Swap-bot Time: March 28, 2024 10:31 am
www.swap-bot.com

Postcard Biography Swap

Launch gallery slideshow

Swap Coordinator:carol (contact)
Swap categories: Letters & Writing  Newbie  Postcards 
Number of people in swap:7
Location:International
Type:Type 2: Flat mail
Last day to signup/drop:May 29, 2016
Date items must be sent by:June 3, 2016
Number of swap partners:3
Description:

This is a repeat of a swap I did a few years ago. I thought it was a fun challenge, and I hope some of you do, too!

A while back NPR reported on a performance artist who writes people’s biographies on a postcard. Read and listen to the story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106749299

Since I love to write, love postcards, AND love to swap, I thought it’d be fun to combine all of these into a fun swap!

Michael Kimball (the writer) uses the whole backside of the card and can fit up to 600 words on it. I can’t write that small, and we’ll need to leave the address side blank, so let’s shoot for about 300 words. Please don’t just write boring details (although you can include them too), but give us a glimpse into you. What makes you tick? What’s important in your world? Who or what shaped who you are? How?

If you'd like to write about someone else, that's okay. Just be sure to put their first name (last not needed!). You can even write about a famous person if you like. It's a biography, after all! Anyone is fair game.

Take a look at his website for examples: http://www.michael-kimball.com/blog.php

Choose a card that reflects you in some way, or make one yourself. Cards must be sent naked (no envelopes!).

You may handwrite or type the information on your card. I’ll be typing mine since my handwriting is awful. If you'd like to use the whole backside for your bio, use a peel off sticker for the address on the front. Just be sure it's the kind that won't damage the card when it's removed!

You can start right away since you won't need to know who your partner is for this one. It's all about YOU!

International since PCs are fairly cheap to send. Three partners seems a good number. You can send the same bio to each, or write a new one if you like. Leave a comment if you'd like to send more or fewer and I can edit the number.

This one is all about YOU, so start writing after you sign up. It'll be a short turn-around to send since you won't need to know your partners to start working.

Newbies with a complete profile welcome! I will angel if necessary.

Discussion

lawchick 05/20/2016 #

This is really cool and interesting...can we still get rated 5 if we can't quite hit 300 words? (I'll do my best.) :)

kellogg 05/26/2016 #

I already wrote out 1

carol 05/28/2016 #

Just be sure to fill the back of the card with normal size writing--no huge letters! ;) It doesn't have to be tiny print, either. I'm more concerned that you fit as much as you can on the card than about word count. I won't be counting the one I get!

petaluda 05/28/2016 #

The PCs I have ask to leave the bottom part under the address blank too (for post office use only) :( In case someone will send to Canada, the postage is 68 cents I just mailed out one I would love to participate but I have to put it in the watchlist for now

carol 05/29/2016 #

Yikes. That's expensive.

Yes, thanks for pointing out--you need to leave a space at the bottom. Newer PCs block this area out, but if you're like me and use vintage cards sometimes, you need to be aware of this. I've found that they use a sticker that's pretty easy to peel off, so if you or your partner does stray into that area, it's usually okay. Just peel it off!

Last day to join the swap!

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to log in.

I received the item
I sent the item

Received from:
For multiple members, separate names with spaces

Description: