Anti-Hallmark with a wiki twist: PigSpigot

It seems lately most interesting user-generated content (UGC) has been created for contests – whatever happened to good old-fashioned wikis? This is exactly what the makers of PigSpigot were thinking when they created their new online greeting card store self-described as anti-Hallmark with a wiki twist.

The company relies solely on UGC for their content. On the company’s website in the About section the creators make no bones about who will be responsible for the websites success. They write,

It’s risky, you know, trusting you with our website. But time and again, sites that trust their users have been rewarded. From Wikipedia to Threadless, the quality of your work has proven marvelous.

What differentiates this company from other e-card stores is its push for users to send real paper cards. Although in recent history the trend has been to move away from them, the creators of PigSpigot feel that everyone would prefer to get a real card as opposed to a virtual card, and I agree. The real cards cost $3.99 and are shipped directly from PigSpigot to the recipient, however, the website will still offer free virtual cards.

The website encourages users to upload their card designs or create a card on the website’s card template. Another unique aspect of the websites promotion tactics is the PigSpigot Party Pack. This is where the company will send the user, via mail, a package that contains all the things needed to make cards – blank cards, stickers, crayons, and music – so they can throw a card making party. And the reward for all your hard work: a gift card from Starbucks. Also, if a card you create sells more than 1,000 copies, PigSpigot sends you a cool $100.