Tag: Historian

Download, Backup 1, 2, 3

Happy Leap Day and Happy Final Day to my 16 Gifts for 16 Years series.  I didn’t quite get each post out on time but we have 16+ great gifts that have been shared and I look forward to continuing to use this website and blog posts as a way to share more with you.

With the p2p Team sharing Blueprints on the final Saturday of each month I want to take time today to share my process and encourage you to create a routine for keeping your Forever Artisan projects and digital content safe and secure.

Download Day is my reminder to download the latest Blueprints from the p2p website as well as back up all of my digital content whether it be from p2p Blueprints, Forever Digital Art or CM Digital Content and my completed projects.  Here are my steps:

  1. Log into the Pixels2Pages website and Download the latest Blueprints under Recent Posts.  If you are interested in learning more about the P2P community for Forever Artisan and Historian software users, you can check out here for this Premium Training Resource:
    • Once I have downloaded the latest Blueprints, I file them away in my Blueprints folder.  Here are the simple steps to remind you but for details instructions you can go to the P2P page for helpful tips on Downloading Blueprints:
      1. Download the Blueprints to my Download Folder
      2. Unzip the folder from the Blueprints folder using Extract All option
      3. Open the Unzipped folder and copy contents
      4. Paste in my Blueprints folder under Documents (or in the location where I save my Blueprints)
      5. Delete the unneeded folders from my Downloads folder.
  2. Go to my Forever account and verify from my order history if I have any orders with digital art that I need to Download and install:
    • There are helpful instructions in the e-mail confirmation on How to Install your Digital Art.
    • Once I have downloaded any recent purchases and added any new Activation codes, I go to Artisan and select Manage Content (from the Welcome screen).  Choose Activation Codes from the top of the screen and then Make a Back up of my codes.
    • This will create text file.  Save it on your computer or where you keep your Art Kits.
    • In addition to this file, I also convert to a PDF file by clicking on File > Print to PDF and save that file as well.  I always put the date in the file name so I know which one is most current and can delete any extras if needed.
    • I upload my PDF version of my file to my Forever Account so I have it backed up there as well.
  3. Steps 1 & 2 are about mainly about Downloading, this step is where I back up 3 groups of files.  I back up my Artisan Projects, Blueprint files and Digital Content on an External Hard Drive (EHD).
    • I have a folder for each of these on an External Hard Drive (EHD).
    • Simply plug in your EHD and then in your File Browser, go to the location on your computer (typically under your C: drive) where you save each of these types of documents and copy the whole folder.
    • Go to the folder you have on your EHD and paste the new contents in that folder.  If you do the whole folder each month, you can delete the past version once you know the information is safely copied for the new file.
    • Keep your EHD in a safe place – best if it is not kept with your computer.

By doing these simple 3 steps each month, you will not have to worry about lost files or projects if something happens to your computer.  With the project files and content, if you have to buy a new computer (or rebuild from a crash) then you will have everything you need to reload your projects to keep working.

If you want a refresher on how backing up your photos, check out the post called Back up, Back up, Back up

 

Now for the Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years:

Here is a recap of the gifts for Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years plus the new one for today:

On the first day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I went back to where it all started with a Creative Memories product that I LOVE – one person can get the CM bookcloth album of your choosing for 50% off.  Available until claimed!

On the second day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am reopening the 2020 Photo Fun Club until the end of the month for the 2 remaining spots in the 2020 Photo Fun Club PLUS for the first person who replies I am offering 1/2 off one of our upcoming 2020 Photo Fun Day – FULL day registrations. Message me if you wish to sign up and I will share the details or answer any further questions.

On the third day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am offering to the first 2 people who respond, 10GB of Forever Storage for 1/2 off.

On the 4th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am offering Buy One Get One 50% off on those supplies you never want to run out of – Refill Pages with Protectors, Tape Runners, and Tape Runner Refills.  There is no limit on how many people can take advantage of this offer however all orders must be placed no later than Feb 29th and pick up at my home in Apex or at my next Photo Fun Day or Retreat.    Please use the form in the original post here!

