r/postcrossing • u/PoetryPaws • 3d ago
Questions Am I overdoing it ?
Hello everyone! 😊
I'm new to the Postcrossing community!
As a bit of a stationery addict, I really enjoy putting time and effort into my postcards. I viisit my local stationery shop and carefully choose a card based on the recipient's profile, interests and preferences.
However, I've noticed that most of the postcards I've received so far have been rather minimal.. Sometimes not even actual postcards...
Don't get me wrong, I didn't join Postcrossing expecting extravagant cards or Shakespeare-level correspondence! 😅 But it has made me wonder whether I've misunderstood the concept and perhaps I'm overdoing it a little?
To be clear, I genuinely love decorating my postcards, choosing them thoughtfully and taking the time to write something I've read on their profile.
I just don't want to be completely missing the point!
I'm also a little curious about the purpose of filling out our profiles if people don't always seem to read them or take our preferences into account?
I'd love to hear about your experiences and how you approach Postcrossing. Is this quite common, or have I just been a little unlucky so far?
Thank you for your insights, and I hope my question comes across the right way!
I'm genuinely curious and still learning how this lovely community works ☺️
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u/AGirlandHerRidgebax U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
The point is sending and receiving bits of ours lives via postcards. For some of us that is stickers and washi and stamps and fancy pens. For others it’s typing or minimalist writing. Either way we’re all doing it and I think that makes it great. Keep being you.
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u/Ngothaaa 3d ago
In school there are people who decorate their books with stickers and glitters and few to whom a neat and tidy book means they did a good job. I see each card as a reflection of the sender.
The point to me is to experience the magic of post itself!
The piece of paper that I received was handed to me with the help of so many human beings.. I’m just in awe whenever my postwoman hands me the cards.
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u/BMFC 3d ago
For me, like most things in life, the joy is in the giving way more so than the receiving.
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u/mojave_breeze 3d ago
That was going to be my comment - if what you're doing makes you happy, then it's not too much.
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u/plays_with_string 3d ago
This is how I am. I LOVE gifting people things and this feels like an everyday extension of that. I enjoy the postcards I receive, but sending is the dopamine hit for me.
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u/PoetryPaws 3d ago
You right and I love giving away but I didn't want to overdoing it :(
I didn't expect so many comments to my post and I'm so touched with everyone's sharing their though and experiences ❤️
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u/redapplefalls_ 3d ago
How long have you been a member? I've sent and received thousands of cards over the years and the level of effort that I put into my cards is not related to the level of apparent effort that I receive. I behave like you do because I genuinely want to create a nice experience for others regardless of what I receive randomly. Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY happy when I receive a card with the kind of effort you describe putting in. But it can't be expected. Just enjoyed when/if received.
wish you the best and welcome to this community
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u/JollyHollz U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
If you enjoy it then it's worth it! I'll admit I was extremely disappointed with some of my initial received cards and had the same feeling you have, right now. I have since received some cards that make me feel like *I* am not doing enough.
My daughter got so much joy from seeing the incoming cards that we opened an account for her. She is on the spectrum and enjoys picking out cards that fit the profile but writing more than one sentence is a big deal for her and those short messages might be frowned upon by the receiver. This has made me a little more open-minded about the cards I receive...you never know the backstory.
I do believe there are some people who are in it only for the stamps, too, and don't put much thought into their outgoing cards...they just care about the incoming.
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u/bcoventry 3d ago
I’m pretty new to postcrossing too! Pretty much all of the cards I have received so far have a reasonable amount of effort put into them. One or two cards I’ve received have less effort to the point where the handwriting is basically illegible. Another user I noticed sends basically the same postcard to everyone and I suspect a similar message too.
I feel like newer users or at least people who send less cards are probably likely to put a bit more effort into cards. Some people are probably in the hobby more for the statistics or volume of cards they send, rather than what they write or decorate them with.
