apologize for the FL touristy nature of them. Surprisingly hard to get cute, kitschy postcards around town.
posted by misha at 10:09 AM on January 27, 2010

I am up to 4 postcards! I have discovered that it it is pretty cheap to send postcards from Japan, only ¥70! I still have a couple to send out, and then I may start randomly going through the list.
posted by that girl at 6:10 PM on January 27, 2010

Cheers to tantivy, bettafish, and sova! This is great! I hope mine will be arriving soon. (and sorry for my lame messages)
posted by Eumachia L F at 3:02 AM on January 28, 2010

Here is a pic of the ones I've received so far. I still have a couple left to send.
Thank you jessamyn, SpringAquifer, pemberkins, bananafish, Lizbunny, and theotheramy.
posted by mattbucher at 8:02 PM on January 28, 2010

awright! along with DU, the first to hit my rural route, big wet smackers to patheral (moonrise over north Gulf Coast), Megami (photo of her ancestral abode, Upnor Castle) and Jessamyn (taxidermied bears in her yard).

love it! sent out second batch yesterday.
posted by toodleydoodley at 6:57 PM on January 29, 2010

I received a hilarious "City of Roses" postcard today with roses growing out of the top of the building! :)

I'm sending out my next wave of posties Monday. Yay!
posted by biochemist at 8:37 PM on January 29, 2010

I sent 5 today. I memailed the 3 people I need addresses from, and will get those out as soon as I get those.

I would have to say, not being a postcard type of person previously, that I didn't think they would be so hard to find! I went to a local card shop. Nope. A hotel. Nope. Seems like you see them everywhere when you don't want them! I even went to a vintage shop and saw some kinda cool ones, but they wanted $6 a piece. They weren't that cool!

I've learned a few lessons:

1. Leave room for the address
2. More than one postcard at a time gives me hand cramps.
3. People don't put return addresses on these things!

I don't think I've ever sent out postcards before. This was fun.
posted by cjorgensen at 11:15 AM on February 1, 2010 [1 favorite]

I didn't think they would be so hard to find

I have found that my best option lately has been to take some photos and bring my SD card into the local drug store and make some thirty cent prints and just put a stamp on them. Or go to an antique place and get some funny old cards [which a lot of people got from me this time around]
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:17 AM on February 1, 2010

15 more out today. On page 4 of the list... the 11 page list. I'll try to do two batches this week to make up for last week being a total loss on the postcard front.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 3:01 PM on February 1, 2010

According to my calculations, I've sent out upwards of 45 postcards... which means that despite my valiant efforts, I'm still nowhere near hitting every address on grapefruitmoon's original list!

I hope that most of you are not moving residences within the next month, because I plan to continue plugging away at this =)
posted by tantivy at 6:05 PM on February 1, 2010

Heh, and I thought the 8 or so I had to send out were taxing! I have all out the door except for one and it will go tomorrow.
posted by cjorgensen at 7:02 PM on February 1, 2010

Thank you to the people who have sent me postcards so far!
posted by gaspode at 6:59 AM on February 5, 2010

Yay, I got my first postcard yesterday! Hello, Minnesota!
posted by misha at 3:15 PM on February 5, 2010

I finally mailed mine but my husband was the one who bought the stamps and he cheaped out so they may take a couple of weeks to get anywhere. But I promise they're coming!
posted by wallaby at 11:20 AM on February 7, 2010

Don't worry, my darlings, your hand crafted ones are taking their sweet time.
They'll all be in the mail as soon as I draw another damn cat.
Speaking of sweet time takers, my Secret Quonsar sure is slow.
posted by at the crossroads at 10:49 PM on February 7, 2010

Yay San Fransisco! I couldn't tell if the post card was written by tantivy or the plant. ;)
posted by biochemist at 8:06 AM on February 8, 2010

Which I should add is because it started out with "I'm a San Francisco plant," not because of the handwriting or anything... should think before I post. xD
posted by biochemist at 8:06 AM on February 8, 2010

Ack... transplant, not plant!

I know I'm not very good at leaving room for postmarks or avoiding smudges, so it's possible that ALL of my postcards have been similarly cryptic so far. I hope you all enjoy the mystery :)
posted by tantivy at 3:17 PM on February 8, 2010

Okay I have a scary work pile on my desk, so I just sent out the first ten today.

Thanks gursky, Hardcore Poser, apricot, lizbunny, alynnk, domi_p, and tantivy. Your postcards kicked ass!
posted by futureisunwritten at 7:40 PM on February 9, 2010

Heh. Got cjorgenson's postcard today. Nice!
posted by misha at 2:17 PM on February 10, 2010

To all of you who have sent me cards - Thank you. I haven't forgotten about it - I'm still trying to find awesome postcards to send you guys. I can't believe how hard it is to find these damn things.
posted by bigmusic at 12:41 AM on February 11, 2010

Hi guys - here's a look at some of the awesome postcards I've gotten so far, and the roll call:

beandip!
tantivy!
DU! Twice!
patheral!
Jessamyn!
Megami!
Big thanks to all y'all. and here's the snaps

more soon - like as soon as I get 'em. I've got more going out this week
posted by toodleydoodley at 3:39 PM on February 12, 2010

Oh! and Gov't Drone! who apparently is cheating on me with Grapefruit Moon

I still love ya ;-)
posted by toodleydoodley at 3:47 PM on February 12, 2010

Pffft. Everybody's cheating on everybody with me. I'm dirty like that.

(And sending out more cards this weekend, which I guess means Tuesday in Postal Years.)
posted by grapefruitmoon at 3:54 PM on February 12, 2010

I am entirely done with my epic postcard list =) The last 20 of you should be getting one from me this week.

Thanks to everyone who sent me postcards!! I didn't really send individual thank-yous because there were a whole lot. This was fun!
posted by tantivy at 4:38 PM on February 20, 2010

tantivy, toodleydoodley, apricot: Postcards are in the mail!
7segment: address, svp!

Thanks for the bad jokes sent to my friend; I am still without an actual residence (this sucks). He loved the jokes and the cards.
posted by whatzit at 9:56 AM on February 23, 2010

I'd like to publicly thank cjorgensen for sending me Minute Rice in exchange for the postcard I sent him (because he was nice enough to ask if I wanted something and I asked for some! That's right, Minute Rice, even though I live in Japan! He humored a crazy Japanese person!)! I will, of course, send him something more substantial than a postcard in exchange-exchange. He is good people, folks.
posted by misozaki at 2:32 AM on February 24, 2010 [1 favorite]