On the 5th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I want to help you get those family recipes or photos of your community gathered around the table scanned and digitized so you can share them too.  For the first 5 people who complete the form on the original post, I will offer you up to 16 of your favorite photos or recipes scanned with my next media conversion box for FREE.

On the 6th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I want to keep the sharing theme going and share FREE shipping on any CM order over $50 placed before the end of the month.  All orders must be placed directly through me in the form on the original post (and not on my CM website) and picked up at my home in Apex or at one of my upcoming Photo Fun Days or Retreats in March or April.

On the 7th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I will create your panel for you with Forever Design and Print and have it shipped straight to you for 50% off the retail price.  Take a peak at the Forever Design and Print options so you know what you might want me to create for you. To take advantage of this, please use the form on the original post

On the 8th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, Share a blog post & comment on the original posts with your favorite snow day activity and earn an entry into my $10 Starbucks drawing.  Drawing will include all entries as of Feb 29th at 5pm and must include a share AND a comment below.

On the 9th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, Join with fellow customers and when your online orders equal $200 or more in one day, I will a drawing for a $25 Gift Certificate.  Available with each CM and Forever orders.

On the 10th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am offering the first 3 people who upload (up to 16) your favorite photos, I will have them printed for you with Forever for FREE and available at our next Photo Fun Day or retreat.  Check the original post for details.

On the 11th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I always enjoy helping my customers and friends with their projects.  Do you have questions and want to meet for a FREE 30 minutes coffee chat with me?  Today is your day – the first person to message me will get a Coffee Chat in the next month to get any of your questions answered.

On the 12th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, One idea that I learned from a friend sharing with me was how to use Forever’s Artisan software to create luggage tags with our ornaments.  For the first person to reply to this message, I will create a customized luggage tag just for you.

On the 13th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, As a member of my team, I am always here to support you in your own goals for your business but for those that join my team in February, I will partner with you for a joint event in March to kickoff your business.  Message me for more details.

For the 14th & 15th day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I want to help you tell your story through printed and digitized photos so I am offering the first 2 people who want to take advantage of this offer.  Order a media conversion box from Forever (don’t forget the coupon code for 20% off through 3/9) and I will send you a Gift Certificate to use on your next order or to apply to any additional items you may include in your box over the allotted credit.  The Gift Certificate increases based on the size of the box:

  • Personal Box – $10 Forever GC
  • Value Box – $50 Forever GC
  • Family Box – $100 Forever GC

For the FINAL day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I am going to take everyone who has participated in the 16 Gifts for 16 Years Celebration in some way prior to 10pm tonight 2/29/2020 and do a drawing for a SWAG Bag of Forever and CM goodies.  This may be logo items or products but the gift bag will be full of surprises.  I will do one drawing for each 10 entries we have in the drawing so help me spread the word so increase the number of drawings.

 

THANK YOU for joining me in this celebration of 16 years of my business!

Little by Little

Whether it is a photo project, taking on a new habit or tackling a big project, I have come to really appreciate with the phrase “Little by Little“.  There are many things I want to get done and areas I want to make a difference but I have learned some time ago that sweeping in and doing the big one time thing is not nearly as effective as the Little by Little steps I do daily, weekly or even monthly.  A couple of years ago, I shifted my focus on my photos to being more intentional with Little by Little progress, even focusing on the power or 15 Minutes at a time.  With this approach I have spent the last year really acting this out.  In January of 2019, I create a Photo Album called 2019 Favorites.  Each month, I would take some time to pull my favorites from the previous month to add to my Favorites Album.  When I had finished this task, I would go back and work on my 2018 Photo Album Pages.  Little by Little I make progress on both my current photos and my older project.  I just recently finished up my 2018 Album Pages and a few other photo projects from 2018.  I am starting 2020 in the same way.  Will you join me?

