Frequently asked questions
Does MemoriesDream have an expertise in any field?
Why does MemoriesDream not specialize in one field only?
Is it absolutely necessary to have a Personal Historian in my geographic area?
Is language a problem to start working with MemoriesDream?
How to estimate the financial resources I can put in my memories-related project?
Is it possible to rely to low prices or is it a must to rely on high prices?
Can I improve my photos for a fair price?
Am I right if I want my memories work, such as albums and websites, to be informal, joyful, colorful?
More questions about Personal Historians?
Does MemoriesDream have expertise in all fields?
The strenghts of MemoriesDream is coordination, project management and problem solving. Did you ever delegate task to a Secretary or to a Personal Assistant? They do coordination and fulfill you requests. Does an architect build himself your house? Does he have the expertise of a plumber, an electrician, a mason or a carpenter? The architect conceives, coordinates and knows exactly what he must expect from each professional.
I saw the progress of IT technologies and I have been facing compliance, compatibility, standards and perenniality problems. I have been also naturally interested by the work and recomandations from librarians and documentalists. This is essential to have awareness of these matters for preserving memories.
Why does MemoriesDream not specialize in one field only?
MemoriesDream has a specialty of work. It is conceiving, organizing, coordinating memory projects. This is where I believe to make the strongest difference and add value. My vocation is to coordinate all these different professionals.
Is it absolutely necessary to have a Personal Historian located in my geographic area?
Because many solutions exist now for remote and participative work. With VOIP tools (as Skype), filesharing, ftp servers, work documents shared over the web, it doesn't matter. It is not needed also that you are IT oriented to work that way. However, the problems you may have to solve (researches, face-to-face contacts and enquiries...) may need to be at the place and to be in the geographical area is definitely an asset. The knowledge of these countries people culture is also a plus. So, if you have needs in Europe, MemoriesDream is definitely your partner. The Association of Personal Historians gives also many opportunities to connect with other Personal Historians through its network. This can be useful to avoid many travel costs and get benefit of a collaborative work.
Is language a problem to start working with MemoriesDream?
Of course, language matters need attention. Although I worked a lot at international level, my English is far to be perfect. The explanation is simple: I worked a lot with affiliates and production plants and many of these people were non English native speakers. But it was a good experience for making things clear in everybody's mind. Of course, in some cases, for some work, a perfect English is required but when you know the existence of what may be a problem, you have just to take it in consideration in your plans. MemoriesDream can connect with English native partners if the project requires it.
How to estimate the financial resources I can put in my memories-related project?
You must find and ask yourself the right questions. First of all, work on our own memories is particularly painful: will you find the energy to do it, how long it may take you, how it will affect you?
Will you do only that or will you do it in addition to your office work? You may feel destroyed by the remembering of the past. Will you stay focused on your work priorities, will you remain motivated when you will think about your present and the dull things you do, what is your life, in comparison to the past memories? What may think your colleagues when they'll see you giving or receiving several private phone calls, how you'll feel when you forget to call because you are busy?
You can take a week or two of holidays to solve everything. But will all people be available at this time? Even if they are, there will always be unexpected issues and delays. Not everything will be solved and will happen as expected. If you take that non-paid leave, then it has also a cost.
There might also be other aspects: timing difference, language and cultural bareers, knowledge on how to proceed in a foreign country, financial and time costs of traveling.
Is it possible to rely to low prices or is it a must to rely on high prices?
Low prices are easy to find. So, you must ask yourself if you really want the lowest prices for your memory matters. If your are offered very low prices, you may have probably to sacrifice the quality. When the work is related to production, it may be hard to not be over the initial quote. To end-up as quick as possible, people may pay less attention to quality. Practice of too low prices means that there is no place for loosing more or less money. This is the reality we see everywhere, and we don't like that. That said, high price is not a must for everything and you may be right to not match your confidence level to the height of a cost.
Can I improve my photos for a fair price?
Yes, of course. For example, a photo enhancement with more nuances, brightness, looking like new can easily be done. You may prefer, as I do, to not retouch and keep scratches as part of history, looking more genuine. Retouching and giving a smooth and artificial aspect is sometimes nice as well: it's a question of choice, of what you prefer. Photo's can be treated for you, sent to you (even with empty albums) then you can make by yourself the album(s). Of course, the finished album(s) can be delivered to you.
A little work can already give a great enhancement and keep
the photo looking as an authentic, true original.
(click on the image to enlarge it)
Am I right if I want my memories work, such as albums and websites, to be informal, joyful, colorful?
Yes, of course. It is everybody's choice. To my opinion, memories should reflect the personnality of the person. If she was optimistic, enjoyed life, colors and people, then, why giving an image of sadness? The nostalgy will definitely be there, even with colorful work. More the work reflects the personality - or an aspect, a side of the personality - more she will seem alive. But, once again, it is your choice.
More questions about Personal Historians?
You can find many answers in the FAQ section on the website of the Association of Personal Historians