Almost a year ago, we held our first joint webinar in German with interested parties and members of the senior citizens’ platform “Seniorentreff.de”. The topic was “How do I write my own book?”. After the presentation, in which it became clear that Meminto is a platform for working together on a book, the idea was born to write a book about the history of the senior citizens’ platform and its members. The result is an almost 260-page book that has been printed 300 times.
Preserving memories together – a special book project with the “Seniorentreff”
There are places on the Internet that are far more than just a platform. They are like a cozy café where people meet, exchange ideas and share their experiences. The “Seniorentreff on the Internet“, a German forum, is just such a place – an online community that has existed since 1998 and was created especially for older people. It’s not just about chatting, but also about being active together, trying out new things and preserving memories.
From digital conversations to real stories
As part of a very special project, the Seniorentreff and Meminto Stories joined forces to create a joint book. This was the first book project of its kind, which not only achieved a small, personal print run, but also became a real joint effort with 300 printed copies. The aim was not only to capture the members’ precious memories in digital space, but also to immortalize them in a real book. After all, what could be better than passing on the stories, experiences and wisdom of a generation that has lived through so much?
Under the direction of Karl-Friedrich Fischbach and his wife Margit, more than 30 committed participants took part in this heartfelt project. In many conversations, writing rounds and online meetings, contributions full of emotions, experiences and creative power were created. The large number of printed books also brought with it a logistical challenge – over 20 heavy parcels had to be accepted by Karl and Margin in Merzhausen near Freiburg and distributed around the apartment, which presented them with a challenging but rewarding task.
Additionally, the project was under a tight schedule, as the books were to be completed and shipped in time for Christmas 2024. Thanks to the tremendous commitment of all involved, this ambitious goal was successfully achieved.
A Community with Heart
The Senior Gathering is a vibrant community where people exchange ideas on all sorts of topics – whether in forums, chats, or groups. Here, not only are new developments discussed, but personal experiences are also shared. Many members blog about their lives, write poems, or recount their travels. All of this wonderfully aligns with the concept of Meminto Stories: bringing stories to life, for oneself or for future generations.
For many participants, it was a wonderful opportunity not just to preserve their own memories, but also to engage in conversation with others. It was particularly exciting to hear how the members discovered the Senior Gathering. Some were drawn to the platform through friends or acquaintances, while others specifically sought a place where they could connect with like-minded individuals. It quickly became clear: the Senior Gathering has become a second home for many.
Meminto Stories – Keeping Memories Alive
Meminto Stories is a platform specializing in preserving memories in book form. Originally aimed at documenting personal or group life stories for special occasions (e.g., weddings), Meminto has already facilitated numerous books on topics such as shared travels, special family events, or memories of deceased loved ones. With simple questions and interactive support, Meminto helps its users capture their stories – whether alone or as part of a group.
A Book Full of Memories
For the joint book project, members of the Senior Treff were able to participate with their personal stories. In virtual writing groups, experiences from childhood, formative moments, and special encounters were discussed. Along the way, not only classic narratives but also travel reports, poems, and other lyrical elements were found, making the book a diverse collection. The special thing? Many discovered that they are great storytellers! Thus, a book was created that not only immortalizes individual memories but also captures a piece of contemporary history.
Support from the Entire Meminto Team
Such a project requires not only committed participants but also experienced guidance. This is where Albert Brückmann, the founder of Meminto Stories, came into play. With his expertise, he and the entire team guided Karl-Friedrich Fischbach through the entire process, provided valuable tips for structuring the stories, assisted in designing the cover, and ensured that the final product was not only content-wise but also visually a true highlight. His support made the project something truly special and allowed the book to become a worthy monument of memories in the end.
The Result
At the beginning of December, the completion of the book project slowly came into view. The more than 30 participants had sent their texts to Karl-Friedrich, who took care of formatting them in the browser using the Meminto software. Anyone familiar with common editors like Word, Pages, or Google Sheets can quickly adapt here – nonetheless, the helpdesk is the first point of contact for questions and problem-solving.
Although all participants could also be invited directly to Meminto to insert their stories simultaneously, it became clear that it was better for text management if one main person kept track of things. In close consultation via the always-accessible chat, many questions regarding layout and design settings were clarified. The design of the cover was also successfully mastered through collaborative efforts.
After the book was checked multiple times inside and out, the digital version was created initially. This version is suitable for getting a more precise idea of what the final book will look like. And here’s how it looks:
Since the printing production of the books takes a few days, swift action was necessary. In consultation with the Meminto printing house, the print files were uploaded and the process began. Now it was time to wait! After exactly 13 days, the message came: “The books are on their way!”. The postal deliverer, who was on duty that day, had no idea of his luck…
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How Meminto Stories Grew Through the Project
Through close collaboration with Karl and the senior citizens platform, Meminto was also able to benefit. During the project, new features were added, and existing ones were improved to make the book project even more efficient and user-friendly. These developments now benefit all future users. Every project implemented with Meminto contributes to the ongoing development and enhancement of the platform. There is no stagnation—Meminto’s progress advances daily to provide the best possible experience for all storytellers.
To share this progress with the community, a new webinar is already in the works, set to take place in collaboration with the Senior Citizens Meeting Online. Here, new features will be presented, fundamentals refreshed, and there will be practical guides on how to use the platform. This way, both existing and new users can more easily preserve their memories and capture them in a book.
Why Preserving Memories is So Important
Memories fade away, but a book remains. Especially in a time when the world seems to be spinning ever faster, it is the personal stories that make up the true wealth of life. Through the collaboration of Meminto Stories and the Senior Center, it became clear: Everyone has something to tell – and it is worth capturing these stories.
We are proud of this special project and hope that there will be many more initiatives like this. Because memories are a valuable gift that we preserve not just for ourselves, but also for those who come after us.
Do you also have a story you want to preserve? Then keep checking back with Meminto Stories! Who knows, maybe you will soon hold your own book full of memories in your hands.