 

I recommend doing this with a Forever Permanent Storage Account where you can create a Album of your most favorite photos from each year and know they are protected for generations to come.  If you would prefer to have a program on your computer to help you with organizing, Forever Historian would be my recommendation.  Whatever your tool, the steps below will help you get started with purpose this year with your photo projects.  The best thing to do is keep the steps simple and repeat each month.

  1. Create a folder or Album for your Favorites – I am calling mine 2020 Favorite Photos
  2. At the beginning of each month, mark your calendar to go into your phone, cameras or other places you keep photos and pick your favorites.  Some months this will go quickly while some it may take a little longer.
  3. If you have time to do this more than once a month, you can work backwards an extra month or two at a time.  Just remember the first of the month, be sure to stay focused and do the most recent past month.

I promise a year from now you will be glad you took the time and made progress today.

I challenge you to take time today and create a 2020 Favorites Album and add your favorites from January 2020.  What other tasks, projects or habits do you want to tackle in 2020.  Can the Little by Little approach help you with those too.

Now for the Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years:

On the first day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, I went back to where it all started with a Creative Memories product that I LOVE – the CM bookcloth album of your choosing for 50% off.

One the second day of Elizabeth’s 16 Gifts for 16 years, let’s celebrate the many events we have held over these 16 years.  We have had classes, Crops, Workshops, Retreats and so much more.  for a limited time, I am reopening the 2020 Photo Fun Club until the end of the month for the 2 remaining spots in the 2020 Photo Fun Club.  You can read more about it here: 2020 Photo Fun Club and since I know some of you can’t join us each month but would like to attend, I will also offer to the first person who replies 1/2 off one of our upcoming 2020 Photo Fun Day – FULL day registrations.  To claim either of these, please comment below or E-mail Me directly.

 

Are you a member of the 2020 Photo Fun Club?

 

Have you joined the Photo Fun Club for 2020 yet?  We are still accepting sign ups for the 2020 Photo Fun Club.  You can find more information on the Flyer Below or by checking out the FAQs on the Events Page.  If you are wanting to make photos a priority this year, the Photo Fun Club is a great opportunity for you.

My Photo Fun Club is a special way to pre-pay for your Photo Fun Day workshop attendance and get a significant discount on your monthly events, guaranteed spot reserved each month, early registration for retreats and other special events, plus a special seasonal treat by mail.  The 2020 Photo Fun Club registration will close January 31st and all other registration for our monthly workshops will be at the Month to Month Rate and based on availability.

 

Don’t delay, sign up today.  Registration Link can be found on the Events Page.  Payment plans are available when you register.

2020 Photo Fun Day – Kick off

What an amazing day we had Saturday!

  • We had a dozen participants who gathered for our January Photo Fun Day event – the first of our monthly events in 2020.
  • Some came for the whole day and some stopped in for just part.
  • We had lots of photo organizing going on some with printed photos and some with digital photos.
  • We had several traditional scrapbookers loving the new theme paper packs from Creative Memories and trying them out with a Sketch Idea that we did together.
  • We had some digital scrapbookers who were working on books or page prints for their next project with Forever tools.
  • We also had new friends who were coming to learn how to take their photo chaos from a box of family photos they have and move to a photo book that can be created for their family and multiple copies ordered to share.
  • But most of all we had a lot fun together while we worked on our photo projects.

We have 9 more regular monthly in-person all-day workshops like this coming up in 2020 but we also have a couple of retreats and virtual events coming too.  Do you have a project you want to get done in 2020?  Take a peak at the Events Page and sign up for the events that work for you.  If you would rather meet one-on-one, I am always happy to schedule a time to meet either with a FREE Coffee Shop Chat or for a custom time at my hourly rate. You can contact me by going to the Let’s Connect Page of my website.

It’s HERE – Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday

Are you kicking off your shopping or wrapping it up or somewhere in between?  This weekend typically signals the official start to the holiday shopping season but more importantly it generally means there are some amazing deals too.  Whether you shop the deals for gifts or for some extra savings for your own purchases I don’t want you to miss out on the Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday specials we have around here too.

