I started Postcrossing back in December 2020 as it seemed like a fun thing to do. The goal of the project is to allow anyone to send and receive postcards from all over the world! The idea is simple: for each postcard you send, you will receive one back from a random postcrosser from somewhere in the world. Who doesn’t like to get something other than a bill in the post.
Since I started, I have sent 245 postcards and have received the same number. I have corresponded with people from many countries across the globe yet sadly, in my opinion, with nobody from Africa and only one from South America. Perhaps the post doesn’t work so well in these regions.
At first I would send a card every weekend. The application would randomly generate the person to send the card to and give some short details of who they were and what they liked to do. I would scan the card, upload a picture and write something on the back of the card. I always try to make this as relevant to the person I am sending it to as I can, though the information about them is sometimes sparse. I then address the card, put on a stamp, stick it in the post box and wait for it to arrive.
When I receive a card, I register it on the application and send a short thank you note.
I like getting the cards through the door and connecting with people across the globe. I also like to see the amazingly varied stamps, many of which put our drab specimens to shame. I am struck, however, by the cost of sending an international postcard. What used to be a cheap hobby is now quite pricey. Back in 2020 the price of a stamp was, if I recall, £1.80 and now it is £3.40!
As one of my Postcrossing contacts pointed out:
‘Thanks for the wonderful postcard! The artwork is gorgeous. I am looking at the postage you used to send your postcard and how quite amazing it is to think about the price difference to mail a card in England versus the USA. It costs me $1.30 whereas your postage is for £3.40! Thank you again for the thoughtful card!
That’s at least three times the price and I now only send a card every other week.
There’s privatisation for you!
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 