Dear Chairman Hall:

Thank you so much for recognizing the validity of gay relationships by releasing a line of gay marriage cards. I recognize that your primary motivation was based on the demand for such cards, but it is still an important and brave gesture. Please ignore the ignorant fundamentalists who will pillory you for this.

Dear Chairman Hall:

I am happy to see that Hallmark is offering wedding cards for same-sex couples. I think Hallmark represents an important part of American culture, and having such card is an important piece of the growing acceptance and inclusivity of our society.

-- A happy (straight) customer

Man, that was fun!

I even checked "yes" in the "Are you a Pastor" field - thanks, Universal Life Church!

Dear Chairman Hall:

I am elated that Hallmark is promoting a lifestyle which is normal in 50 states. There was a time Hallmark told us to send the very best. Happy to see you have taken a giant step up. I'll buy more. American Greeting Cards, your competitor, will be getting my email asking for the same treatment of the LGBT community.

Thanks for the morning treat!

Subject: "Thank you So Much for Gay-Friendly Cards, Hallmark!"

Dear Chairman Hall:

Congratulations from a loyal customer! I am delighted that Hallmark is noticing that gays and lesbians are awesome people, too, and healthy card shoppers, and care about each other and others (and have families who love them and send them cards too) in ways that often call for sending a thoughtful greeting card. There was a time Hallmark told us to send the very best. Glad to see you have taken a giant step up. Hooray! American Greeting Cards, your competitor, should take note of your delighted customers and follow suit.

I also mentioned in my email that when I am looking to buy a greeting card I will always go to the Hallmark section first.

So they can take that and shove it down any skeptical old stuffy "profits, profits, profits" board member's throat.

so, looks like i'll have to be on the watch for fundie spam in the future...

The American Family Association, a shrill and hypocritical organization known for promoting several (ultimately fruitless) boycotts against companies that do not hew to their extremist agenda, has decided to target your fine company because of the recent introduction of cards for people celebrating same-sex marriages. They've even set up a convenient online form for their outraged members to contact you, as I'm sure you are by now aware. However, I am using their complimentary service to congratulate your company on its decision to run the cards; I think they are a good addition to Hallmark's collection.

The AFA would rather I tell you something in this vein:

"I am surprised that Hallmark is promoting an unhealthy lifestyle which is illegal in 48 states. There was a time Hallmark told us to send the very best. Sorry to see you have taken a giant step down. No more. American Greeting Cards, your competitor, will be getting my business."

This kind of strident ranting is typical of AFA missives. Now that you have seen what they have to say, you and I may ignore it entirely. The AFA is not so numerous and influential as it likes to think, and its message is growing progressively more discordant with mainstream American sensibilities. Your company has clearly recognized that with the introduction of this new line of cards.

Again, I want to thank you for offending the AFA; I hope that their tiresome outrage generates enough controversy to boost sales not only of your new same-sex marriage cards, but other Hallmark cards and products as well.

All the best,
Greg

I am so glad to see that Hallmark is producing quality greeting cards for same sex marriage. I hope that Hallmark sees good sales in this line, and I congratulate you for providing all of your customers with a suitable, quality product.

You have gained a customer for life. Thank you very much.

Dear Chairman Hall:

I am not gay but I support your companies efforts to recognize that there is a market for cards for same sex marriages. As someone who knows same sex couples, it is nice to know that if it is ever legal for them to marry in my state, I will be able to go to Hallmark and buy them a card.

Larry Davenport

and checked "Yes" for pastor (I am an ordained minister) and got the following error message:

error '8004020e'

/afa/activism/ProcessAction.asp, line 256

Can someone tell me what that means?

Dear Chairman Hall:

I am thrilled that Hallmark is getting with the times and recognizing the trend of same-sex unions. There was a time when there was no appropriate card to send on such an occasion. Glad to see you have taken a giant step into the 21st century. Hallelujah! American Greeting Cards, your competitor, needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

Go to: E-mail Confirmation Page
https://secure.afa.net/blah blah blah

Woo hoo! My first email/spam from AFA. Shall I confirm my "membership" and troll relentlessly, or shall I just delete? Decisions, decisions...

Dear Chairman Hall:

I am pleasantly surprised that Hallmark is promoting a level of fairness and equality which is legal in only 2 states, so far. Pay no attention to those who scold you. It's wonderful to see you have taken such a giant step forward. Here's hoping American Greeting Cards, your competitor, will be following your lead soon. Until then, I'll be buying Hallmark.

Dear Chairman Hall:

Thank you to you and Hallmark for promoting equality and acceptance in the U.S. There was a time Hallmark told us to send the very best. And the very best is what I plan to send to my friends who are getting married despite the fact that it's illegal in the state we live. I'll only buy Hallmark from now on.

Dear Chairman Hall:

I send cards out quite frequently and must admit I have not really considered the brand, Hallmark, of my youth. Perhaps I thought you too stodgy.

Your decision to create and distribute cards for ALL people is wonderful and deserves my support. I will be going out of my way to purchase MORE of your products for all occasions.

Oh, and since I am a bit of an stickler for courtesy; thanks to the foolish folk at AFA for making this email so easy to send!

Thank you so much for recognizing the validity of gay relationships by releasing a line of gay marriage cards. I'm also looking for greeting cards for swinger relationships, so I'm hoping you also out of the closet with a swinger's marriage greeting card.

I am a firm believer that any number of men should be allowed to marry any number of women - no matter how temporary. Hollywood Celebrities and the Mormon Polygomists of Utah are obvious markets, but swingers all over the world need to feel loved too. We should have greeting cards to reflect these sorts of unions as well to provide casual partners a bright and cherry Hallmark Day.

While your at it, I have a two cats and a dog who are very fond of each other. Could you make a line of menage a trois greeting cards for pets?

Thanks in advance.

Yours Truly,

Gourmet Swinger