A lot of what I write here is about interesting articles I find online.  Here's one I found yesterday with an intriguing title:

Social media kills the postcard

No, say it ain't so!

I have to admit, I've come somewhat reluctantly to social media, even though it's now part of my work as copywriter and marketing consultant.  And while I'm getting more proficient at using it everyday - and even liking it most of time - there are limits to when I'll use it.  For instance, it won't replace the little glimpse of a faraway place that a loved one is lucky enough to visit.

This article reported that only 11% of travelers now write and send postcards.  Most now either post regularly on a social media channel (primarily Facebook) and even send texts.  Travel brochures also seem to be on the way out as well.

That just seems wrong.

Just like with anything coming in the postal mailbox, I love postcards.  It gives me a chance to dream a little to wherever it came from, and share in the experience of the friend or family member by reading the letter-blurb on the back.  Whenever I travel anywhere, I send two to my kids back home.  As evidenced on their bedroom doors, they now have nine each from just the various US cities I've been to in the past three years.

But to say that postcards are doomed is to be short-sighted.  Yes, social media is here to stay.  It's part of nearly everyone's daily lives, not just those of travel marketers and businesses.

It's essential, though, to have tangible reminders of where we've been and revel in someone sharing their travel experiences with us.  Printed photos like those on postcards and brochures can be kept in souvenir boxes, taken out and looked at to help us daydream a little.  There's something special about not having to look on a computer or device screen all the time to view meaningful photos like those.

So long live the postcard.  At least in my book, your demise has been greatly exaggerated.