Postcrossing

If like me you still get excited at the prospect of something other than bills plopping onto your doormat, then maybe Postcrossing is for you. The premise is quite simple, you register with the site, click for an address to send to (you can send up to 5 at first), send your postcards to the address provided then sit back and wait to get one back! Once you receive your card, you register the code that should be written on it so the sender knows you've received it - there is also the option to scan & upload your card to the site.

Be warned though, there are some serious post card collectors out there (one of my first addresseees prefers "map and single view lighthouse, but also will accept Flags, Famous People, British and Foreign Royalty, Disasters, Aerial tramways, Cliff lifts, Lifeboats,Chain Ferries, Carpets, Prisons, Clocks - not too specific then!), so any old tat from the local shop wont cut it!
Most people however, are happy to receive something showing your area, which led to the surprisingly difficult task of finding decent images of Manchester. I think I will be trying out the make your own postcard options from Moo in the not too distant future.
Today i received my first card from Finland, and it was a very cute picture of Moomins, which is great, as i love the Moomins