How Do eCards Stack Up to Ordinary Greeting Cards?

eCards are on track to replace the common greeting card.

eCards might be a relatively new creation in comparison to the standard greeting card, but eCards are fast earning a reputation for being even more personal, fun and flashy than their predecessor ever hoped to be. They are different, engaging and are a simply stunning alternative to the older, stuffier option.

While there are a number of compelling similarities between the two options, it's the differences that really make the eCard choice shine. Let's look at both.

The eCard Appeal
The differences between the two styles of greetings are notable. On the eCard front, it's these distinctions that tend to make them shine. If there is a computer available at both ends of the line, an eCard stands out as a fine choice, because:

• Most eCards are more animated, more visually stunning and fun to behold.
• They are interactive, inviting the recipient to click through to see the rest of a story, or hear a tale as it unfolds. This simple attraction makes them more engaging.
• They say more, or can. The well designed eCard tells its story or reveals its "show" and then always leaves room for very personal messages
• They have musical appeal. While musical paper cards are marketed, the selection is generally considered quite weak and the sound itself, cheesy. On the eCard front, there are generally custom fitted tracks of composed music to ensure the eCard says what the sender feels or wants the recipient to know.
• Instant presents. When an eCard is sent, it almost instantly hits the recipients inbox. If you waited until the last minute, you can still send a personal touch without your recipient ever knowing.
• They don't get lost in the mail. This old excuse doesn't hold water when an eCard is chosen. The delivery is as instant as a sender wants it to be.

The Similarities
While eCards are distinctly different, they do hold some similarities with the older, paper greeting card. They include:

• Ability to put a smile one the recipient's face. The sense of delight at receiving a card is still present with the electronic version. In fact, it could be even greater. There is nothing like receiving a friendly note or warm birthday wish in the middle of an awful day at work!
• Ability to express one's heart. This is the beauty of greeting cards in general, be they paper or electronic. In the case of electronic greetings, the options tend to be much greater though.
• An inexpensive option with a HUGE impact. Greeting cards never have to break the bank to express sentiment, brighten a day or even let someone know the sender is thinking of them. Both options do this quite well, but eCards do it even more affordably with a dazzling show included.

The old fashion paper card might still have its place in some circles, but eCards are challenging them on a number of fronts. When something different, something fun and something instant is desired, the eCard is the only way to go.