Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gathered Ink?

Gathered Ink gathers memories from everyone who knew someone — family, friends, coworkers — and turns them into one written portrait. Instead of one person trying to write something meaningful alone, or picking a generic card, you invite the people who actually know the story.

What occasions can I create a portrait for?

Weddings, life tributes, pet memorials, and retirements today, with more occasions on the way. If you're not sure your occasion fits, start anyway — the interview adapts to what you tell it.

How does it work?

You tell us who this is for and pick an occasion. You invite the people who know them — by name and email, or by sharing a single link/QR code anyone can use. Each person has a short, guided conversation, in their own words, no account needed. Once enough people have shared, we synthesize everything into one portrait and send it to you.

How many people can contribute?

Up to 25 for most collections. If you're working with us through our event planner program, that limit is higher.

How long does the whole process take?

Inviting people takes a couple of minutes. Collecting responses usually takes a few days, depending on how quickly your contributors respond — budget more time for a larger group.

What does it cost?

$49 per collection, one time — not a subscription. If you're part of our founders program (event planners we work with directly), your pricing is different and was explained when you joined.

Can I edit the final portrait?

Yes. You receive it by email with full control to review and edit before sharing it with anyone or turning it into a keepsake.

Can I change the occasion after I've started?

Yes, up until the first contributor's interview has begun. After that, it's locked — occasion shapes the tone and questions of every interview, so changing it mid-collection would create a mismatch with what's already been shared.

What if someone I invited doesn't want to participate, or I entered their info wrong?

You can remove a contributor before they've responded — this fully invalidates their invite link.

Do contributors need to make an account?

No. They click a link (or scan a QR code), share their memory, and they're done. No password, no signup.

Can contributors see the finished portrait?

No — only you do. Contributors who opt in are simply notified once the collection is complete; the finished piece itself is yours to review and share on your own terms.

Is my payment secure?

Yes, payments are processed by Stripe; we never see or store your full card details.

What if I'm not happy with the result?

Because each portrait is generated specifically for your collection, purchases are generally final once it's been created. If something went technically wrong, contact us and we'll make it right.

How is my data used?

See our Privacy Policy for the full picture — in short, your information is used to run the Service and isn't sold or used for advertising.

What if a contributor shares something inappropriate?

You review and can edit the final portrait before sharing it further — that's a deliberate safeguard. Contributors are required to give at least their name to contribute, so submissions aren't fully anonymous.

I got a link (or scanned a QR code) — what is this?

Someone is gathering memories about a person, pet, or occasion, and they'd like your help. You'll have a short conversation about what you remember, and your response becomes part of a portrait for the person who invited you.

Do I need to create an account?

No. Just click the link and start.

How long will this take?

A few minutes for most people — it's a conversation, not a form, so it moves at your pace.

Will I see the finished portrait?

Not automatically — it goes to the person who invited you, and they decide when and how to share it. If you gave us your email at the end, we'll simply let you know once it's complete.

Is what I share private?

Your response is used to help create the portrait for the host. It isn't published publicly or shared with anyone besides the host. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Do I have to give my email?

No — it's optional, and only used if you'd like a heads-up once the collection is finished. You can decline and your contribution still counts.

Can I share this on social media, or will I be quoted directly?

Your individual answer isn't published anywhere by us. The final portrait is a synthesized narrative, not a list of quotes attributed to specific people.

What's the founders program?

We're working directly with a small group of event planners to bring Gathered Ink to their clients as a memory-keepsake add-on. If you're part of it, you received specific terms directly from us — this isn't a self-service signup.

How does pricing work for planners?

Founders program participants get a set number of free collections to start, then a reduced lifetime rate per collection after that. You keep 100% of however you choose to package or price this for your own clients.

How do I use the shareable link / QR code feature?

Every collection has a link you can share directly, or a downloadable QR code you can print and place at an event — on tables, a welcome sign, wherever guests will see it. Anyone who scans or clicks it can contribute without you having to collect names and emails in advance.

Can I use this across all my clients' events?

Yes — weddings, retirements, and other occasions we support are all available through the same account.