Early last year we mentioned a project called Dear Data, in which two ladies across the Atlantic exchanged drawn infographic postcards every week, detailing one specific aspect of their lives. Things such as complaints they uttered or compliments they’ve received, or even very specific things like animals they saw or doors they went through were all counted and sketched into white postcards, and then posted to each other. They kept it up for a whole year, collecting data and turning the experiment into a weekly ritual of discovery.
The project was so popular that it didn’t surprise me to discover it was edited in a book format recently, and I think it’s even better to browse the postcards this way, in an analogue format equivalent to that in which they came to life.
The postcard images remain intriguing and unreadable at first glance, inviting further investigation in order to decode them. The legends on the back though are super detailed and often contain several layers of information to add to their complexity… it’s astonishing to realize how much data they must have collected over the year!
The pages in-between postcards are also funny and often provide insights or little anecdotes into Stefanie and Georgia’s lives… like how they both discovered their love for Haribo gummy bears on week 17!
Slowly, throughout the book, you also realise how a conversation is happening between the designers through their correspondence, how they’re getting to know each other and thinking a bit more about their lives through the analysis that is taking place in real time.
All in all, Dear Data is a remarkable book, inspiring us to slow down and really observe what is happening all around… and then grab our pens to put all these interesting details into our postcards!
PS – Sadly, it’s also very noticeable on the book how badly US machines treat their outbound mail… Why, USPS, why?! 😠
25 comments so far
What an awesome Project!!!!!
This is so pretty!
As far as outgoing international mail is concerned you can combine a regular forever stamp with a 'non-machinable' stamp (butterfly or cake) and it will total the cost of mailing a standard card or letter.
Hope that helps a few postcards make it safely to their destinations!
What a great project!
Wonderful! I remember very well, when you presented their project and wanted to know more about it, and now I have the opportunity to do so. I'll go and get the book as fast as possible,
Good notes for the book, bad notes for USPS and all sort machines !
Ordered it right away :D I would have never known about this book without Postcrossing, so thanks! I'm sure I'll love it!
What a great story! The creativity of this cards are just fantastic. I'llget the book as soon as possible.
Not sure if or why I would want to buy such a book.
Looking forward for the arrival of MY sample of this littlle treasure!
What a great idea and so fun to see the results! Thank you for sharing!
Loved it! I was able to get a copy from my local library.
Does anyone know a way tot order the book without using Amazon? Amazon is the... 'interesting' company that for some reason does not allow PayPal. And I think this book is absolutely awesome!
@Saaar: I believe bookdepository.com lets you pay with Paypal — have a look! :)
@meiadeleite lovely, that works. Thanks!
Like~ (thump up)
Super!
Hi, I ordered it, because I became curios. I think it's a great book, I can't wait to read it. Thank you for sharing your story, Anneke
Thank you for sharing another gem pertaining to postcards. Data personalized - I ordered the book out of curiosity; after all, books and postcards are two of my favorite things!
Awesome
Ciao I've ordered the book and received it yesterday, I must say it's more than great. I can only recomend it. I LOVE IT!!!!!
Hi, I just received the book and start reading, it's very interesting. Well recommended, Anneke
I want this book too............
My sample just arrived and it is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Update on the comment from ducksinatriangle seen above. This combination of stamps did at that time work for the international rate. However with the rate increase of 22.01.2017, the Butterfly stamp is now $0.70 and the Forever stamp is now $0.49 which = $1.19, not the correct rate of $1.15. Sadly, there is no two stamp combination which works. Yes, you can use $1.00, $0.10 and $0.05 but this is a bit awkward but still effective. Of course, there are always stamp dealers who sell older stamps at face value or less. Look at the ads in Linn's Stamp News for ideas.
I love this site. But I have been hospitalizes for a month and now I have several cards that need to be registared but the site wont let me?????
When I click on the registar box i am just sent out the google site. Can anyone help me get my site back??????
aginnjr. Been a member about a year,
TY
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