tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post9128426431026696845..comments2024-03-03T16:35:25.083-05:00Comments on Marian's Roots and Rambles: The Reality of Genealogical Education and SkillsMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738104230962644360noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-72643759218203482172011-01-16T16:54:34.952-05:002011-01-16T16:54:34.952-05:00Hurrah for you, Marian, and most of your commenter...Hurrah for you, Marian, and most of your commenters who have articulated the point of what most of us do. Martin, for someone who believes that no one is reading blogs, you sure turn up in a lot of comments!Craig Mansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06567686559055003349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-42682155040285147982011-01-16T16:45:52.940-05:002011-01-16T16:45:52.940-05:00I had no idea when I started my blog that there wa...I had no idea when I started my blog that there was a whole community of geneabloggers out there. I did a slow motion slide into the whole thing. I told someone just yesterday that blogging and being part of such a knowledgeable community of tech savvy genealogists was probably the best accidental move I've ever made. I have been an incurable genealogy addict for 16 years. My blog is almost a year old and I have learned more in this past year than I have in all the other 15 combined..thanks to bloggers like Marian!Lisa Wallen Logsdonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13003873811444854964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-56217868714441924292011-01-16T16:02:56.427-05:002011-01-16T16:02:56.427-05:00One additional aspect of writing a blog, which I o...One additional aspect of writing a blog, which I only recently started, was my own education. Writing posts about my family is a wonderful means review my data. The carnivals and series prompts are a great way to hone my writing skills. Plus, you never know what relatives might stumble upon your blog and contact you! <br /><br />JenniferUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04216043273275151057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-54056605027811175842011-01-15T19:40:30.356-05:002011-01-15T19:40:30.356-05:00Martin, you don't half generalise don't yo...Martin, you don't half generalise don't you? Nobody reads Journals, really? I do! Nothing is original in genealogy research- hmmm, no new research sites, no additions to existing sites, nothing changes?<br /><br />It has all been said, you just need to look, OK, but then one has to know what to look for and a blog may just lead to the correct questions being asked.<br /><br />But I suppose if you've been there, done that, got the T-shirt, then an attitude of "tough luck" on the newbies is probably self-satisfying.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01187890045344724877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-24794741460362296982011-01-15T18:15:38.214-05:002011-01-15T18:15:38.214-05:00Great article. I also would love to benefit from a...Great article. I also would love to benefit from all the educational opportunities out there from Conferences to Blogs, but because of time, finances and other obligations do what I can. In the past I was lucky to attend Samford IGHR, but now I have to be content in reading great educational blogs such as yours and the webinars I have been watching.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-42249908120401184912011-01-15T17:52:51.800-05:002011-01-15T17:52:51.800-05:00Martin,
If you have stopped genealogical research...Martin,<br /><br />If you have stopped genealogical research, and no one is reading genealogy blogs, then how did you come across this blog to make your comments in the first place?<br /><br />And as for your alleged "study" in 2009 that "proved" that no one reads journals--who exactly did you ask? There are several online study groups that thoroughly go through and analyze NGSQ articles every single month, as well as entire message boards of people who would likely beg to differ with your conclusion.Michael Haithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17838947327022663525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-64921881883887159772011-01-15T17:37:05.681-05:002011-01-15T17:37:05.681-05:00This is a well thought out post, and well said. I...This is a well thought out post, and well said. I think we should all remember that, since we all approach genealogy differently, we all have things we don't know, and things that we forget to do even though we know we are supposed to do it. I think a reminder now and again is a good thing.Shelina (formerly known as Shasta)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03290945204269323129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-12935848339192174982011-01-15T14:59:41.393-05:002011-01-15T14:59:41.393-05:00Well said, Marion. If Martin wishes to stop blogg...Well said, Marion. If Martin wishes to stop blogging, writing, and researching- that's his choice. Everyone has a choice. I choose to continue at the pace that my life allows. Keep on writing, Marion- for those of us that keep on reading.Lisa W.http://www.nablopomo.com/profile/happygirl24noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-25230398569618871572011-01-15T14:57:03.044-05:002011-01-15T14:57:03.044-05:00From