Sending a postcard from Italy (for example) was once, perhaps only ten years ago, a thoughtful endeavor intended to share your experiences and playfully remind your friends and family that you were “here” and they were “there.”

It was a tried-and-true custom that, regrettably, has fallen out of favor as a result of technological advancements.

Is that a positive or negative thing?

The sending of postcards in the “Old Days” went somewhat like this: Imagine yourself strolling through a piazza in Rome and feeling inspired to send your best friend back in the States a postcard stamps of the scene you are seeing.

You go about looking for carolers (paper products store) because you’re feeling inspired, and you soon locate one.

You spin the stand before choosing a rather commercial card that captures the essence of your piazza. After making your purchase, you go in search of a beautiful café where you may sit and write a few lines.

You place an order for a Campari and Soda, which comes with a free bowl of nuts or chips.

You search your backpack for a functional pen, grab your little contact book, and scribble a quick note. “I’m having a great time! I wish you were present.” After adding your friend’s address, you are prepared to ship the card.

After this little conversation, you lick the stamps, head to the closest post office, and bid your postcard farewell, hoping it reaches your friend before you return home.

Going home On the other end

Imagine going outside to your mailbox and finding a handwritten, hand-stamped postcard hidden among all the bills and trash mail. It’s from your closest friend in Italy, I believe. How far has it been moved? A beauty to behold… attractive, the rear of it appears to have a Campari stain.

Postcard apps altered the workflow

Applications for pretty much everything imaginable have been developed in response to the surge in “Smartphone” usage, including Postgram, Postino, Postcardly, and Touchnote’s apps for producing and mailing postcards. The vintage postcard of yore is going out of style, just like the buggy whip.

This situation plays out like this

Imagine yourself strolling through a piazza in Rome and feeling inspired to send your best friend back in the States a postcard of the scene you are seeing.

You pull out your smartphone and take a picture—possibly even a selfie—of the scene. You locate a comfortable location (with Wi-Fi), take a seat, and make an order for a Campari and Soda and a small bowl of potato chips.

You switch on your smartphone and open your preferred “Postcard” app. You eventually gain access to the website after numerous painful tries with your correct password. Use a picture from your camera roll or the one you just took. Click, then follow the on-screen instructions to type your message and select the address you, ideally, have already added to their contact list.

Going home On the other end

Imagine going outside to your mailbox and finding a typewritten, postage-paid postcard among all the bills and trash mail. Although it comes from your best friend who lives in Italy, the postmark is American.