| To raise awareness of Oaxaca's unique
cultural and biological diversity,
Planeta.com is publishing a series of postcards designed and
printed by leading graphics design company Despacharte.
"Postcards are a terrific souveneir of a trip and a reminder
of people and places worth remembering," said Ron Mader,
a journalist based in Oaxaca City.
Each postcard includes a bilingual description and a classic
Mexican
proverb.
SLOW TRAVEL
In an age of email
and twitter,
postcards are an example of slow
travel.
"By using images that are less common and by including
comments from locals, we highlight the value of Oaxaca's unique
cultural and biological diversity," Mader said, adding
that when purchased in Oaxaca any postcard can be sent to friends
and family at a leisurely pace.
POSTCARDS 2.0
All of the photos chosen for the postcard series are visible
on Flickr, one of the web's
premiere photography websites. Ron Mader's photo gallery has
been viewed more than a half million times. "Flickr has
been a godsend," Mader said. "It is a wonderful introduction
to Web 2.0
and rewards participation. Some of my favorite photographers
are using Flickr."
One of the inspirations for the Oaxaca postcard series are notecards
from New Zealand, photographed by Tom Walter. Manaki
Whenua, Manaki Tangata, Haere whakamua (Care for the land. Care
for people. Go forward) is one of the best examples of inspired
travel photography that is a wonderful introduction to New Zealand.
When it came time to print the postcards, Mader chose to work
with the Oaxaca City-based graphics design company Despacharte.
"We opted to partner with a local business in the printing
of the postcards," Mader said, adding that such local partnerships
are invaluable.
Ron invites fans of his photos
to suggest the images they would like to see made into postcards.
"For the second series we have a number of candidates
to choose from and we'll be reviewing the stats, including number
of views, comments and the amount of times photos have been
favorited. Locally we are polling Oaxacans and visitors what
images they'd like to see. And best of all we are editing the
captions with the captions with the artisanos and market venders."
WHERE TO FIND THE POST CARDS
In Oaxaca City, the postcards are distributed at fine establishments
featured on the Oaxaca
Wiki. If you don't see them, ask.
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