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PicaPages

greenmommy
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  • Submitted by: greenmommy
  • Created: Jun 4, 2008, 5:24 pm
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The Elevator Pitch

For Anybody who has a reason to make or participate in a group-contribution book the PicaPages Website is a platform that makes pitching, organizing, soliciting and contribuitng to such a book easier, streamlined and enjoyable. Unlike going through the process of emailing each contributor, cutting, pasting, and manually compiling submissions our product will make gathering group contributions for any occassion book an easy and fun proccess.

The Idea

PicaPages capitalizes on the wide proliferation of custom photobook software and services (Shutterfuly, Picaboo, MyPhotoBook, Brag - just to name a few). For the many reasons a consumer may want a Group-Contributed Book: school cookbook, Grandpa's 70th birthday, babyshower advice, family reunion, class or other group reunion....etc. This can be a time-consuming process emailing contributors for submission, cuting, pasting, and compiling group text and photos into the software to make the book.

PicaPages will provide a single place for group book organizers to pitch and format the contributions they seek by creating their own "page" with custom questions, fields and selections for their group to complete and/or upload. When the user is ready to make their book, the data will be delivered in a convenient format for use (maybe partner with one photobook maker in particular for this), or they can hire PicaPages to design the book for them. $ from affiliate referrals and/or design fees

I thought of this idea when I was...

I have participated in a variety of group contribution books, and organized at least one. It is a hassle. I have also made a few books with the software - it is easy to use and the products are beautiful. At this point, despite the rapid increase of companies offering this software and product, no one is focusing on this particular book category need.

There is a built-in viral component here.

I would love to hear feedback. My biggest block is how to deliver the data once the users have submitted their contributions.


Comments Posted

cckgreentree
cckgreentree Posted: June 5, 2008, 6:52 am

There's a new photo book site that has the kind of multi-contributor system you're talking about. One person starts a project then invites others to contribute. The contributors can upload their photos and text directly to the project, then the owner of the project puts the whole thing together and can have the book printed. The contributors are able to buy a copy for themselves, too, if they want. Here's a link to it: http://inkubook.com/travelgroup/

greenmommy
greenmommy Posted: June 5, 2008, 11:00 am

WOW, that felt like a little punch in the gut! I have been working on this concept for over 6 months and just goes to show you, no matter how hard you search online - it can still be out there and you just haven't found the right link!

Anyway, checked it out (they are in beta) and yes, it is very similar. The one thing about Inkubook is that they produce the book themselves, so if you are already a user of another book -making program you would have to switch. Pica pages is designed to use any other program or software, and focuses just on the organizing piece.

I am going to explore Inkubook more, but although it puts a damper on my idea, I still could do it better or different enough to make it work!

Still looking for other thoughts and comments - please! And also, anyone who would like to work on this with me, I would love to collaborate.

Selise
Selise Posted: June 22, 2008, 3:20 pm

sounds like an interesting concept.. I've not heard of this before. If I can come up with a way to help with it, I'd like to.

greenmommy
greenmommy Posted: June 24, 2008, 3:25 pm

I have been gone on a family reunion adventure for the past two weeks, and had two people relay stories of trying to compile such group-made books and all the hassles involved in emails, cutting/pasting, saving files, etc. I feel pretty excited about moving forward on this and feel pretty strongly about the market.

My biggest obstacle at this stage is the deliverable: how to get the data back to the user in an easy-to-use format. Any ideas on this would be greatly appreciated. I have ability in php script writing, but I am no expert. I would be thrilled if anyone out there has this skill and would be interested in working with me.

Thanks!

blasian8705
blasian8705 Posted: August 10, 2008, 3:00 am

Good Idea, but there is something like this already

There's a new photo book site that has the kind of multi-contributor system you're talking about. One person starts a project then invites others to contribute. The contributors can upload their photos and text directly to the project, then the owner of the project puts the whole thing together and can have the book printed. The contributors are able to buy a copy for themselves, too, if they want. Here's a link to it: http://inkubook.com/travelgroup/

 

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