Post cards and postal cards : terminology and definitions gleaned from the internet

Abstract

A postcard or post card is generally a rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope. Other shapes than rectangular may also be used. There are also novelty exceptions, such as wood postcards, made of thin wood, copper postcards and coconut "postcards" from tropical islands. In some places, it is possible to send them for a lower fee than for a letter. Stamp collectors distinguish between postcards (which require a stamp) and postal cards (which have prepaid postage imprinted on them). While a postcard is usually printed by a private company, individual or organization and is usually issued with the intention of being sold I given free to tourists or visitors as mementos of visits to a country I location etc., a postal card, because of the prepaid postage imprinted on it, is issued by the relevant postal authority. Some of the forms taken by postal cards include the regular single card which may be commemorative or definitive, attached message-reply cards, airmail postal cards, and official postal cards used for official government business with a "penalty for private use". [excerpt]