E-cards

Parent Cafe
1

<p>This may seem like a frivolous topic, but I have noticed that when I send a real paper greeting card in the mail to relatives and friends for things like birthdays and anniversaries, I frequently hear back from them thanking me for the card. When I send an e-card, however, even though they are really cute, appropriate and contain a substantial personal message from me, I get far fewer acknowledgements. Sometimes I will forget someone’s birthday until it is too late to mail a paper card, and then in those instances I will send an e-card. I personally enjoy getting both kinds of greetings, and I acknowledge both. Is there a sentiment out there that e-cards don’t count as much because they didn’t require the forethought to buy the card, address it and mail it, or some other reason? Similar experience, anyone?</p>

2

<p>I really don’t like them, though I can’t put my finger on why. If you wrote me a birthday email, I’m sure I’d thank you, but there’s something about ecards that just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe because I have to watch them go through their little routines (can’t just read them at their own speed.) I’m not sure, but I have to say, I often get several “reminder” emails from the card company to open them.</p>

3

<p>I agree with Garland. I have opened a few over the years, but many times have trouble with the animation actually working. Now I just delete them with the junk mail. I have cut back on paper cards also. It has to be a really special occasion for me to want to spend $5.00 on a card that is opened, read, and tossed in the trash. A birthday email or phone call is better as a last-minute greeting than an ecard for me.</p>

4

<p>I love 'em. We have a family policy (going on 5 years now). No more paper cards. They are wasteful and not as fun as some of the e-cards out there. There are a few really good e-card sites out there, with creative and fun cards. I like being able to look at them, respond right then and there, and discard them. One goal is to find great sites that don’t spam you (or the recipients).</p>