hobbyist to professional, beginner to experie...From hobbyist to professional, beginner to experienced, the genealogical community is partially based on the sharing nature of those who are involved with it. As a seasoned researcher and genealogist, I do not hesitate to share with others what I have learned along the way. We all have to start at the beginning, learning at our own pace and in our own time, always learning from those more experienced than us and sharing our knowledge. Each of us hears things differently which is why there are so many scholarly articles, journals (yes, journals), books, etc. It does not mean the information has changed only the way it is presented. "The #1 Thing That Impacted My Research in 2010", explained what impacted you, Marian in 2010. For you, it was using footnotes and kudos for sharing your learning experience. Some people may read the article and gain nothing but if one person learns something or has an epiphany of their own, the article was well worth the time spent writing! If someone reading your material is not happy with it, perhaps they should find something else to read…..CathyBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-86331553921865057492011-01-15T10:35:29.928-05:002011-01-15T10:35:29.928-05:00A lot of us do read blogs and journals as well as ...A lot of us do read blogs and journals as well as attend conferences, webinars, etc as we can. <br />I post very few comments due to time constraints. I appreciate seeing information, hearing information in various ways and even if it is information I've heard in the past. Maybe the information is more relevant to a current research opportunity, so it resonates with me at the moment and I have an ah ha moment and use the suggestion immediately.<br /><br />Marian (and other bloggers), Please keep on blogging. We are listening!!!GeneaDivahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11139846486409117017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-33546053396357765932011-01-15T10:04:22.387-05:002011-01-15T10:04:22.387-05:00Hi Marian
Great post, although I can feel Martin&#...Hi Marian<br />Great post, although I can feel Martin's pain I think you put it wonderfully. If no one was reading or listening I wouldn't be blogging. Secondly, not everyone arrives at the same place using the same path, the world is changing and blogs are going to be around for a while. Do sometimes I feel like I have nothing new to add to the conversation, certainly, but I also know I was new to genealogy once, and blogs advanced my education, those are the individuals I keep in mind when I right. You could apply the same theory to magazines, same stuff different writer. It's what makes the world go round, sharing of information. No stopping it. I suspect 20 years from now it will just have evolved into some other format.Lynn Palermohttp://www.thearmchairgenealogist.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-79077977345505402602011-01-15T08:57:37.886-05:002011-01-15T08:57:37.886-05:00I'm just catching up on my blog reading but I ...I'm just catching up on my blog reading but I had to echo what others have said - people ARE listening! I think Greta really hit it on the head about different levels of people reading blogs...and I too love the genealogy blogging community! Right now I just don't have as much time for genealogy, but I love to stay in touch with what's going on out there. Please keep up the great posts - for all of us who do listen!Diana Ritchiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05954839264299339937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-3706999857283557802011-01-15T08:12:33.270-05:002011-01-15T08:12:33.270-05:00Ah, but Martin - people ARE listening :) I'm ...Ah, but Martin - people ARE listening :) I'm a budding genealogist and I find blogs like Marian's to be of great value. Especially Marian's! I subscribe to quite a few blogs because I don't see the sense in re-inventing the wheel. There's a lot to be learned from those who have been doing this for years. And yes, there are some blogs that I barely get through the first couple of sentences and stop reading because they're so dry, but I still continue to subscribe because inevitably, something comes along that is an answer to one of my questions or my question is answered in an archived section.<br /><br />Marian presents her research in a way that makes you want to keep reading and while sharing her story, also passes on some great advice and tips. I think it's great when she shares an "AHA!" moment, for example the Register footnotes. I thought: "Wow, what an excellent resource that is!" I may not have thought of that on my own for years! Just sharing that little tidbit may have saved me a lot of time in finding information that I most likely would have gone the long, roundabout way to find. Learning something like this early in my career (and yes, I do intend on making a career of this) is priceless.