Journaling Experience
The Memories app somewhat limits the memory-capturing experience. Adding documents, photos, videos, and audio recordings is straightforward. The only issue I'm running into is making it all feel like the app is a journal for keeping records and memories straight rather than a digital scrapbook. The "My Memories" page in the Memories app clumps all of my uploads and contributions. I'm not a fan of making the main page a place to show all of my contributions, but I think having a dedicated "My Contributions" page could be very useful.
I am a fan of all of the ways that FamilySearch and Memories allow to be uploaded, but it's a somewhat clunky experience. I currently use another journaling app called Day One. It's a great journaling app in nearly all regards, but it doesn't have what Memories aims to achieve: passing on information, experiences, and memories to future generations. It's great and all to have a way to journal in a modern way and contribute to bettering your own mental health, but I think that another main function of documenting your experiences is to help "turn . . . the heart of the children to their fathers."
I feel like some of the best features of journaling apps that Memories does not yet have are the following: Easy entry; If it takes more than a couple of clicks or taps to add a journal entry, chances are you're not going to do it. Pleasant interface: A minimalist, uncluttered interface helps you focus on your thoughts and makes journaling a pleasant experience. And lastly Reminders: Perhaps the biggest challenge to online journaling is remembering to do it. Automatic reminders help you keep up the habit.
Another feature that would be cool, but not nearly as important would be syncing with photo libraries and making those available to pass on.
I believe that if Memories found a way to emulate the great journaling features of apps, such as Day One or Diarium, while combining the great potential to share information with future generations on the FamilySearch platform, Memories would become the best journaling app out there and allow for greater exposure to helping gather Israel.
Comments
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Family Tree does have a My Contributions page, but it's not restricted to just media ("Memories" in FS parlance): it includes all of your contributions, such as editing a name or attaching a source.
The thing is, Memories isn't a journaling app, and I don't understand why you expect or want it to be one. It's kinda like expecting a dedicated e-reader device to add a camera and a phone. If you want a smartphone, go to a smartphone company, not an e-reader company; if you want journaling, go to a journaling site, not a genealogy site.
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