Mckenzie Cooper

Keep a simple folder plan you can maintain and embed info into the files so it survives app changes. Create two top-level folders: Masters and Edits. In Masters, keep original scans at full resolution and a stable structure like 1970s/1978/1978-08 Lake Trip, with filenames 1978-08 Lake Trip - 001.jpg. If the exact day is unknown, do not invent one. Put your best precision in the filename and write "Circa Aug 1978" in the Description field rather than trying to use 00 for days because some apps break on that. Scan the back of any photo with notes and save as a paired file with -back and then copy the text into the Caption/Description. Enter metadata into standard fields so it travels: EXIF DateTimeOriginal for date, IPTC Title for a short label, IPTC Description for the story, IPTC Person Shown and Keywords for people, and Location if you know it. Free tools like XnView MP or digiKam can batch write those tags and then batch rename files from the metadata. Face tagging in Apple Photos or Google Photos is fine for discovery, but also write the names into Keywords so the tags stay with the files, and keep a simple people.csv mapping faces to full names as a belt and suspenders. For backups, follow 3-2-1: keep your cloud library plus two external drives mirrored with a tool like FreeFileSync or rsync, store one drive at a family member's house, and encrypt them with FileVault or BitLocker. Generate checksums once for the Masters folder and verify annually so you catch bit rot early. I use SHA-256 and a file named checksums.txt next to each folder. For sharing, export an album as JPEG sRGB with embedded metadata and include a small readme text file listing the who and where. That way if you someday move clouds, the context goes with the pictures.

I have had a couple of vintage issues show up with corner dings and one cover tear and and the quickest path to a result was a short, calm message that spells out the difference in condition and what would make it right. If the listing photos showed sharp corners and you received a copy with a tear, say that plainly and request either a full refund or a partial that reflects the drop in grade. For a mild bend I have asked for around a quarter back, for a cover tear I have asked for half, and both were accepted because returns cost sellers time and money too. If you do not hear back soon,, I would not wait longer than a day or two. I would open a case right now and attach photos and a short note then wait twenty four hours and if nothing moves escalate through buyer protection so it is on record. On a tight budget, a partial refund can be the least painful outcome if you can live with the copy, and if not then a prepaid return gets you your funds for another attempt. For storage in a humid climate, keep your books in an interior room that stays cool and steady, not in an attic, garage, kitchen, or bathroom. Keep them upright with no tight pressure and out of direct sun. Avoid any quick fixes on the tear, even temporary ones, since that can hurt value more than the original damage.