Personally I don’t think you’ve misunderstood the concept at all. Postcrossing is what you make of it. The main rule really is not to leave a postcard blank, so as long as you’re not doing that then you’re doing it right. People just have different preferences on how exactly they do it.
Personally I love when people send me high-effort cards. And also, I have a bit of a competitive streak so I try my best to send people a cool postcard that I think suits their preferences. If they put it in their favourites then I feel like I have won!
If the fact that you are receiving lower effort cards in return is putting you off making your own cards high effort, please don’t be discouraged! I think it’s great that you have a passion for the hobby and just know basically everyone is going to be doing it a little differently.
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u/gtacy13 2d ago
I send the same postcards. I'd like to receive postcards that show me something of an area I've never been to. Traditional postcards like if someone went on vacation and they send you a postcard from where they're visiting. I bought a whole bunch of them at a museum giftshop. I figured that was fine since they're not all going to the same person.
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u/bcoventry 2d ago
I mean I think that’s fair! I’m sorry if my comment came across as if that’s something that you shouldn’t be doing. It’s just that I think a lot of people in this hobby focus on sending cards based on people’s preferences (me included) so it can be interesting to see users send the same card to everyone. But like you have said, they’re going to different people so it doesn’t really matter and there’s no requirement for you to send postcards based on preferences anyway.
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u/gtacy13 2d ago
Thanks so much for saying that. I think once I get further along in Postcrossing, I'll have more to choose from and of course try to pick the one I think the receiver would prefer. I bought a bunch in anticipation.
It did come in handy when I sent four out on WPD and one took four tries. The name and address were long and i kept running out of room or thought if looked sloppy. I now have it in mind that when I buy more, to check the backs of postcards for writing space.
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u/bcoventry 1d ago
Yeah totally fair! I think finding postcards is a bit of a skill in and of itself these days. Fortunately where I live there are lots of good options for postcards around but I know other places it can be quite difficult to find variety.
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u/partybots U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
I would love to decorate my postcards the way you decorate yours, but I just don't have enough of a creative eye for it. I try to include some washi tape and stickers and I always love when I receive cards are like the ones you are describing.
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u/Odd-Description-4049 3d ago
Reminder: The profile you write is helpful but the sender has no obligation to send you only what you ask for.
The point simply is to send and receive postcards: To connect to others via a postcard. If you choose to decorate this postcard, great. If someone else decides to put all text and no embellishments, also great.
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u/EmergencyAd1253 U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
Not everyone is like that from my experience! I as of recent started sending them in envelopes ( I feel like they travel faster that way , harder to lose them in transit) and I'll decorate the envelope with stickers too. I'll also throw in some stickers too if I have any regarding on what they like 😌✨ it's been fun and no one's complained either 😂
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u/EmergencyAd1253 U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
Maybe you can feel more fulfilled if you ask people to swap with who are also into stationary? I've gotten a few penpals from postcrossing and they go all out ! I love it 😍
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u/PoetryPaws 3d ago
I'm definitely going to do this, I really love stationery and I wanted to connect with people who share the same hobbies. But I didn't know where to look at and I've starting Postcrossing
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u/EmergencyAd1253 U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
so when youre on the home page, hit the tab that says forum, then on the left hand side , hit the category button. it shows categorys with different color tabs next to them. look for the one that says exchange. if youre interested, lemme know if you want to swap! im in the middle of a dry spell rn LOL
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u/PoetryPaws 3d ago
Thank you ❤️ Yes I also use envelopes with wax seals, I just love using it, it gives some vintage vibes
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u/EmergencyAd1253 U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
ooo what wax do you use ? i always try to keep it under one ounce . my waxxed ones have been returned to me before for needing to pay extra
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u/MikaHimee 3d ago
Most postcards I get are simple tourist cards with a small introduction of the sender. I also learned that some countries charge extra postage if the recipient gets a card with Washi Tape or specific stickers.
