LifeSketch Combines High-Tech Memory Keeping with 'High-Touch' Personal Instruction.

(ARA) - There's no denying that computers have brought many conveniences into our lives. Take the ease of communicating via e-mail, the speed of finding information on the Internet, and the relief of getting help from tech support.

Tech support? That's right: all of us who have ever been frustrated online have rejoiced at reaching a knowledgeable human voice on a phone line. For although technology is often designed to eliminate manual labor, it often requires some old-fashioned hand holding to learn how to take advantage of this tool.

A perfect example is the new craft of digital memory keeping. It lets you use your computer to store your photos safely, organize for easy access and, depending on the creative options offered by a Web site, make a digital album or other keepsake.

But wait, we can hear you saying, how do I get my photos into my computer? Do I need a digital camera? And making a scrapbook online sounds like fun, but I've never done anything like that before. What happens if I get stuck?

That's exactly our point. Even the most avid "scrapbooker" might be hesitant about trying to practice her craft online without someone to guide her. One new company has reached just that conclusion, and so is expanding the services it offers.

In April of 2000, the LifeSketch Web site went live, allowing customers to use its software to combine their photos with an extensive collection of page backgrounds and clip art, and to share the scrapbooks they create online.

As LifeSketch started receiving feedback on its site, especially from scrapbookers, the company realized that people became most excited about the creativity being offered when someone demonstrated it in person. And many people who wanted to use the software needed help with the first step of getting their photos to the LifeSketch site.

Enter LifeSketch Instructors! At WorkShops for small groups in private homes, they demonstrate and discuss how to get photos online (with a scanner, picture CD or digital camera); the handy organization of photos; security for the photos sent to their own online studio, which are backed up in three ways; how to make professional-quality albums, single print pages and more by combining photos with a wide selection of over 200 backgrounds, 350 pieces of clip art and 20 fonts; enhanced storytelling through journal entries and audio files; and easy sharing of memories with printed keepsakes, CD-ROM versions and online viewing.

WorkShop guests start using the LifeSketch site by purchasing a Memory Package, which gives them secure digital storage for photos, customization software, a tutorial CD and -- the essential human complement to the advanced technology -- support from the LifeSketch service team. Memory Packages start at as little as $24.99.

A test group's reaction to the new high-tech, "high-touch" LifeSketch was very positive. Of 100 randomly selected women interested in memory keeping, 100 percent of the women said they would be interested in attending a WorkShop, and 82 percent said they would purchase a Memory Package.

The initial launch of LifeSketch is currently underway in Wisconsin, with national expansion set for this August. To find out how you can become a Founding Instructor, or just enjoy the benefits of LifeSketch call 1-888-358-0010 or e-mail LifeSketch at Opportunity@lifesketch.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com