Preparing for BlizzCon: Minicards -- social networking in person
by Robin Torres 
Jul 2nd 2009 at 9:00AM
The last time I went to BlizzCon was two years ago and I was woefully unprepared. I regretted multiple times that I didn't have some form of business card with me. But this year I am ready if Tommy Tallarico approaches the WoW.com writers again asking for cards. Squeeeeeeee!
It was particularly silly of me to not bring any sort of card, considering I went there to work. But even if you are only going to play, a minicard or the like is a very good idea. I used moo.com because they have a good reputation and a nice interface with flickr.
Why should you get a minicard?
- It's great for promoting your blog or other online product/service if you have one. (Captain Obvious is tapping his foot.)
- Business cards are often used as entries for contests or other opportunities at events like this.
- Networking, networking, networking. Cards as introductions and networking tools have been used for centuries. If you meet someone you would like to have contact with again, for whatever reason, having a card to hand him or her still really facilitates this.
- Your name: Real name, in-game name, blog persona -- it's your preference.
- An email address: Set up a separate email specifically for this card or use one that you check regularly. I recommend that it be permanent and belong only to you. Don't use the same address that Blizzard has for you, however.
- Any other online contact info you want to promote: Guild/server names, blog address, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
It usually takes two weeks to print and ship your cards using standard shipping methods, so getting them ordered any time this month will do. The sooner you get them, however, the larger the window you have for dealing with the unexpected.
BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Events, Fan stuff, BlizzCon
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Drahliana Jul 2nd 2009 9:05AM
I'll admit to ignorance.... what's a minicard?
Hollywood Ron Jul 2nd 2009 9:14AM
It's just a little business card, about half the size of a normal card. Personally, I get free business cards from VistaPrint.com
elstor Jul 2nd 2009 9:38AM
Warioware.biz's cards are awesome. And, if you use moo.com you must be a tauren.
dawnseven Jul 2nd 2009 3:24PM
I'm glad I wasn't the only one wondering. I thought the same thing, what the hell is a minicard?
I feel so ... non-hip now. Lookout! Geezer coming through!
Atdt1991 Jul 2nd 2009 9:56AM
When I set up my minicards, (and yes, I'm a tauren) I added my email address in bold on the front image.
What that let me do was set certain images (business related) to a business email address and more social images to my personal email address. It's worked out very well.
Kryptonls Jul 2nd 2009 1:49PM
Tommy Tallarico is a legend! Bring on more VGL!
aremid Jul 3rd 2009 2:58AM
I've used Moo cards for quite a while and several friends have done likewise. Moo cards make quite an impression. You can't imagine how good these cards look until you hold them in your hand. The minicard is great for using as gift cards, tying around giveaways, etc.
Sure, you can get cheaper cards. But you never know what you're going to get with VistaPrint (I had cards arrive that were cut almost completely down the middle of the card, they had gotten so off with their cutter, and quality control let it slide on by....). People ALWAYS tell me how awesome my Moo cards are. Take it from me (a non-tauren!), these cards really make a statement. Cheers!
RetPallyJil Aug 11th 2009 12:00AM
I've an idea. Why don't you get real, grown-up business cards?
Sandra Aug 16th 2009 1:37PM
I think minicards are really cool, I get mine from www.myminicards.com and I agree with Aremid, these cards do make a statement everytime I hand them, I carry them with me all the time. I prefer the cards from myminicards over moo because they are glossy and cheaper than moo.
With regulatr business cards, you can only print 1 design, with minicards you can print different designs in a single batch makimg each card unique.