# While You’re Here

Working name: **While You’re Here**
Tagline: **Tell them what they mean to you.**

A warm, direct name that describes the purpose without making a celebration depend on illness or the end of life. This is a creative proposal; domain availability and brand clearance have not been checked.

Alternative names: **Said Today** (short and flexible) or **What You Mean to Us** (personal and explicit).

## Welcome message

Some things deserve to be said today. We’re bringing together the people who love Margaret to share the memories, laughter, and little acts of kindness that make her who she is.

You’ll see four short questions. Record a separate answer to each in 30 seconds or less. You can watch your answer, try again, or skip a question. One honest thought is enough—there’s no need for a polished speech.

Imagine Margaret is across the table. Speak to her, tell her what you appreciate, and help us create a celebration she can enjoy.

## Questions

1. **What small moment with Margaret do you still remember?**
   Tell her one specific story. “Margaret, I still remember when you…”
2. **What is something wonderfully Margaret that makes you smile?**
   A familiar saying, a habit, a funny moment. Keep it kind and something she would enjoy hearing.
3. **What has Margaret taught you through the way she lives?**
   Name one way she has influenced you, and give a small example.
4. **Margaret, because of you…**
   Finish the sentence in your own words. Tell her something you appreciate and want her to know today.

## Invitation draft

We’re making a celebration video for Margaret, and your voice belongs in it. Would you share a memory, a smile, or something you appreciate about her?

There are four short questions, with up to 30 seconds for each answer. You can skip a question or try again. Set aside about 5–10 minutes, find a quiet spot, and follow the recording link.

Please contribute by [deadline]: [private invitation link].

We’re gathering these messages so Margaret can hear what she means to us today. Thank you for helping make that happen.

## 60-second guidance video script and storyboard

Use a friendly host speaking naturally, intercut with simple framing demonstrations. Approximately 125 words; adjust timing in the actual recording. Film the host in landscape, head and shoulders, with clear speech and no music underneath the instructions. Add captions and keep a written version available.

| Time | Visual | Spoken guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 0–8 sec | Host smiles at camera; title: “A message that feels like you” | “You don’t need a perfect speech. Just imagine Margaret is sitting across from you.” |
| 8–20 sec | Show a phone resting steadily at eye level; head-and-shoulders framing | “Set your phone sideways on a steady surface, with the camera at eye level. Keep your head and shoulders in the picture, with a little space above your head.” |
| 20–30 sec | Show light facing the speaker; quiet-room symbol | “Face a window or lamp, and find a quiet room. A quick test will help you check the sound.” |
| 30–43 sec | One question card and a subtle 30-second timer | “Choose one memory or thought for each question. Speak directly to Margaret using ‘you.’ Aim for thirty seconds or less.” |
| 43–53 sec | Host pauses, speaks, then pauses; replay and redo icons | “Leave a brief pause before and after speaking. Watch your answer back, and try again if you want.” |
| 53–60 sec | Host returns; closing text: “Your words are enough.” | “A little laughter or emotion is welcome. Your words are enough.” |

The website includes a silent, timed visual guide based on this storyboard. It is not a rendered video or a filmed host. This script is ready for you to record, or for a later separately produced instructional video.

## Film structure

- Opening: recipient’s name and a short, memorable expression of appreciation.
- Chapter 1: Memories.
- Chapter 2: Personality and laughter.
- Chapter 3: Influence.
- Chapter 4: Direct appreciation.
- Closing: “We’re glad you’re here.”

Create a complete keepsake with all selected answers, and a shorter 8–12-minute film using approved excerpts. Twenty people answering four questions for 30 seconds each yields 40 minutes of source footage. Human review should protect context and ensure every contributor is represented where possible.

## Shared-storage pilot

A valid invitation link is required to contribute. Each link expires after seven days and allows up to five contribution starts. Each contributor can upload four answers, with a 20 MB maximum per answer. The recording interface stops at 30 seconds; uploaded-video duration is checked in the browser. The server validates the declared duration and basic file format, but does not decode media to independently verify duration.

Original videos and their contributor/question labels are stored in a private Cloudflare R2 bucket. Viewing, listing, downloading, and deleting recordings require organizer sign-in. The shared organizer password is configured as a Cloudflare secret; the site remains closed to uploads until that secret is set.

The pilot preserves partially received answers if an upload is interrupted; retrying the same answers on the same page does not duplicate successful uploads. Keep the page open during uploading. It does not yet resume an interrupted individual file upload, preserve pending recordings across reloads, or automatically assemble a film.

Email reminders, multiple recipient configuration, fuller account management, streaming-format conversion, and retention automation are future work. Download keepsakes you want to preserve.