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Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQs"):
I have been conducting these interviews—as well as writing
about, and photographing, the many people I have interviewed—for over twenty
years. Needless to say, I have come to enjoy the process of learning about
other individuals as they share their stories about wisdom gained and lessons
learned. At the same time, it gives me great joy to be able to deliver precious
and very personal keepsakes in the form of a books and videos, which can be
shared with family and loved ones. These are cherished
treasures.
Regarding the "My Long Story Short" process, some basic
questions have come up, and I have decided to present them below in order to
answer—ahead of time—any questions you may have:
What can I expect once I hire you?
The "My Long Story Short" process is very simple and—I've
been told over and over again—just as enjoyable for you as it is for me. It can
be described in three easy steps:
- THE INTERVIEW:
We will schedule a time when I visit with and interview you
or your loved one for one (1) hour.*
Each interview  is video taped using a high-definition camcorder and
lavalier microphone system. Once the interview is completed, we will spend
some time discussing the inclusion of any additional photographs (e.g.
special childhood photos, wedding photos, etc, . . .) which I will scan during
the visit, so there will be no need to remove priceless photos from your
home. (*This is the Gold option's interview length. The Platinum option's
interview will take 90-minutes.)
- THE BOOK:
If you choose either the
Gold, Silver or Platinum package option, you will receive a handsome, hard-cover book. I will fully transcribe the "My Long Story Short"
interview, and then write and design this keepsake, which will include
photographs captured during the interview session. We can discuss adding
other special photographs which will then be included in the book. During
our meeting, you will have a chance to choose from several cover design
options.
- THE VIDEO:
Each package includes a
fully edited and designed video containing the complete "My Long Story
Short" interview. You will receive two formats of the interview: DVD and
flash-drive formats. Note: Additional Editing Time priced at $125.00 per hour.
How long does the process take?
Turnaround times will, of course, vary somewhat depending on
the particular package chosen, but once the interview is completed, one can
expect to receive finished videos within approximately three to four weeks. Books take longer since the book production process involves text transcription and editing, photograph editing, and overall book design. Again, the time periods will
depend upon the complexity of the project so we will talk about the specifics and you will be provided with an estimated delivery date.
Can I order extra books?
Yes. If you choose one of the book options, then one (1) book is included in the listed price. Extra copies of the book are then available at a cost of
$195.00* for each additional book ordered. At interview time, we will discuss
your order and you can tell me how many copies you would like. (*This price may be higher depending on the page-length of the book. Volume discounts are available.)
Can I order extra videos?
Yes. Depending on the chosen option, one (1) video is included in the listed price. Extra copies of the video are then available for a charge of
$55.00 for each additional video ordered. At interview time, we will discuss
your order and you can tell me how many copies you would like.
Will I have a chance to fact-check the information in the book after
the transcription has been completed?
Yes. Once the interview is completed and I have had the
chance to fully transcribe the interview, I will then send you a fully
transcribed interview copy which you will then review and return to me with any
necessary modifications. Once this version has been approved by you, no further
changes can be made.
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On Learning & Education . . . 
"People have talents, abilities and skills they don't even know about. It's important to understand that to live the kind of life you want to live, you need to seize every opportunity to develop and nurture those skills and talents, so that you can then be useful to others. That's what this living is all about, in my opinion. . . . Take advantage of the time you have. You have only one life, one chance, so please make the most of it. 'Cause it's out there."
—Ivan Rinehart (98)
Hot Springs, Arkansas
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 On Life Philosophy . . .
"I have a secret. I'm having a love affair. And everyone can have a love affair like this, too. I'm having a love affair with life. The way I see it is, people have to reach up and beyond, and then they can get up and beyond, too. It works like a boomerang: Whatever you give out in terms of helping others, that's what comes back to you. It circles back in a million different ways."
—Fan Benno-Caris (89)
Addison, Texas
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