Monday, October 15, 2012

Romance Trading Cards: Now Here's Some Irony For My Life

Now imagine they all have boobs, and we're done here!
I never thought I'd see the day when I'm looking at trading card pixels on my screen again. During the late 90s, when Magic and Pokemon were all the rage, I was right there being told by my mother that no, I couldn't have them, because they summon REAL DEMONS. Or something. My mother likes to re-spout things she heard back in the 50s. Anyway, later on around 2002 or so, I started an online website in which members would get pixelized trading cards and could swap them with each other. It was a big hit for many years, until I "retired" from the scene because dear god, it was a nightmare.

But that's another post!

Recently I've come upon these things known as "Romance Trading Cards." I found them via the Kindle Boards discussion about them and couldn't help but think...what? These are a thing? And people go crazy for them? Whaaaa? I mean, whatever floats your boat, but personally I can't stand having little card sized paper things around. Takes me back a little too far to the late 90s.

But if this is something "going on" right now, I'm wondering...should I jump on it? Get some Ren'Ai Rensai ~trading cards~ (man, every time I type that, the 14yo inside me wants to die of embarrassment) and give them away for funzies? (Would any of my readers even want those?) I have plans for bookmarks to come out around Christmas, but should I get some of these, too?*

How about all of you other romance writers out there? Do YOU do trading cards of your characters? How has it been? Do your readers gobble them up? Are you like me and don't understand the appeal but HEY MAN WHATEVER WORKS?

 Please share with me your experiences on romance oriented trading cards! Or any other small productions like this that you do for your novel. :)

*I do kinda wanna point out an observation - all the ones I've seen so far are for heterosexual romances, although I know M/M will never die. But if there's one thing I've learned writing lesbian fiction, it's that lesbian fiction fans tend to be a lot quieter, and thus I'm not sure this would be a good venture for me to pursue right now.
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9 comments:

  1. Meradeth HoustonOctober 16, 2012 at 6:56 AM

    I've seen trading cards for a few YA releases (the one I remember was Solstice I believe). I don't know how well they did, but they were certainly hyped on the website. All I could think when I saw them was "why???" They really kinda smack of the 90's. But maybe that's retro for the YA scene now? (Oh gah that makes me feel old!)

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    1. Hildred BillingsOctober 16, 2012 at 2:23 PM

      I know, right? I've heard of people pushing them a little in other genres, but it seems Romance is where it's at.

      Also, pretty sure the 90s were retro once 2001 hit D:

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  2. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    Hehe, I just started collecting Magic cards. Arthur and Sam have more than enough, but I want my own little collection.
    Maybe you could make a trading card but make it look like a bookmark as well? It is hard to say because your book is an ebook. It doesn't hurt to make up a design and you might be able to make a few bucks off it, right?

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    1. Hildred BillingsOctober 16, 2012 at 2:26 PM

      I don't think they're meant for selling so much as giving away as promotional tools, like bookmarks. Think designing them as bookmarks would be shooting myself in the foot even more then regular versions. XD

      Also, the books will be released in paperback, as soon as the cover's are done.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    Wow, you and cards again. Never thought I'd see the day, lol. I can see it making sense for long series with a lot of characters, but in general, meh. Most of the examples in that link are so poorly done, and that alone makes me skeptical. :/

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    1. Hildred BillingsOctober 16, 2012 at 2:29 PM

      Well, when you get people who can't design slapping graphics together, what happens boo??? ~~

      And are you implying my series isn't good enough OH IT'S ON BRAH~

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  4. MariaOctober 16, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    I've never seen these before... I'm not sure if i like them or not...and I can't see the point of them. That said, they'll probably be a massive hit! :-)

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  5. Carrie ButlerOctober 16, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    I'm of the "HEY MAN WHATEVER WORKS" mindset. *Grins*

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