<p>Maybe I'm just wary of anything Herff-Jones sponsors, but is this photo directory really useful or just a scam? Since its from HJ, I'm inclined to believe the latter, but someone from Smith signed the letter. Is this new, good, bad, or indifferent? Thanks</p>
<p>I sent in the form, but didn't buy the thing itself. I thought the idea was kind of stupid, and facebook does the same thing--and it's free.</p>
<p>I don't know of anyone who actually found it useful.</p>
<p>FWIW we threw ours out. Just a money-making scheme if you ask me.</p>
<p>Okay - I want this scoop on this! As a freshman, I had what was called a "Freshman Book" which was invaluable, both then and now as I approach reunions. A facebook is fleeting. You won't be able to access it twenty years from now.</p>
<p>The letter was signed from someone at Smith (can't remember who) and the students are supposed to pick up their books at the Field House on Sept. 2, which always makes it seem Smith-supported.</p>
<p>Does anyone know?</p>
<p>UPDATE: The letter is signed by Rae-Anne Butera, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. </p>
<p>I suspect it's legit.</p>
<p>Doesn't Smith have a yearbook where they put the pictures of all classes in?!</p>
<p>D says it's not particularly useful but that it's nice to have. Parse that as you will. It's "legit", not a scam.</p>
<p>Facebook is extremely ephemeral on a time scale that exceeds from last October to next March. Hardcopy has its utility.</p>
<p>[[I suspect it's legit.]]</p>
<p>Its legit. Herff-Jones is one of a few other companies that are endorsed by Smith. In the spring all the company reps will set up shop in the Campus Center to sell their wares-- e.g. class rings, etc. The 1st yr facebook is a great idea b/c it gives some personal info of each student and it seems to me a great keepsake of a womens 1st yr at Smith. Unfortunately as you can see, not everyone is in it.</p>
<p>Yes, there is a graduation yr book too. As happenstance would have it, about a yr ago I was going through a box and found my wifes and her roommates old black and white proofs of their senior pictures. No incriminating letters though. Darn! </p>
<p>I called the photographers number on the back of the proofs to see if by some miracle he was still in business all these yrs later. Not only did he still have the same number, but now owns a frame shop. He was a very young man at the time and had great stories (read kid in a candy store) of photographing the seniors b/c he used only natural light (no flash) so it was very frustrating at times if the weather didnt cooperate. He did take some amazing natural light indoor shots by bay windows. To my disappointment, he didnt have the negatives anymore.</p>
<p>"Doesn't Smith have a yearbook where they put the pictures of all classes in?!"</p>
<p>I don't know about Smith's yearbooks, but mine is incomplete because many seniors either forgot to get their pictures taken or just didn't bother. More people contributed to the Freshman Book than to the yearbook.</p>
<p>It may be a moneymaker for Herff-Jones but the letter explicitly calls them "our printer." The letter is on Smith letterhead, not Herff-Jones's.</p>
<p>I should add to the above: we didn't have to pay for the Freshman Book. It was "free" (included in the cost of tuition ;-), black-and-white, and softcover. Mine sits behind me in my book shelf.</p>
<p>I should add to the above: we didn't have to pay for the Freshman Book. It was "free" (included in the cost of tuition ;-)]]</p>
<p>Nothing was or is now free at Dartmouth. :) The cost of all the <em>free</em> stuff was calculated into the tuition costs.</p>
<p>The yearbook is free to students, though recently not particularly well made. I'd prefer it over the new student record - less than half of new students probably used it, but more care about being in the yearbook and for a class picture.</p>
<p>I just don't see the use of the new student record. I've yet to miss not having one.</p>
<p>I don't know of anyone who actually bought the New Student Record. I mean, I guess it would be useful after Smith, when you're getting ready for reunion, but I certainly didn't find a time during my first year when I or anyone I knew needed it. Get it if you want, but most folks just skip it.</p>
<p>didn't find a time during my first year when I or anyone I knew needed ]]</p>
<p>I dont believe any student really purchases the Record with the intent of actually using it. Im sure parents have somewhat more of an influence than the student when making the purchasing decision. The book would be fun for the student to have to show their kids and grandkids someday. Silly keepsake? I imagine everyone has a different opinion. ;)</p>