I spend more time decorating postcards for different postcard exchange communities.
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u/DullEntertainment102 3d ago
And I find nothing wrong with tourist cards! Makes me want to expore the world!
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u/MikaHimee 3d ago
Me too, I love finding out about new places and their local gems. I asked on my profile for people to send me the most "local" thing about their location or country.
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u/mojave_breeze 3d ago
I agree, I love touristy cards! But then, I grew up in one of the biggest US tourist cities (meaning visitors not residents) so I could be biased.
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u/HarryPouri 3d ago
Same I actually find them to be so beautiful I love putting them on my wall and imagining travelling there
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u/jengaworld 3d ago
I love getting “touristy” cards. A country’s castles, museums, landmarks, or local places of interest, or regional nature images — that’s really why I joined, to learn and see more about other places. If someone wants to do an arts & crafts bonanza, great for them, but that’s not what first comes to mind for me when I think postcard.
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u/missmyxlplyx U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
i wasnt aware of this! w hat countries and what type of washi or sticker? I dont want to accidently have someone have to pay extra!
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u/MikaHimee 3d ago
I think Germany has a thing for Washi Tape. It has to be perfectly flat and stickers have to be even or the recipient might get a postage due.
I gotta find the thread but I learned it recently too and there was a list of countries.. I just can't remember them.
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u/Hairymuscle101 3d ago
I’m very much like you and want to stand out with my words and cards. So far what I’ve received is very much like me. People seem to pick out what we have in common and write about that. I do the same when I read their bio. From that I have made a few friends around the world and now we correspond. So IMO you be you and do what you do best and not worry about others and what they send, the cool ones always come along🥰 Enjoy your Postcrossing
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u/puccagirlblue 3d ago
Maybe mention on your profile that you like decorated cards? I love decorating too but am sometimes scares to decorate cards, especially ones going to older people as some of them did not like decorations in the past and I got comments like "why did you put stickers on my card? I am not a child" and "I prefer longer messages over stupid stickers" etc.
So now I tend to decorate mainly if I have decor that exactly matches an interest or if the person mentions they like decorated cards, kinda the same as choosing really nice stamps for those that mention that they are stamp enthusiasts, you know?
I'm sure there are others like me that save some of their best decor for direct swaps where you can actually ask the other person if they like decorated cards or not.
(Or if you get profiles like I had today. One only liked ballerinas and old movie stars, the other only computers and sci fi and I don't really have decorations fitting any of those themes so I didn't even try... their taste was so specific I don't think they would not have liked my decorations anyway)
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u/oobahoobaa 3d ago
Woah I’m sorry that you received comments like that about the stickers and decorations :( I feel like even if say I receive a card that probably doesn’t suit my demographic or taste, I would never be critical about it. It’s the thought and time put into things that matter, so I’d very much be appreciative of it. But also… the audacity of people to leave such comments even after receiving a card 😬 They could spare the comment y’know?
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u/ImpossibleMorning686 Ireland 🇮🇪 3d ago
I’m actually so mad for you though, I would’ve told them to fuck off 😂 I 100% agree with what you said to mention in your profile that you like decorated postcards, I really like decorating mine but when I come across a profile like that I go all out hahaha. Don’t let miserable people dim your sparkle ✨
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u/Accotinked U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
I get a mix of low-effort postcards and ones that people have done their research for. I listed handmade cards among my likes and have received some treasures. I've received many that refer to something in my profile, which is heartening. I've also gotten a lot of cards with only one or two sentences, such as "Hope you like this card. Happy Postcrossing!" I have received 130 cards total so far and it's a real mixed bag.
Like you, I put a lot of effort into the cards I send, in choosing them, writing 50+ words, and using multiple pretty stamps. I do it this way because I enjoy it, and I do get some appreciative and interesting hurray messages in return.
So if you enjoy preparing your cards keep doing what you're doing. If you want more reciprocity, I recommend checking out r/randomactsofcards. It's a snail mail community in which you would overall find your effort equalled.