We have Forever Deals, Creative Memories Specials and even savings on my 2020 Events.

Forever has been celebrating all month but the home office just bumped up the savings this weekend.  Don’t miss out on these amazing deals.  All of these plus more can be found by going to my website: https://www.forever.com/ambassador/elizabethgoodson and clicking on the DEALS tab.  Here are a few of my favorites that I don’t want you to miss:

Have you been eyeing Forever Permanent Storage for a while but it was just outside of your budget.  The 50% off payment plan option for a 10GB plan can get you started and give you the peace of mind you want for your most precious photos, video and other media.  For just under $10 a month for 12 payments you can gave 10GB of storage – save and secure.

Already have Forever Permanent Storage and need a little bit more.  Take advantage of this Deal and you can add to your current account or take a peak at the other one-time payment options and get up to 50% off one time payments too.

 

We LOVE photos around here and Printed Photos are sometimes the best.  This Weekend Only, Forever is offering 40% off printing your favorite photos in 4 great sizes.  Whether you want to frame them or scrapbook them, this is a great time to get that next batch of photo prints ordered.

When you order 10 or more of the same size and finish, you can get bulk savings!

 

Another great way to enjoy our photos is to have them printed in a completed printed project whether it be a book, page prints to add to our scrapbook, calendar, wall decor like a canvas or panel, or other photo gifts.  ALL of our Printed Products are 50% off or if you are a Forever CLUB member you get an additional 10% off this weekend too.

While we are printing all of these great photo projects, it is also nice to have FREE Shipping when orders are over $79 (or just $49 for CLUB member)

 

With Creative Memories this year, we are winding down an amazing BONUS Gift with purchase special. Go straight to my website: https://www.creativememories.com/user/ElizabethGoodson and you can pick from 2 amazing bundles when you purchase $150 or more.  These bundles are available through noon on Friday, November 29th.  But do not fear if you miss this bonus, there are still amazing new products and old favorites available for you here too.

and starting TODAY we are announcing our 2020 Event Schedule:

You can sign up starting later today at www.SeeingAGreaterPurpose.com/EVENTS

 

Happy Shopping!

 

Dreaming of a Fall Ladies Getaway Retreat

As I set the schedule for this year’s Photo Workshop, there was a gap in the schedule for October due to the a conflict in the schedule at our usual venue.  I have been brainstorming for months what I wanted to do to fill that gap and a few weeks ago the perfect fit has come together.  I will be offering what I hope to be an repeat event but for this year we will just focus on the best “Fall Ladies Getaway” we can imagine this year!

Here are the critical details so you can make your plans, mark your calendar and decide if you want to join us.

 

Who is invited:

Ladies who love saving, organizing, and sharing your family’s photos – whether it is in printed or digital format

When:

(Noon) Friday, October 11, 2019 – (Noon) Sunday, October 13, 2019

Where:

G’s Quilt & Craft Retreat in Hillsborough, NC

 

This will be a weekend retreat filled with fun, photos and fellowship.  We will staying at a beautiful house that is set up with crafters in mind with large table space and comfy chairs too.  We will be able to escape but not have to drive too far either.  We are limited to 10 guests so there will be a very limited number of participants.  Don’t wait to sign up!

This retreat will be unique in that your retreat registration will include everything all rolled into one fee – 2 nights of lodging, 6 meals, 5′ table workspace, break out sessions and surprises.   We will have multiple break out sessions that will that appeal to both digital and traditional participants.  Full Weekend Retreat Registration is: $250.  Reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $50 today and final payment due by September 13th.

To sign up, please fill out this registration form and I will be in contact for your deposit and/or registration fee: https://forms.gle/EGJbiRDvKdprBQU98

What happens in Vegas…

…sometimes just can’t stay in Vegas!

I have returned from my forth Forever LIVE – our annual convention where we as Forever Ambassadors along with Club Members, customers and home office staff gather each year for a time of connection, training and celebration along with a lot of fun and laughter too.

