Definition: e-card

(Electronic-CARD) A digital greeting card or postcard created on the Web. E-card sites are generally paid for by the banner ads that appear while people design their cards. Websites may employ the e-card function as a way to attract traffic and sell other products or services.

In addition to a personal message, e-cards offer a variety of backgrounds, images and even music to be played when the card is opened. Cards are sent as email with a link to a Web page. There are many names for the service, including "i-card," "digital postcard," "digital greeting card" and "virtual card." The most notable site is Blue Mountain Arts.