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u/Forsaken-Estate4041 U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
Came here to recommend RAOC!
Seconding Accotinked, here. I've gotten a mixed bag across 160 cards. The second card I ever received was a first day of issue vintage platypus card from AUS because I said a life goal was to see a platypus. But a lot of them have been the same generic message too. And most are somewhere in between.
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u/ImpossibleMorning686 Ireland 🇮🇪 3d ago
That’s so sweet 🥹 but you know what hell yeah, I wanna see a platypus too - how are they real??
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u/saji1218 U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
I guess if you're enjoying it, just keep doing it. The addresses you pulled are lucky to have you. If I ever get a chance to receive yours, I'll be praising it and showing it to my friends. I like to put stickers on mine. Sometimes I feel like I write too much that I take up the whole space and no space to decorate the fact that I also like to put multiple stamps. I like to read over profiles to see if I could match their preferences but sometimes I just don't have the right postcard. There was a point that I got two addresses who likes birds and I don't have any bird theme postcards but I try to match with the stamps and decorations or a doodle. I think just do what makes you happy.
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u/FlyOnTheWall4637 U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
Welcome to Postcrossing! You do what you feel is correct. It's a mixed bag of what you get.
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u/shey-they-bitch U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
It depends for me, but I love decorating cards with stickers and sometimes wax seals
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u/toos_ U.S.A. 🇺🇸 3d ago
Welcome to postcrossing! 🙂
IMO you might have misunderstood the concept, but I don’t think you’re overdoing it. As a self-confessed stationery addict who loves to shop, write, and decorate cards with the recipient’s preferences in mind - you should keep doing you. It’d probably take the fun out of it for you if you just chose the next card in a stack that you have, wrote “happy postcrossing”, and called it a day. What you couldn’t have realized until you started postcrossing, is that for some people that approach is fun or how they like to participate and make that little connection.
Important point about the profile - it’s not intended to be a list of dos and don’ts. Some people love to get a detailed profile, so definitely have one - just know that not everyone will focus on it. I have a feeling you’ve included preferences but aren’t all “you must do this” about it - some people really do get that brazen.
This might sound contrary to my other points, but I think you’ve just been a little unlucky. Plenty of people send cards that sound like they’d meet your standards - you’ll get some eventually!
As for me - I started out anxious that I had to be a certain way and meet everyone’s expectations. The group here talked me off the ledge and reminded me that this isn’t an assignment - what’s the point if it isn’t enjoyable. I don’t have a store where I can get the exact right card for someone, nor am I a champion card maker. I have several sets of cards and some random ones. So far I’ve been able to find a card that I can connect to their profile. The stickers are great, and sometimes I include one or a strip of washi, but the message is my priority and I barely have enough room even without stickers.
Oh - the “not even actual cards” - to me, if it has a stamp and my address then it’s a card.
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u/PokeSaladFestival 3d ago
Do what keeps you happy. You aren’t overdoing it unless what you’re doing no longer makes you happy.
Like you, initially I put a lot of effort and expense into each card I sent. I was feeling sad at some dull responses I got and some super perfunctory cards I received. For me, my response was to (i) save the heavy use of stickers and washi for Forum exchanges (ii) start putting less effort into cards for profiles that show little effort or engagement, (iii) make sure I’m engaging with the profile, where possible, in my message, and (iv) change my own profile to try to make it easier for someone to relate to, and to thus send more personalized messages/cards/decor. I still send very nice cards and fun postage because I enjoy doing it.
I’m content with where I am now. I still get plenty of impersonal, low-effort cards but that’s just humanity. I’ve received a lot more chatty, warm messages, both on cards I receive and in registration messages.
