I received my first samples of my cards today and I must say I am delighted with the quality.  No complaints there!
 
However, and it is a big however, on the back of the cards is a web site for cardstore.com.  I went there and it is another card site for buying cards.  I thought, great, more exposure.  Wrong.  When I typed in some of my key words my site did not come up, none of my cards came up.  Something is wrong with this picture if cards that we create have web site on it for cards that aren't related to GCU.  It looks to me like the cards we send out are PROMOTING a competing site.  Please tell me I am wrong!
 
Greeting Card Universe IS displayed on the back of the card, but not as a website.  I don't think this is very good advertisement for GCU and certainly not good advertisement for GCU artists.
 
I sincerely hope I am missing something here and that I am wrong.  I think GCU is a fantastic site with helpful, creative artists and support staff.  I am delighted to be a part of the community at GCU.    
 

Yes, I believe that cardstore does the printing, however, they appear to have their own line of cards and I do not believe it includes GCU cards.  Gosh, I hope I am so wrong!!!!!

I think many would agree that the sooner .com is added to the logo the better. GCU and it's artists continue to lose out on valuable marketing momentum in the meantime. Cheers, Lisa Charlton

Darn, so it is true, the back of the card has a website of the competition.  People are actually directed to an on line store that sells cards and ships them, that can be customized by the buyer AND doesn't include GCU cards.  Mind blowing.
 
I agree with Sue and Lisa, the sooner the better.  That is poor advertising.  Do their cards, cardstore.com, put GCU's website on the back of their cards?

We are looking into all of our options and plan to make a change to correct the issue as soon as we can.  You are all correct in that the back of the card is a bit misleading in its current state.
 
We'll also contact our fulfillment partner and find out what our options are with regard to the placement of their URL on the back of the cards.  
 
Shaun

Thanks, Shaun, I do appreciate your speedy response....
I too am interested in hearing all about the progress in this matter.  Has cardstore always been GCU's fulfillment partner?  Has this been going on since GCU launched?  It is a heck of a good "free advertisement" platform for cardstore.

Just putting in my 2¢ worth on this topic.  I'd sent some of my cards to friends and they looked to cardstore.com to find more of my cards and were miffed as well when they couldn't find any of my cards (or other GCU artists)!    
 
It IS disappointing that the cards THEMSELVES don't accurately promote the site or the artists!  I really wasn't aware of this until I heard from my friends.  I know "Greeting Card Universe" does appear more prominently on the back, but without the ".com"  there's no directing to the web site (which is where we are actually selling our cards!)  I personally think this IS a big deal, and will be following this thread to see what can be done!
 
-Ernestine

There are a handful of limitations we have with out current printing partner, just one of which is the branding on the back of the card.  Since we do not do our own printing and mailing we do not have complete control over all elements.  
 
Also, it is very common to have co-branding on jointly produced products.  You'll see "powered by" in many places.  GCUniverse is the major brand on the back of the card however we do agree on the importance of including our URL.  
 
Other items that are "top of the list" for us with respect to printing:
o back of the card artists' credits
o international bulk shipping
o more color & font choices for inner verse
o more addressable space for inner verse
o allow special characters in inner verse
...and a few more
 
2008 holds many improvement for GCUniverse.  We ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work through our exciting and long "wish list".
 
As for a prior question on recycled paper and environmental concerns:
 *  GCU prints only what gets sold. A large percentage of traditionally printed cards are not sold and are wasted each year.  
 * Our printer uses paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and is 10% recycled.
 * Digital printing has a lower environmental impact-low VOCs and no plate waste.
 * On-demand printing is an excellent alternative to traditional printing; it is highly efficient in materials usage.  
 
Sorry for the delay in that reply.