OSM Cards

OSM Cards is a separate website for members of OpenStreetMap community to exchange postcards. It is quite like Postcrossing, but with an option to request postcards, and a knowledge that everybody you're interacting with is a member of a project you're in.

The service is maintained by Ilya Zverev and is completely open-source, including the server set-up. As explained in the SotM introductory video, Ilya is committed to keeping your private data secure, and to have you connecting with other mappers.

Answers

What do I need to start sending or requesting postcards?

It's simple: you sign in and fill in your name and postal address. There are few other fields that would benefit you and people you exchange postcards with.

How do I write a postcard?

Here's how Postcrossing explains it. The only difference is that you mention "OSM Cards ID" at the bottom.

Who are "confirmed" users and how do I become one?

A person is confirmed when they have verifiably sent and received at least one postcard. Verifiably means they have registered a postcard they had received, and their sent postcard had also been registered by another person.

I want a postcard and I'm not sure anybody would send me one.

Don't worry, people are eager to connect in OpenStreetMap. You can ask Ilya for a postcard: open his profile and click "Request a Postcard".

Why should I register postcards?

It would notify the sender that their postcard has been delivered. You and them can track your delivered postcards, e.g. see the count. And registration might give you or the sender a "confirmed" status, allowing to get more people to send postcards to.

I've received a postcard. What do I do with it?

First, you look at it from both sides and savour the feeling of having something tangible, something beautiful in your hands. Read what the sender has written you. Imagine how they've spent their time writing it. If you know the sender from OSM discussions, in your mind connect their online profile with their handwork.

Next, find a code on the postcard. It should be in form of "A1234": one letter and four digits. Open the website and type the number there. Optionally write a thank you note to the sender.

If the code is in form "DE-1234567", then this postcard was sent to you via Postcrossing, and you should register it there.

Could you please explain privacy settings? Who sees my address?

• Anybody at random: your address can be shown to people who have registered, providing their name and address, and who clicked the "Send a Postcard" button. Nobody can use the website without registering.
• Confirmed users at random and profile visitors: people who visit your profile ...
• Profile visitors only: nobody would get your address at random, but it would be visible via the "secret" profile link you see on your settings page. That page would have a "Send a Postcard" button for sending one directly to you. Your profile is also shown to people who register your postcards, so that they can send one back.
• Profile visitors, only after I accept: instead of "Send a Postcard", your profile page would have a "Ask to Send a Postcard" button: when clicked, you would get an email with a link to accept the request to show your address.
• Nobody: that means nobody can send you a postcard through OSM Cards. You still can send these.

What do I do if I don't want to publish my personal postal address?

One option is to set your privacy level (at the bottom of the Settings page) to "only after I accept": this way you'll share your address only to people who reached your profile, clicked a button to send you a postcard, and you have accepted to show them your address.

Alternatively, you can use a P.O. box (visit your neighbourhood post office to get one), or a university or a company address. To be sure these postcards reach you, do add your name to your postal address on the website.

I'd like something on the website improved.

Great! Head on to the GitHub issues page and leave your idea there.

How do I translate the website to my language?

With Transifex.

I still don't understand.

Please take a look at the Postcrossing FAQ: since websites are similar, you might get a better understanding from these answers. If that page doesn't answer your question, ask it on github or on the talk page.