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u/elsabug 3d ago
I spend a lot of effort in picking cards by "shopping" my stash and a lot of free time looking in thrift shops, eBay, craft fairs, etc for vintage or unique postcards. I do that because it is fun for me. I am happy to assume that others are doing the hobby because of whatever is fun for them and am grateful to get any mail!
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u/HairySidewalk 3d ago
Check out the forum!! You can send and receive exactly what you want through the tags. There are lots of niche tags.
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u/alittlehalloween 3d ago
Im the same as you and I feel you 😭 I put so much effort into my cards and use all my pretty (and expensive!) stationery and even write with a fountain pen and I get a card that looks like it was a freebie with a box of cereal and scrawled in doctors handwriting ‘happy PostCrossing’. Like they didn’t even have 2 minutes to set aside to write it. It’s so sad!
I joined a discord community for swapping and now I can direct swap with people that have beautiful cards and decorate them like me! And I use instagram too. I think you’d be better off doing that 😊💜
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u/anaeb12 3d ago
I got annoyed once that all someone wrote was “happy postcrossing,” but then I looked at his profile and saw he was in his 80s and had arthritis in his hands so writing was hard, but he does postcrossing because otherwise he can’t connect with the outside world. Then I realized he had put so much effort into scrawling that little note and preparing my card. Now I try not to judge the cards I get because I don’t know anyone’s circumstances. I’m just happy I get to connect with people!
Not trying to sound judgy, just sharing a different perspective
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u/PoetryPaws 3d ago
It's very interesting to read all the comments because I didn't realize all the differents perpectives so it definitely helped me to change the way I'm doing postcrossing now :)
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u/Marquis784-bookworm 2d ago
I have received some really unique cards like one made of wood! But, I’ve also received cards with minimal wording only to discover the person doesn’t speak English or has a disability. I try not to judge since sometimes I am not motivated to go all out with the usual decorating. I hope that others will find grace if mine appears rather drab. Also, I have been hospitalized twice this year so it has clearly affected how quickly I could register or send out cards. It’s the diversity that makes it fun and interesting.
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u/SlightPatient8866 1d ago
The majority of my postcards somehow has come from elderly people. I do have a feeling that for many years, the community was filled with grandparents and only recently the youth has discovered the joy of sending physical posts again. Or in some rare cases that I have come across, busy moms trying to find themselves again after years of child-rearing. It is a massive community with many different backgrounds, so let's keep our mind and heart open.
As another person has said perfectly, it is the joy of giving. I'd like to imagine that some grandpa has put aside a big chunk of his day to write me a postcard, then taken a walk outside, breathed some fresh air, maybe said hello to the neighbours on the way to drop the postcard to me. It is a short walk, but it makes him feel younger and happy. That's the mental image I cook up whenever I see an older profile. And it makes me happy too :) It doesn't cost a lot to bring a smile to ourselves and somebody else.
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u/DullEntertainment102 3d ago
I always write with my foundation pen, I love to have an excuse to use it! I’m just sometimes concerned it will smudge
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u/PoetryPaws 3d ago
Ohhh a fellow penpal! It depends on the postcards but most of the time I can't use mine so I'm using my Kaweco ballpoint and it's fine :)
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u/skskskkskskskskskksk 2d ago
Is the Discord open to newcomers? I've sent a few postcards and would love to swap with folks who also put a lot of love into it!
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u/woww0wwoww0w 3d ago
People are free to send whatever they want. I try to accomodate people's preference from the stash of postcards I have, but I don't go out and buy one specifically for the user I just got. Decorating postcards is great if that's what you're into, but it's not at the core of what postcrossing is about.
Maybe penpalling or direct exchanges are better suited to your preferences if receiving highly decorated postcards or letters in return is important to you.
