What happens to a traveling journal once it is "retired"... meaning, it has been all filled up with no more room to write? I know some folks scan all the pages and make it viewable on-line. But I'm curious to know what becomes of the original. Does it go back to the originator?

Normally returns to the originator, unless that group has made some other arrangements. The hosts usually get things going and provide the journals, some of which have been handmade for some groups, and so I can see them wanting to hang onto the treasure. The journals I've seen float here were returned to the host/originator, who then scanned and posted and/or emailed the scans to everyone in the group. A new journal is set up to continue the fun.

With my group, as host, I plan to scan the completed journals and email to the group memebers, then have a little drawing to see who gets to keep the original journal. I'm using premade journals, so there is not a big sentiment or value placed on the handmade work. I'll use our little lotto, as I think it would be fun to let the group members each have the memories too, if they choose.

Another factor may well be whether a traveling journal continues beyond - or even makes it through - round one. Established groups have multiple journals out there, and sending them back to the originator makes it best for all.

Returning to originator seems a good default. Consider that many don't come back, and much work goes into the creation and administration of them. I usually scan all the pages after I complete my entries just in case it doesn't make it back to me.

Member joeanes has posted scans of his and the completed ones of melnicki here. (If these scans can't sell you on the idea of traveling journals, nothing can!)

Doug

It's great fun to read them all. I'm hoping our maiden journal leads to more fun.

I like how you turned the tables - and the book - to suit your writing, Doug.

What about copies of text to all involved...just seems fair.

I'll be scanning and emailing. A little more cost effective than actually copying off pages. If someone in our group wants photocopies, though, I'd do so for them.

Wow, is that generally the case, that many traveling journals don't make it back to the originator? Is it that the person who manages to fill up the last page just doesn't bother? I wonder... do a notable number of them disappear in transit? I imagine that there are cases where a journal gets delayed, due to the current possessor having life issues. But do some just simply forget about it or report loss? Is there a "traveling journal blacklist" for people who don't follow through on passing the journal on?

Communication is always key, really. Let someone know it arrived or when it's headed out, and you have a small idea of where it may be. However, nothing is perfect. I'd say it depends upon the group commitment, life issues, postal mishaps, any number of reasons. There are many "lost" journals, I'm sure. There is one out there that I know of that I haven't seen since the first go around, and I've never heard of it again. It may have been lost in the mails, may have been forgotten, may have been filled and a new one never started, so many possibilities. It arrived to me barely intact from just across a few states - the envelope had been mangled and the journal was near to falling out. I sent it out again in the same type of envelope, but with some tape reinforcing. It may not have been enough. There are also journals out that that have been making the rounds for years, simply because the group that got involved found it enjoyable enough to commit and continue and have developed some friendships. There will always be life issues though. Someone could be in a situation where thinking of a journal just isn't anywhere near the top of their priorities list.

I don't think there is a blacklist, per se. I know some folks have bowed out of some groups because they had difficulties, but I haven't heard of anyone needing to be blacklisted. These are mostly just for fun and something new to try that might lead to more down the road. Sometimes, folks find it just isn't their cup of tea. Take a chance. If it works, great! If not, well, it was an experience to try. Or, try to get your family and friends involved in one. A traveling journal is almost like a slow-down-and-catch up moment in between hurried emails and fast phone calls.

I'm pretty new to this myself. I hadn't heard of traveling journals until I came in to FPN. Now, I'm involved in two originated by someone else (one of which is apparently stalled), and two which I originated (they are on their maiden first rounds). We'll see how it all goes.