FOREVER Box Digitization Party

Got a FOREVER Box ready to pack and send? Have questions about Digitization? Join us for a live Q&A with experts from the Digitization Center! Bring your questions, show your media, and get real-time answers to help you feel confident every step of the way.

This webinar was be held live on

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM Eastern Time

Quick recap

This was a Forever Digitization customer Q&A session held on June 23rd where participants could ask questions about digitizing various types of media and items. The session was hosted by Tameka with co-hosts Kim, Debbie Garland, and Eric Napier from the Forever Digitization Center. Customers asked questions about pricing, packaging, and processing for different items including photos, negatives, slides, VHS tapes, audio cassettes, Super 8 film reels, and damaged items requiring restoration. Key topics covered included how to count items for pricing (with 25 photos or slides equivalent to one VHS tape), handling specialty scans for larger photos and damaged items, proper labeling requirements using stickers for each item, and procedures for sending in boxes that were purchased over a year ago. The team explained that restoration services cost $89.99 flat fee and cannot be applied toward box credit, while water-damaged items may require special handling depending on the extent of damage. Customers also discussed strategies for packaging items like folded scrapbook pages and 3D objects, with the team providing guidance on proper preparation and scanning techniques.

Summary:

Forever Digitization Box Q&A Session

The meeting began with participants joining and discussing personal topics before transitioning to the main agenda of a Forever Digitization Box Q&A session. Tameka welcomed attendees and explained the meeting format, emphasizing that questions should be asked by raising hands or using the chat. She introduced co-hosts Kim, Debbie Garland, and Eric Napier, and noted the presence of digitization experts to assist with questions about the process. The session concluded with instructions on how to participate effectively, including staying on mute except when asking questions and using the raised hand feature.

Media Processing for Forever Accounts

The meeting focused on answering questions about processing media items for storage in Forever accounts. Eric explained that 25 photos, slides, or negatives count as one tape, and clarified that items larger than 8x10 require specialty scanning. Debbie Garland confirmed that Super 8 film reels are counted in 50-foot increments, with approximately 1500 feet taking up one gigabyte of storage. The team also addressed questions about processing tiny negatives from throwaway cameras and home movies on DVDs, with Eric noting that the intake team evaluates film condition and may contact production manager Jorge for items in poor condition.

Digitization Services and Processes

The meeting covered several questions about digitization services and processes. Caroline discussed an issue with a previously digitized DVD where some soundtracks were missing, and Eric explained that DVD software doesn't always maintain the track order specified on the cover, causing such problems. Candy inquired about restoring an 1880s photo with tears on both sides, and Debbie Garland confirmed the restoration would cost $89.99 regardless of complexity, noting this cannot be applied toward box credit. Melissa Smith, a first-time user, asked about labeling procedures for audio cassettes and other items, with Debbie confirming that every item needs a sticker and explaining proper bagging procedures for different media types.

Photo Scanning and Repair Guidelines

Tameka confirmed that photos can be scanned in batches of any size, which simplifies the process for customers like Elizabeth who had been planning to batch photos in groups of 25. Eric explained that while Elizabeth's older photo boxes would no longer qualify for the original promotional pricing, he would honor a 50% discount on extra items if the boxes are received by June 30th, and advised her to email if she missed this deadline. When Valerie asked about handling water-damaged albums, Eric suggested sending 2-3 of the worst affected items to client care with photos for evaluation, as water damage on paper items like albums is more challenging to repair than on tapes or film.

Photo Scanning and Restoration Services

Cindy asked about scanning a photo with a piece of paper attached and a damaged photo requiring repair. Debbie Garland confirmed that specialty restoration services are available for damaged photos, which can be ordered online and then the photo submitted for scanning. Nan inquired about marking pages not to be scanned in a digitization box, and Debbie Garland confirmed that post-it notes are the recommended method for indicating pages not to be scanned. Lynn asked about scanning three-page scrapbook layouts, and Eric confirmed that these can be handled by adjusting the crop, though they will require two separate scans.

Photo Restoration and Shipping Processes

The meeting focused on clarifying processes for photo restoration and box shipping. Candy sought guidance on submitting a photo of a decoupage with small photos, and Debbie Garland explained the process of downloading and emailing photos for digitization. Sherry asked about filling Forever boxes, and Eric recommended filling them completely rather than splitting items, with Adriana adding that clients should maximize box credit usage. Madelyn inquired about handling barcodes and journal scanning, with Debbie confirming that missing barcodes would be addressed and explaining options for scanning journals as single pages or spreads. Tameka shared questions about scanning 3D objects and items with information on both sides, with Eric confirming these could be handled appropriately. The conversation ended with an invitation for participants to share digitization experiences or tips.

Scrapbook Digitization Service Discussion

Eric explained the scrapbook box service, which is specifically designed for 12x12 traditional scrapbook pages and offers $1 per scan for up to 100 pages when purchased by June 30th. Several participants discussed their digitization plans, with Caroline sharing that she has 284 scrapbook sides ready and plans to send negatives next, while Tameka asked about scanning a high school photo with a love note. The team also clarified pricing for Kodak reels, explaining that each image costs $2.50 with an additional $20 charge after the first five images.

Family Photo Digitization Planning

Kim shared that she received scrapbooks from her late mother's estate, including three 12x12 and three 12x15 albums containing family photos and stories that will be digitized for the family to enjoy. Tameka and Valerie emphasized the importance of acting quickly on digitizing family memories, sharing personal stories about preserving photos and videos before it's too late. The group discussed the benefits of using professional digitization services rather than attempting the process independently.

Photo Digitization Discussion

The group discussed the challenges and benefits of digitizing photos, with Eric explaining that professionals can scan approximately 300 photos per hour compared to around 100 photos per hour for individuals working at home. Participants shared personal experiences about the time-consuming nature of photo scanning and the emotional connection people have with their photos, noting that professionals handling the process don't have the same attachment to the images. The discussion highlighted how digitization allows easier access to photos and the ability to share them with others, with several participants expressing appreciation for the professional service and its value for preserving family memories.

Photo Digitization Services Discussion

The meeting focused on answering questions about digitization services, particularly regarding photo scanning processes and storage options. Eric and Debbie provided guidance on handling various scenarios including scanning photos from 1915 photo books, Creative Memories albums, and greeting cards with handwritten notes. They clarified that 300 DPI scans are sufficient quality for most purposes and explained the 90-day viewing period for digitized content in both the project center and permanent storage. The discussion also covered options for clients who don't want to purchase additional storage, including the possibility of using flash drives and the limitations of the free 2GB storage.