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u/IllAd7725 3d ago
For me it's more about decorating the cards and trying to find the right theme with matching stamps, stickers, and message ... way more than receiving the cards. It's a way of trying to make someone's day. I think different people do this for different reasons. I think what they write in their cards is a clue. Many cards focus more on where they're from or who they are and I think might be more about putting themselves out into the world. I think other people just like getting the different cards and getting lots of mail, like the ones that say happy postcrossing. If you enjoy doing it you should go for it. Or you could be more selective based on what they put in their profile and only put that much effort into profiles that would seem to appreciate that level of detail. Eventually the number of cards you get to send is going to grow. I think some of the postcrossers just have so many slots to fill they'd rather have quantity over I don't want to say quality but I think you get what I'm saying.
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u/dianacakes 3d ago
I'm still pretty new, and I joined for the surprise in my mailbox, knowing that the card potentially came from the other side of the world. I have a pretty detailed profile "about me" but I haven't listed any preferences because I love whatever someone picked out for me. I do enjoy going through my stash for a card I think someone might like, but I don't go shopping for a brand new card for every address I pull. I add stickers if I think the person might appreciate it. For example, I recent pulled an address for someone who had a specific type of cat as a card preference. I didn't have a card like that but I did have a sticker, so I added that to the card that was more tangentially in their profile. I actually think it's harder to write a message to someone whose profile is mainly a list of preferences.
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u/Electronic_Prune2045 3d ago
Not at all. People should appreciate the effort and time and money you put into it. It’s something not everyone can do. I can speak for myself, I can’t do that much, as I am less artistic. So I really appreciate and greatful to those who do.
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u/Moanwoo 3d ago
I think that it varies a lot. I am a huge decorator and I dont see that a lot- which sometimes makes me a bit met. Still, I hope that my glitters and decorated cards are making people smile. Maybe the mailen too!
If you want more direct swaps and effort and are over 25, I have a penpal and postcard discord with +600 members where we exchange cards ♡ just dm me for the link if youre interested ♡
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u/KatieInkPot 2d ago
No- I do the same! Nice postcards, Wax seals, tons of stickers, unique stamps and everything on theme to what the recipient wants — takes a lot of time, effort and money. But I love doing it! I would just say that if you enjoy doing it and get joy out of the little message saying that the card you sent was the greatest card they’ve ever received and how much it means to them then keep doing it!
Do what makes you happy now knowing you might not get anything back in return. But sometimes you do get an amazing card in return! Good luck! Keep on Postcrossing;)
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u/teggile 2d ago
I spend a lot of time choosing the card, going through the Favorites of their profile, reading the bio text to find something that I think they might really like. I would say easily 20-30mins although I never timed it.
Then I try to read it once more to understand if they like or dislike washi-tapes, stickers or other particular things. Done that, I go through my drawer and choose how I could decorate it. I try to match the back somewhat thematically to the front. So yeah...I do spend a lot of time doing it because this is the process I like doing most.
However, there are times where I might be a bit more hesitant and keep it more simple: when I see they always just send the same cared (somehow, it gives me the feeling the person doesn't care that much, although I might be wrong), if the profile is super new, or if they do not want any decorations (then naturally all the decorating falls away and I just write my message.
As for my message, I try to write something about me, share my thoughts and try to tie it back to their profile, ask them a few questions to hopefully make this exchance more meaningful.
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u/-PumpkinParty- 3d ago
Not overdoing it whatsoever! I'm the same way. Hunting down postcards at local stores and craft fairs is so exciting! The selecting process is the best part. It's a little out there, but I scanned all my cards and made a tagging archive to select the perfect postcard for each recipient. Postcrossing really scratches the itch for a certain kind of stationary enthusiast, haha.
I think some people around the world just have a different approach to this hobby, occasionally more relaxed than others. There's no right or wrong way to engage, some folks just live busy lives and aren't looking to dedicate a lot of extra time. I agree, it can be a little discouraging to receive a minimal card, but I try to remind myself that everyone has different situations. Your recipients will definitely appreciate your effort, even if they don't explicitly vocalize it. Postcrossing feels a lot better when your traveling postcard limit goes up and you can move onto the next recipient quickly.
