Posted By:
Joe D.Postcards are cards.
Especially those series type... such as the Dietsche cards.
I don't think the tobacco industry, bubble gum or candy industry, or any other industry cards can be annointed "real" over another commercial distribution (such as postcards).
Actually - the postcards may be more like the current business model for baseball cards -- as the card itself was the intended item of sale (instead of a freebie tagalong item for some other product).
Admittedly, I am definitely biased when it comes to postcards 
, but thats how I see it.
As far as rookie status. First major league team card. No minor league cards (sorry Baltimore News).
edit to say:
Steve - while I think team cards (postcard or other) should not count as any individual player's rookie. They are cards.