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Before I give up on my “mission”

(30 Posts)
grNadpa Fri 30-Dec-22 15:55:01

My “mission” undertakes the plight that most of us have a Will to handle our finances and possessions after we die. But few think about sharing our stories, and those of our predecessors, that otherwise will be lost forever.

My family enthusiastically responded to my series of short videos that shared anecdotes of my late relatives. So, thinking that other seniors could share their important stories in this unique way, I put together an online course demonstrating the technique.

Then I shared the idea, separately, with two successful marketing people. Much to my dismay, they both claimed that not enough seniors would be interested in a do-it-yourself lecture series. That a better option would be for me to offer to produce such short, anecdotal series based on client interviews.

And that I should offer the service, not to seniors, but to their adult children.

Ouch.

Though willing to make such a pivot, at nearly age 78 I’m not up to commissioning a website. Nor in building and maintaining a blog and a social media presence.

Besides, I can only serve a few seniors at a time. And, once I’ve produced the first two or three playlists, I anticipate new participants will most likely arrive via referral.

I’m conflicted. I do think my mission of producing short videos to document legacy memories for seniors is worthwhile. But I don’t see a reasonable way to make it happen.

How do you think I should proceed? (And what are you doing to preserve your stories and anecdotes?)

AmberSpyglass Sat 31-Dec-22 16:54:00

There are two issues here - one is if you want to raise awareness of people sharing their stories before it’s too late, and one is if you want to offer a service. But offering a service is fairly pointless if you can only have a few clients at a time with what would be a fairly laborious process and wouldn’t actually achieve your aim.

Daisymae Sat 31-Dec-22 17:55:43

It's a great idea. I've written short stories that are based on fact but my AC wouldn't be aware. I too think that You tube could be the way to go, that and a FB group which seems to be the social media more likely to have older members. I'm interested in watercolor and recently joined a group on FB where initially members get free tutorials and then can pay for others if they wish. The artist who runs it has been operating for a while and has a good membership. Might be worth looking into?

grNadpa Sun 01-Jan-23 15:38:46

Very insightful AmberSpyglass.

Regrettably, others are better equipped to raise awareness than I. And I agree that my service offering would make negligible impact. But that's not the same as none-at-all. So still conflicted on whether the "mission" via service is worth pursuing.

Your distinction between awareness and impact I take very seriously and appreciate your insightful reply

AmberSpyglass Sun 01-Jan-23 18:16:33

Alternatively, you could write articles or blog posts about how important it is for magazines and websites aimed at older people?