Once a message is sent you don't know how it will be received. You hope you've hit the right tone but you know there's a chance it might be misinterpreted. What's more, as Muriel hints, you're aware your thoughts may be read by others besides the addressee.
And all that was when we were using the one-to-one format of the postcard.
Today, our new one-to-many means of communication (Facebook, Twitter, etc) can intensify those feelings of self-doubt. Take leaving a message on a friend's profile for the world to see. If it's left hanging without a thread it's easy to imagine it's been ignored by not just your friend but also by an unknown number of people who've seen it.
I suspect this has the effect of splitting messages into two broad categories. On the one hand, people aware of the risks in communicating play safe and reveal little. Neutral, innocuous remarks give the impression of not expecting replies. On the other, people in need of a bit of attention feel pushed into saying something quite extreme to guarantee a reaction.
One thing's for sure, I doubt Muriel would be able to comprehend that her "fine set of girls" is now on show to the world. Sorry M.
By the way, which one do you think is Muriel?
Great picture, although something about it makes it feel slightly sinister.
ReplyDeleteCan you read the date on the card? I would think the reason Muriel wanted it kept out of sight was because I don't believe field hockey was an acceptable game for women at the turn of the century. The acceptable lawn game was croquet...
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting card. Love the text!
ReplyDeleteMurial sounds quite jolly hockey sticks. In today's world she could have put an emoticon on the end of 'aint we a fine set of girls'.
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling postcard! I LOVE what she wrote on the back. Happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteIt looks as though they had a regulation hair do as well as a uniform. Muriel is second from the right on the back row - the only one with a sense of humour.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the kind of messages that say something interesting and/or informative?
ReplyDeleteMy guess is the team was undefeated. I wouldn't take them on.
ReplyDeleteAnyone ever wonder how people in Victorian times felt about their postcard messages being soooo public? Can't keep a secret that way. Of course, by the time the recipient gets the postcard, the secret's already been exposed; no use keeping it under wraps.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful postcard! lol Especially, when you think they probably never dreamed of their picture or message being shot out over the world one day through the internet.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! LOVE this postcard!
Happy PFF!