Hello everyone, I like the way you synopzied the suggestions. The idea of archival labels on the back of pictures is good although on my less important pictures (too me anyway :) ) I would still use some sort of marker. The other comment is, I'm surprised that anyone can write on the back of the present day photographs with a number 2 pencil. My photographs have that semi-glossy type feel to the back of them and number 2 pencils DO NOT write on them without pressing hard which is why I don't use number 2s. Like some of you mentioned, I don't want to indent the writing to the front. For me, number 2 pencils don't always work. I suppose in this case the labels are a good idea :) If someone is using number 2 pencils that do work, could you tell me the specific brand? And I would like to know the name of the article that said to ONLY use number 2 pencils as someone posted. I like to do research myself sometimes :) Kathy L