Opinions on the theme of “Scrapbooking”
Scrapbooks are a material manifestation of memory of the compilers and of the cultural moment in which they were created.
Scrapbooks are one of the most mysterious objects to be found in a family home.
Writing for therapy helps erase effects of trauma
The oldest and most widely practiced form of self-help through writing is that of keeping a personal journal (as distinct from a diary of weekly appointments) in which the writer records their most meaningful thoughts and feelings.
One individual benefit is that the act of writing puts a powerful brake on the torment of endlessly repeating troubled thoughts to which everyone is prone
Scrapbooking isn’t just for documenting the good times. It shares the good times and the bad times in our lives.
Ambrose Bierce defined "scrap-book" as "A book that is commonly edited by a fool.
What are Facebook and My-Space pages but the pursuit of scrapbooking by digital means?
"The scrapbook was the original open-source technology, a unique form of self-expression that celebrated visual sampling, culture mixing, and the appropriation and redistribution of existing media."
The idea of pasting pictures and other memories into a big book has become an art form among grown-ups
Scrapbooking has become a highly lucrative business.
Everyone remembers scrapbooks from when they were kids.
These days there's nothing remotely scrappy about scrapbooks, which have a designer look and may be elaborately adorned with fabrics, stenciling and all manner of trinkets.
It's about family history, recording all your memories, your feelings and emotions
"If you die, you take all these memories with you - this is about leaving them behind for others to enjoy."
The hobby appeals almost exclusively to women,
"It's changed the way I take photos - I take them just for the scrapbook now”
Anybody can do it, at whatever level.
Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby and can be combined with many other interests including photography, graphic design, all sorts of paper crafts and even genealogy.
The value of journaling lies in the fact that it provides an account of family histories that may otherwise not be preserved.
Many consider journaling one of the most important elements of any scrapbook.
Peoples opinions in response to the question:
“Do you think that online scrapbooks, blogs, websites and other personalized social networking sites have more appeal than hand made scrapbooks?”
“I think that if you are of the mindset to want to keep a scrapbook then you would want it in its physical state, not just as computer files.”
“I think that online it's easier and some non-arty people may struggle with things such as scrap books. Also on the internet you it's harder to loose and you can't misplace it. Also it's excellent to keep in touch with friends from all corners of the world.”.
“Something which is material is completely first hand. Personally, the items in my "scrapbook" are the original items from the particular time I wish to remember. Because of this they almost hold the history/memory within themselves as opposed to a digital reproduction. Feel and texture are very important to me.”
“Friends can comment and debate ideas.”(Referring to the interactive nature of online scrapbooking).
“Its easier, people are impatient and therefore want to get their memories down as soon as possible and the internet supplies that.”
“Things on the internet are very manufactured and generic. Anything that is hand-made has a personal touch which creates much more sentimental value to the documentation.”
“While they are easier to use and potentially longer lasting, they dont have the same sentimental value.”
“It's tricky, hand made is cool but websites can't be damaged, lost etc.”
“Scrapbooks are more physically aesthetically pleasing.”
“Easier, more available, and instant community to publish ones work to.” (Referring to online scrapbooking).
“They are easier, but are also less personal and you have to be careful what you have on there.” (Online scrapbooking)
“Less hassle” (Online Scrapbooking)
“Anybody can facebook or whatever but it takes a little extra thought to make something in the real world.”
“A physical scrapbook will last forever”
“Firefox crashing wont fuck up your memories”
“Online versions of scrapbooks are less personal and not as interesting/individual to make.”
“Not as personal.”
“Scrapbooking works for some things, like blogging work or for purely sociable reasons, but in terms of getting over loved ones or moving on not so much.”
Peoples opinions on why one would keep a scrapbook:
“To vent feelings, remember things you did/have to do.”
“To keep memories or note down ideas.”
“To remember cool times and keep cool things. You can also be really creative and personal with it. Eg; my mum has a book of photo’s from nights out in the 80’s! Get to see her at my age and it’s really cool!”
“Memories of course. Each item brings back a certain memory in time. It is, to me, like a time machine in which I can jump.”
“As I am too lazy to record a diary a scrapbook is a very good second best”
“To visualize ideas and evaluate thoughts etc.”
“So you can see what your opinion or thoughts were at the time, rather than your memory of it which can change.”
“Keeping memories, sentimental things.”
“Because I have to for uni to put up work I do.”
“To save memories.”
“Just to remember things I have done, as I have a rubbish memory!”
“Collecting together things I like/am given/overhear/find...”
“To cry for attention and to pass my opinion on to others... Actually I guess thats the same reason for everyone.”
“Being a sissy.”
“Well if you call facebook a photo album then this applies. I keep it as a record of my youth. We will all be old at some point.”
“To collect private thoughts or thoughts of interest”
“Recording stuff that happens in our ridiculous lives.”
“To hold onto memories through words, photos, memorabilia.”
“So you can see what your opinion or thoughts were at the time, rather than your memory of it which can change.”
-”It may help at the time, but in the long run it can be difficult not to 'live in the memories' and look to the future. It is a good thing to look back on however, as a past memory not present.”
Opinions and comments in reference to alternative forms of personal and creative documentation:
“Rather than a scrapbook, I have a show box full of junk and stuff which I have collected over the past 3 years or so. Notice Boards are my favourite.”
“I keep a sketch book as an alternative to a scrapbook”
“I have more of a ‘scrap box’ than a scrap book”
“ I tried to keep a blog but never wrote anything on it, partly through apathy, partly through low self esteem.”
“I keep a song journal.”
Opinions and comments in reference to what appeals to people about a scrapbook:
“A scrapbook is just somewhere to keep and collect things.”
“People keep them in the hope that someone will find it one day 'accidentally' so one can show off their life and feelings that they might not have otherwise felt they could express to peers.”
“I think the 'tech-quake' of the 'naughties' has started to kill ways of storing things such as scrapbook. We are the digital generation and it has taken over and expanded vastly.”
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