I look forward to this trip each year and especially look forward to reconnecting with the friends that I have made through Forever.

I am also very thankful my sister has joined me each year and is the best travel buddy I could ask for, she has become friends with so many of these special people too and has her own friends she reconnects with each each year too.  She is my constant cheerleader and ready to let me bound ideas off of her anytime.

With so many fun things shared and done while we were in Las Vegas, I thought it might be fun to include my top 10 list with you of things that I was excited to hear or do at Forever LIVE.

 

Elizabeth’s Top 10 List from Forever LIVE

10.  Glen Meakem’s New Book – The Gift of Forever was shared as a pre-release for those attending LIVE.  Glen is our CEO and founder and he along with his son have written the story of how he started Forever.  They signed copied during the weekend as well.  I have just started reading it and am excited to finish and share it with others.  The full release will be coming later this fall.

 

9.   Updates with Design & Print: Oh how I was so excited for a New Name – we now have a clearer name for our online Print application where you Design and Print, books, Wall Decor, Calendars, and more.  There will also be a few other new products coming this fall.  Watch for new the size for Wall Decor on Design and Print of 8×8 like we can already do with Artisan, there will be a new premium thicker paper for cards that is non-coated and an option to add gold foil inserts into your envelopes.

 

8.   Audio is HERE – We now have all 4 options, Photos, Documents, Video and Audio capabilities in our Storage accounts. I am excited to have this full memory keeping option for so many friends, family and customers who have those special audio tapes of weddings, sermons, solos, even voice mails.  The sound of someone’s voice can be so very special to us and is such a special part of our memory keeping solutions.

 

7.  Our Referral Program has gotten better with a 60 day coupon for referral coupons.  The greatest compliment you can give me is to refer a friend. I love that Forever’s Home Office helps me reward my customers, friends and family who help me share Forever with their friends and family.  Now we have the opportunity to use those referral coupons a bit longer.

 

6.  Beautiful Bellagio Fountain – Oh it was so very HOT the day we went downtown to see the strip but what a fun experience to see the fountain at the Bellagio hotel.  We arrived just a few minutes before the next song was to begin so we found our spot and it was worth the wait.  Here is a short video of our view of the fountain. This has been saved in my Forever account with my other trip photos and videos.

 

5.  The company is Thriving & Growing – It is good to hear the update from Glen how we are on target with his goal to grow this year by 30% is sales over last year and we are on target to have over 42 Million photos uploaded this year in safe and secure storage accounts.  We are meeting a need and reach new people each and every day.

 

4.  Photo PRINTS are HERE – My excitement is climbing as we continue down this list.  I have been waiting – not so patiently to have the ability to print from our Forever accounts again and now we can do it and it is even better than ever.  We have the high archival quality we know with all of our products and we no longer have to download and export and re-upload to another vendor to order.  I can print my photos for traditional scrapbooking or frames right from my Forever Account.

 

3.  Stepping out of my Comfort Zone as a Mainstage Speaker – What an honor to be one of the ambassadors chosen to help lead this year as a speaker.  Although I speak in front of groups fairly often with work this was a bit different and an opportunity to embrace my word of the year “GROW”.  I worked with an amazing fellow ambassador and through preparation and practice what was a bit nerve wracking at first became a experience that built confidence for us both as we stood before a room full of friends who were eager to hear what we had to share.

 

2. p2p 10th Anniversary Birthday Bash Party in Texas – Travel is always fun and when you can pair that with work with your photos it is extra fun for me.  I am excited to be joining a lot of great friends in Texas in the Spring for a weekend of digital scrapbooking fun.  I am looking forward to working on my own projects and learning new tips and ideas too.

