On the matter of writing the negative # and other information on the back of photos, does anyone know the best way to do this? What have you found that is permanent but will not bleed through or otherwise damage the print? I generally use some fine line ink pen and write close to the edge of the print so that if it does eventually seep through, the damage will be minimal. I have also tried writing on adhesive labels and sticking these on the back but I expect the adhesive will eventually dry out and the labels fall off. Robert E. Lewis

I use a ball point pen. I make sure it is fresh. I don't bear down, just a minimal pressure. Then lay them upside down for 20 - 30 seconds. I have rarely had a problem. Besides most processors with do reprints for less than a quarter so a rare problem is cheap compared to having photos with no name or dates one them. Putting names and dates on photos has been on of my life's missions. I spent time with both my grandmothers before they died and was able to get 90% of 3 generation of photos identified. When I see old photo's in antique shops for sale I am so sad. That person is lost. No one knows who they were. Teach your children this. Spend time with your kids and the photos, talk with them and tell them the stories of you and your parents often. Holidays are great for getting out the albums and letting the kids get to know their kin folks. My last speech for awhile Hugs Connie

I found a pen at Hobby Lobby specifically for writing on photos. I suppose that any craft store would have them. It says it is Pigment ink * Photo safe * Acid-free * Archival Quality * Lightfast * Water-proof * Fade-Proof * Non-bleeding. I guess time will tell Pat Bennett ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert E Lewis" <LEWISRE@prodigy.net> To: <VINTAGE-PHOTOS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2001 11:09 PM Subject: Re: [VINTAGE-PHOTOS] Negative question (writing # and info on the back of photos) > On the matter of writing the negative # and other information on the back of > photos, does anyone know the best way to do this? What have you found that > is permanent but will not bleed through or otherwise damage the print? I > generally use some fine line ink pen and write close to the edge of the > print so that if it does eventually seep through, the damage will be > minimal. I have also tried writing on adhesive labels and sticking these on > the back but I expect the adhesive will eventually dry out and the labels > fall off. > > Robert E. Lewis > > > ==== VINTAGE-PHOTOS Mailing List ==== > NOTICE: Posting of virus warnings, test messages, chain letters, political > announcements, current events, items for sale, personal messages, flames, > etc. (in other words - spam) is NOT ALLOWED and will be grounds for removal. > Consideration for exceptions, contact Kathleen Burnett kathleenburnett@earthlink.net > To learn more about my world visit http://dwp.bigplanet.com/kburnett > > ============================== > Add as many as 10 Good Years To Your Life > If you know how to reduce these risks. > http://www.thirdage.com/health/wecare/hearthealth/index.html

I've read that ONLY #2 pencil should be used.