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Quarantining, Texting & Searching for Silver Linings during COVID-19.
Socially distant but digitally connected: we’re staying home, staying safe, and staying as close as possible to the people that matter most - thanks to technology like texting, Zoom, and Keepster.
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How to Create a Keepster Book for Someone You Can't Wait to Hug
April 2020
In a Post-Pandemic World, We’ll Hug.
Until then, We’ll Text.
How are you? Not in the grand, overarching scheme of things… that’s too big of a question. Rather we mean, how are you in, in this very moment?
Many have described this time as ‘out of body’, a collective traumatic experience. Others have said it feels like time is suspended, with nothing left but time to reconsider the things once deemed wildly important.
The one sliver of hope, the beacon of light, the glimmer of hope? Bearing witness to the incredible acts of humanity, of service, of goodness - carried out by people around the world. Have you seen it, too?
Inspired, awe-stuck, and out of body - we’re reaching out to and hearing from people we haven’t spoken to in years - shooting off text after text, digital touchstones to ensure everyone is staying safe, strong, and connected. Reached out to a neighbor to offer a roll of toilet paper, a reassuring “I’m here. Are you ok?”
When all is said and done, when life returns to a new semblance of normalcy, that is what will remain. The acts of good and kindness, the time taken and effort put forth to better someone’s experience in some way, any way, big or small. We hope this always remains.
At Keepster, we’re giving this all lots of thought. Socially distant but digitally connected: we’re staying home, staying safe, and staying as close as possible to the people that matter most - thanks to technology like texting, Zoom and you guessed it, Keepster.
Many of us are not physically close with those we love while we quarantine and have taken to fairly constant texting to feel close.
A team member of ours has parents quarantined in New York City. They keep her up to date via text. Her Mom had texted “I just can't wait to hug you...but until then..sending this. HUG.”
Inspiration struck.
That same night our team member created a Keepster book. Message upon message pulled from their family chat - she didn’t stop until …. 800 pages.!! Thousands of texts, photos, emojis...memories of brighter days, together. She said simply making it brought her peace, hope, and a good cathartic cry. The title? “I Can't-Wait To Hug You. Until Then…”
Maybe you too have someone you can’t wait to hug?
Turn to your phone.
Open your shared text thread: your digital’ bank’ of moments shared, memories made. Whether they’re funny or silly - they’re your story together, and the perfect way to say: “I can’t wait to hug you. Until then…”
How to Create a Keepster Book for Someone You Can't-Wait to Hug
Step 1: Browse your latest backup to find that special someone’s texts
Tip: Still haven’t done a backup or it’s been a while? Now’s the perfect time to let Keepster save your latest messages. Go ahead, grab your iPhone and create a new or updated backup!
STEP 2: Make a folder filled with the messages and moments that make your story together so special. The sweet, the sappy, the serious...anything goes. Whether you decide to pick messages from brighter days pre-pandemic, or choose to focus on the quarantine texts you’ve shared - it’s all up to you!
Tip: Don't short change yourself on the number of messages you include! Take a look at one of our bigger books, here. In our Perfect Bound and Hardcover styles, we can print up to 800 pages, so don’t be shy.
Step 3: Select the color for your Keepster book’s cover. We’re pretty obsessed with each and every option, but if you’re looking for some inspiration...we’ve got you covered.
Tip: Classic white (as shown in Perfectbound style above!) looks great with a black & white picture as your cover photo. Both perfect bound and case wrap look really cool in person, too.
Step 4: Pick a cover picture. Perfectionist? We are, too! That’s why we recommend that your cover photo is square in shape and (X) quality.
Step 5: Title time. You’ve got 55 characters and free reign here. Be personal. Be amazing. Be uplifting. Be wicked. Be sweet. Get sappy. Get funny. It’s up to you!
Step 6: Your Keepster dedication page is that stand-alone page like they have in so many books, dedicating it to the ones whom you love or inspire you or whatever. , So write your heart out till you reach the 750 character limit.
Step 7: Choose the binding. Keepster books come in three styles: Saddle Stitch, Perfect Bound, and Hardcover Casewrap.
Tip: Hardcover Casewrap is really classy. Something about the weight and quality makes it scream: PUT ME ON A COFFEE TABLE AND ADMIRE ME, THANK YOU!
Step 8: Order!
Your texts, chats, photos, and emojis will be professionally printed, bound and shipped to the address you provide - whether you’d like to send it as a gift, or receive it yourself to keep or gift in person.
Last but not least ...
Please don't stop sending texts that can feel like a hug. Don’t stop showing that person - all your people - just how special they are.
Don’t take a single second, moment, memory, message or text for granted.
And don’t stop looking for the silver lining, the glimmer of hope, the good. It’s out there.
Stay well. Stay safe. Stay connected.