And to top off the whole list, my #1 item is

  1. Forever LIVE 2020 next year will be in Orlando, FL – I had a hunch that we were headed to Disney and have to say I am a bit excited.  I have always been a Disney fan and even though I didn’t get to Disney World until my mid 30s I am excited to be headed back for this convention there on the property.  I am hoping I can twist my family’s arms and have them join me for some fun on one end or the other too for some family time at the parks.  I know that I will have a blast at Forever LIVE like we always do but I am also excited about the location and the bonus time we get to have there too.  If you are interested in joining us for Forever LIVE in Orlando you can join as a customer, Club member or Ambassador.

Well that may not have been the Las Vegas lists you were expecting but those were the Top 10 things that excited me about our trip last week.  Have you been traveling this summer?  Where have you been?  What have you enjoyed seeing and doing?

I don’t have all day…but I do have a few hours!

Have you ever thought…..

I don’t have all day to join the Photo Workshop but I am curious what it is all about.

I have a small project, I don’t need a full 12 hours.

What would I do all day working on my photos?

I can imagine if you have never joined us you might be wondering what in the world do we do all day at our Monthly Photo Workshop.  You may be weighing this with your other commitments and priorities.  I wanted to share a bit more about what my events look like so you can decide if you might want to pop in for an hour or two or put it on your calendar for month later this year.

This type of event started when I had mostly traditional scrapbookers and it would take a while to unpack all of the tools, supplies and products for our projects and once we got it all out, we wanted to be sure we made our effort count.  We sometimes called these events Crops but they were a very similar type of event where you would come and work on your project, and be able to benefit from the help and inspiration of others.  My customers liked having a large block of time that they could dedicate to working on their photo projects and having it regularly each month helped us stay on top on things or catch up on past years.  This event has molded and shifted a bit over the years as it has grown and the group has changed.  Now we have quite the variety of folks who come, some who still love to bring the traditional projects and appreciate the time and space to set up and spread out for the day but we also have plenty of folks who come for a shorter time.  Some will bring a laptop or a box of media conversion to work on and pop in and out for a few hours.  The beauty of this event is that you have the flexibility to do what works for you.  I provide the space and time and a couple of registration options and you bring the project you want to work on and we have fun together.

Our agenda is very loose but generally runs like this:

10am – Doors Open

11:45ish – While everyone grabs a plate of lunch, I share a welcome as well as New Product update from Creative Memories and Current Specials from Forever

 

Lunch is provided for those who join with the Full Day and 1/2 Day Option

1:30ish – Project Recipe Break out – This is a 2 page traditional layout that we do as a group.  Instructions and supplies are provided.  Typically the only needed supplies are a tape runner and a 12″ trimmer but I have all supplies if you need to borrow something.  Included with the Crop Option (Full Day and 1/2 Day Option) or can be added on for an additional fee for anyone else who is interested in joining.

 

2ish – NEW in July – Digital demo of Monthly Project Recipe using Artisan for the digital scrapbookers to create similar layout.

3pm – Transition Time – 1/2 Day Participants head out, Afternoon Only Participants start arriving.

Ask me about my Try it for “Free after 3” if it is your first time.  As long as space allows I welcome you to join us the first time for FREE with our “After 3pm” option.  RSVP is required.

3:30ish – Afternoon Snack provided

Dinner – On your Own

8pm – Store Close: I have CM products for sale and Forever products on Display throughout the day.  You can stop by anytime until 8pm to shop even if you are not participating in the workshop.  I will start to close down & pack up all of these items and tally final order forms at 8pm.

10pm – Doors Close

If you are ready to jump in and join us at the next Workshop, sign up by using the Events Tab at the top of the page.  Here are the current rates:

Full Day with Lunch

(10am-10pm)

 Traditional Customer

  • includes Project Recipe Kit, Full Table Space
  $         75.00
Digital Customer

  • includes shared table space, power to each spot
  $         50.00
Day Only (1/2 Day Option) with Lunch

(10am-3pm)

 Traditional Customer

  • includes Project Recipe Kit, Full Table Space
  $         60.00
Digital Customer

  • includes shared table space, power to each spot
  $         45.00
Afternoon Only (3pm-Close) As Space Allows (Trad/Dig)

  • Attend for as long or as short as you wish
  $         25.00

* If you would like to “Try it for FREE After 3”, please contact me directly to RSVP so I can reserve your spot.  This is available to anyone who has not attended a Monthly Workshop if over a year.  Come work along side us and get your questions answered or just jump start that next project you wanted to work on.

