With the advent of computers and other information technology in the 20th century, mankind experienced an exponential and extraordinary change in the way we interact, communicate, and talk with each other. Old traditions transformed, such as the ubiquitous letters and mail sent, once by horseback or on foot, now sent instantly through computers. Modern changes in society spurred by the Covid pandemic brought this evolution into even closer focus, as we sought ways to connect with each other in a safer and more digital format.
Why Online Postcards are the Best Option
The story of humanity can largely be understood through the lens of communication, as we seek to understand, talk, and relate to each other in more significant ways. From the Roman Empire to the Pony Express, finding better and better ways to communicate has allowed us to transform ourselves and the societies we live in, promoting stronger ties between families, friends, and correspondents.
One facet of this that is especially significant is the advent of websites that allow you to buy postcards online. Many benefits can be achieved through utilizing this form of technology, such as:
- Better selection and a wider variety
- Lower prices that are guaranteed to beat or match anything in person
- More convenient purchases that allow you to shop and check out from the comfort of your own home
Like all other businesses, the postcard industry has adapted and changed in many ways to facilitate growth in the modern world. Buying postcards online has no drawbacks and provides greater convenience than any store ever could. A postcard store will carry several thousand postcards at best, and it might be difficult to find the specific design or niche you are looking for. When shopping online, you can find access to millions of postcards, and any style, design, or type you are looking for.
What is Deltiology?
However, not everyone that buys postcards is intending to send them to others. Deltiology is the study and collection of postcards and is a niche hobby with many passionate members all over the world, similar to stamp or baseball collecting. If you’re looking to get into this hobby or are already a practicing collector, your main issue will likely be locating a strong and comprehensive source of material to collect.
If this is the case, it’s a good thing you’re reading this article. A valuable tip is to skip the large, commercial retailers – your “hallmarks” if you will. You’ll want to find a website run by someone as passionate, knowledgeable, and interested as you are. This will allow you to find a more diverse selection with some valuable and rare items or collectibles, which can sometimes be worth significant amounts of money.
The collectors who start their own websites have gone to great lengths to procure content to offer, from scouring garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets, to being able to run a business they love curating and taking care of. These smaller, niche websites are a great bet if you are looking for highly specific and rare postcards, as only a fellow deltiologist will be able to provide the kind of selection you are looking for as a collector.
Types of Postcards
While most people are probably unfamiliar with the science of deltiology, it’s a specific and highly quantified field, with several distinct eras or types of postcards. The earliest postcards are known as “Lipman’s Postal Cards”, as these were some of the earliest postcards ever printed in the 1860s. From there, the field moves on to Government Postal Cards, which grew in popularity due to the increasing cost of privately printed cards.
In 1907, a major change was introduced with “split back” postcards, when the government allowed messages to be written on them instead of just addresses, and around 1915, “White Border” postcards became popular, due to the shortage of ink from World War I. The next two major changes were “Linen” postcards, printed with a high fiber content around 1930, and finally, the “Photocrom” postcards in the ‘40s, which featured color prints and were essentially similar to the postcards we find today in travel stores and souvenir shops around the world.
Symbols of a Deep Personal Connection
What leads people to develop such a deep fascination with something as seemingly simple and commonplace as postcards? While your average person has likely never heard of deltiology, many people find it to be a touching, sentimental, and evocative field that speaks to their innermost being on a deeply personal level. According to the New York Times, postcards represent the personal connection that many of us long for. Some may be searching for the fulfillment of longing for connection with others, while some may see them as a memento and reminder of a simpler time, with more human connection.
Whatever your personal motivation is, deltiology is an exciting and interesting field, and postcards can provide great investment opportunities. Find the right retailer with the right selection, and you will be well on your way to being a professional and accomplished deltiologist.