When is it appropriate to send an e-card?

Question

We had a discussion at work about what occasions it would be okay to send e-cards. I said its all right for birthdays and a thank you for a gift, but something like sympathy - you should go with a traditional mailed card. I was surprised at how many co-workers said that e-cards are never appropriate; that it's a thoughtless and cheapo easy way out. Personally, I think e-cards are great. I like getting them. Anyone else have any opinions?

Answer 1

I use e-cards for friends I know only online, for happy occasions. For something sad or serious, I would write a personal email to them.

For people I know in "real life" -- that is, people whose snail mail addresses I know, I only use e-cards for the ones I know prefer email to regular mail, and again only for happy things.

I am just as happy to receive an e-card as a paper one -- and it saves paper and the price of a stamp.

Answer 2

I've never known anyone who doesn't like getting them. They are fun, and you tend to write more in them to get a more personal/humorous feeling. For a very serious situation, or a close friend, you may want to do something more than a free ecard. However, in a pinch, like if you find out in the morning at work that someone needs a "congratulations" or some cheering up, sending out an e-card can be just what the person needs.

Everything changes -- when pre-made cards first came out, people said they were not appropriate because they were impersonal and were "the easy way out" of making something oneself.

Answer 3

I think e-cards are great...and not tacky at all. I send ecard to everyone on their birthdays and I always get positive feedback. In our busy hectic lives It is rare to receive any type of birthday greeting from friends and the fact that the day is remembered often speaks volumes.

I also like to send ecards that are just to say hello or a "Hang in there" if I know someone is having a rough time.

I do reserve sympathy cards to an actual paper card, and if someone is in the hospital I like to send a card the old fashioned way. Other than that ecards (in my opinion) are a great way to let someone know you took a little extra effort into making their day special, and you are thinking of them .

Answer 4

I think e-cards are appropriate only in informal situations. Perhaps for a close friend's birthday, yes. They certainly put a smile on my face, when I receive one from close family or a friend, whether it's a birthday or a simple missing you.

For a thank you card, I feel the person has gone to the trouble of selecting a gift, doing you a favor, etc., whatever it is that is due to be thanked. A handwritten note is definitely in order for these situations.

And I'm glad to see that you already agree that something as light-hearted as an e-card is definitely not appropriate to express sympathy.

Answer 5

I never send email cards. Half the time they never make it to the recipient. Plus they are very informal which does work for alot of people, especially at the holidays. Especially in this day and age where technology has taken over, there's something fun and old fashioned about receiving a regular card in the mail.

Answer 6

In my opinion it can always be appropriate to send an e-card. I have limited funds and don't get out much, so I'd rather send a free e-card then ignore the occasion.

Answer 7

You know the old adage "It's the thought that counts". Your co-workers should remember that. If someone cared enough to send you a card, you should be happy. If you honestly are going to say, "Well, this was free and they should have spent some money on me", you sound pretty ungrateful. This is the electronic age.

PS I like getting them too!

Answer 8

I agree with you absolutely. If the technology is there why not use it? I will not send trad. mail cards unless absolutely necessary under special circumstances. Other than that I will always send e-cards. Take it or leave it. If they are not happy, I'll not send anything at all, not even e-cards.