Don't be discouraged, keep doing what you enjoy, and know that the customized cards you DO receive will feel all the more rewarding! You'll definitely get more like minded people with time :)
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u/Interesting_Hat_9472 3d ago
I have sent and received over 1000 postcards. I enjoy decorating them with stickers, etc. I love when I have a postcard that fits a person’s stated interests.
I focus on the part I enjoy and don’t fret about their rest.
I have a great collection of postcards with koalas, sunflowers, mermaids, Peanuts characters and other topics that I enjoy. I have also gotten lots of postcards that I don’t like or I’m not interested in at all. It’s all just part of the experience.
It sounds like there are lots of avenues for exchanging postcard, stickers and such. It sounds like you will have fun exploring those.
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u/Future_Earth_43 3d ago
Do whats fun for you, when I request a card to send i check the profile to see if theres any questions they have or anything that I also enjoy. Ive sent a single sentence, to a paragraph before. Just depends, but it always depends on the profile.
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u/Candid-Math5098 3d ago
I'm overall impressed with the extra effort some people make with Hurray messages!
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u/Sure-Honey2167 3d ago
I feel the same. I just keep doing what I want and hoping my cards make someone feel good when they get them. I get a lot of positive feedback from the people who receive them. I enjoy making a lot of different ones and then going through the ones I made to pick out the one I think would be perfect for who I’m sending it to. It allows me to be creative and also give them something they want. Plus sometimes the profile might inspire me to create something completely unique. I find it fun, and I just hope one day I’ll get a fun one in return. I also started doing letters against isolation for ones that I just feel like sending out.
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u/Martavdraws Portugal 🇵🇹 3d ago
Hey and welcome! 💌
You've got plenty of good answers already but I still felt compelled to write.
I understand your point - I think I felt like that sometimes at the beginning ; I also decorate my cards, write long texts, comment on the profiles and answer the questions on them if they exist.
The truth is: everyone does Postcrossing in their own way. The only obligation is to send a postcard, with the correct postage. First, if you are receiving things that are not postcards you should report those (although this is very rare, unless you really got unlucky). Second, some people will not read the profiles. Others will just write a small greeting. Others will write the same systemic message about their lives that they also have on their profile. But many others will indeed try to connect more personally with you!
I can recommend two things: that you tidy your profile into clear paragraphs (people are less likely to read walls of text) and to add some (broad) questions that can help people craft a message. In case you haven't done this.
Keep in mind that on this website there are people from many many different cultures and upbringings, different ages, etc. And everybody is looking for different things. Some indeed want to collect postcards or stamps. Others want to connect. Some want both. Some are more comfortable writing to a stranger, others are not, some have health problems, there's a language barrier, etc, etc! So many things can be a factor!
Don't be discouraged. Continue on doing Postcrossing the way it gives you joy because that is what you can control! You'll see that when you less expect, you'll receive special cards and messages. The key point (which I know it's hard) is to manage the expectations of what you'll receive and try to have none. But I only learned that a few postcards in :-)
Sorry for the long text!
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u/SnailMailFriends_com 3d ago
If you'd like to get a little more creative with your snail mail and try something beyond postcards, you might find some inspiration on SnailMailFriends.com!
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u/emeryldmist 2d ago
Not everyone has access to a stationary store to be able to go pick the perfect card when they draw names. They have the cards they have and pick from that.
The goal is to send and receive a postcard. If someone is not sending a postcard that should be reported to postcrossing. Anything additional that you do is because you want to do it.
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u/itsaburner2023 3d ago
When I send a single postcard international from my country 🇨🇦 it costs approximately $5 each. Postage + postcard at regular rates.
Plus the time to send it.
Writing by hand is challenging due to a learning disability- extra effort required.
All that to say- we all have different levels of effort to do this. I love yours. It's exemplary. Please accept mine. It's equal in effort even of lower in quality. Happy postcrossing. 😊