You can also always Pop In and Shop the latest new products from Creative Memories, Drop off a Media Conversion Order to add to my next Group box or check out what we have going on if you are in the neighborhood with a quick visit too.  No need to RSVP for pop in visits, I always love to see you all.  Just let me know you are coming if you want to be sure to have time for me to answer specific questions when you stop in. 

I hope you will join us in August whether it be for a short pop in visit, a Free after 3pm try it out option a Half Day option or All Day Long.  Come have fun with us while we check off a few project with our photos and learn something new too.

Where are my FB & Instagram Photos?

Did you have a moment of wonder or even worry this past week when Facebook and Instagram had the glitch and were not showing or posting photos?  I know I was confused but I was not worried since I have the peace of mind about my photos being safe with Forever and always being in at least 2 place that I can get my hands on them should one not be accessible.

The glitch that Facebook and Instagram experienced this week did remind me on a couple of things. See if any of these resonate with you:

  • Until it is broken, I forget how often I use social media to fill moments in my day.  Whether it is while I wait in line, when I am board, when I am curious about something, or even when someone come to mind.
  • When “the glitch” happened this week, I was intrigued by how all of the photos were replaced with white boxes with text in them.  I know about data mining but it was a good reminder about how that works and how this is typically done through computer scanning our photos and categorizing them.  It takes a far more detailed look that even I realized and flags my photos with tags that I don’t have a way to see or edit behind the scenes.
  • I am glad that I don’t rely on only a cloud based photo solutions – I know a few of you will pause in your tracts and say but I thought she sells cloud based photo storage.  I do and believe it in but I also sell and use (and have used for over 12 years) a software program on my computer that helps me organize my images.  I have always been a big believer and supporter of having your photos in a second location with another form of back up.
  • I felt so disconnected on Wednesday – we have become such social creatures who rely on our “social media” connections, our updates, our checking on others and our rush of seeing how others interacted with our own posts.

My final thoughts as we returned to normal routines was that I appreciate the benefits of “data mining” technology when I go to search something with Google or need to pull up something on my phone or computer and it remembers things I have done previously.  I also love sharing and connecting through social media with friend and family I don’t see as often and don’t plan on stopping this anytime soon however I also like knowing that I have choices about a safe and secure site to store my photos and videos that values our photos rights and does not data mine for any reason.  I can choose to pick the few photos I want to share on social media and then keep the the majority of my photos in this site and share in other ways.

As always, if you are looking for help with a plan on how to get your photos in one place – safe and secure I am happy to set up a time to chat further.  Our next Monthly Workshop is also a great time to pop in and learn more.  Be sure to check out our Events Tab to see when the next available workshop is to join.

Mark your Calendar – July Photo Workshop

 

Our July Workshop is just 4 weeks away so now is the perfect time to sign up and make sure you have a spot reserved for you.  We have a great time each month gathering with friends who also want to work with their photos and create meaningful albums and scrapbooks or just get them all corralled into one place.  Plan to join us for a few hours or the whole day, there is an option that will work for you no matter how much time you have available.  To see all the details and available events coming up be sure to check out: the Events Tab above.

If you have a Creative Memories order, please submit to me no later than July 1 to ensure that I include it with my next order.  If you haven’t checked out my Summer Sale, be sure to check out it out as new items are being added each week and let me know if you would like your order brought the workshop or you can pick up sooner at my house in Apex.

If you would like to add an order to my July Media Conversion Group box, bring your items with you or get them to me no later than July 12th so we an add it to this box.  Check out details about Forever’s Media Conversion Box Services and the Price List for when you add to a group box.