<br /><br />So I guess what I'm trying to say is: I'm listening, Marian - don't stop talking! Please.Dianenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-29499623891914668922011-01-15T07:55:57.325-05:002011-01-15T07:55:57.325-05:00Well, I think more people listen than we know. Th...Well, I think more people listen than we know. They just don't post comments to our blogs and I think that is unfortunate. I have been blogging about my Acadian heritage because too many people know too little about us. A whole lot of people, including Acadian descendants do not know our history... that their ancestors were deported and exiled from 1755-1763 and longer in some instances. I hope I am helping them touch their roots. It makes so much difference when we know who we are and the legacy left us by our ancestors.<br /><br />From my first blog evolved two more that I am so happy to share with everyone - if they listen, wonderful - if not, their loss. ;o)<br /><br />LucieLucie LeBlanc Consentinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13480035657625949265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-51979968382401760722011-01-14T22:02:28.423-05:002011-01-14T22:02:28.423-05:00well, I've stopped blogging and essentially st...well, I've stopped blogging and essentially stopped genealogical research. In any case, two points. The first is that you wanted people to read journals and specifically footnotes to find better sources to use. I'm telling you no one reads journals and I did an extensive study of that in 2009 to prove it on my blog. Second point: nothing that anyone blogs is original in terms of genealogical research. If you are new or intermediate in your skills, there are books, articles, etc. etc. on what to do. Do you really need a blog (and really another blog) that says: wow, I should have looked at the original source!!! No. It's all been said--all you have to do is search for such skill postings. <br /><br />So my ultimate point is, you can blog about whatever you want, because no one is really listening. If they were we wouldn't need the blog posts in the first place.Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17205797878738290997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-70159974840078217082011-01-13T19:56:58.934-05:002011-01-13T19:56:58.934-05:00It is definitely worthwhile to keep hammering some...It is definitely worthwhile to keep hammering some points home. While there is a certain hobbyist/name-collector segment that is resistant to learning and improving their skills, most of those people don't read genealogy blogs unless they stumble on one in a Google search. Most of the rest of the people who do read genealogy blogs fall into several categories: those who were unaware of what you were proposing but are willing and glad to learn, those who know they should be doing this but need some guidance in how to do it, and those who usually do it but have forgotten to recently and need reminding. I love the genealogy blogging community because it is like a loose educational association where people are more inclined to help one another research and learn and are more tolerant of different levels of educational and professional preparation.Greta Koehlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05429623811794360612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-87249279602223202932011-01-13T19:03:06.809-05:002011-01-13T19:03:06.809-05:00I found this an interesting post with a very balan...I found this an interesting post with a very balanced and understanding viewpoint. We don't all start from the same place and we don't all have the same destination in mind, genealogically speaking. Thanks.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12136584654825212359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-33836371327758759922011-01-13T16:07:37.841-05:002011-01-13T16:07:37.841-05:00I love reading your blog entries. They're alwa...I love reading your blog entries. They're always so well written and interesting. I just wanted to let you know I'm featuring you tomorrow on my Follow Friday post!<br /><br />http://www.moore-mays.org/blogKathleen Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01361040241014947379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-9934534061299769262011-01-13T14:42:24.955-05:002011-01-13T14:42:24.955-05:00Keep up the blogging, Marian. Even if there are no...Keep up the blogging, Marian. Even if there are no comments (or a very few), it isn't an indication that your work isn't being read. Some readers just don't post a comment!nalexmanzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14867333562542580561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-49523667128565152342011-01-13T13:16:35.226-05:002011-01-13T13:16:35.226-05:00This was particularly enlightening to a beginning ...This was particularly enlightening to a beginning genealogist like me. Thank you for posting it and also for including links to resources and webcasts.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10974017755435512536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-41831996929509752932011-01-13T13:00:48.644-05:002011-01-13T13:00:48.644-05:00Writing on a particular subject, however worthy, i...Writing on a particular subject, however worthy, is not something that should be done once, by one person, and then never discussed again, if the goal is to put knowledge in front of a large number of people. The reason why a certain person might read a certain article is a product of probability more than the intrinsic value of the writing. Right place, right time! Your article popped up in a feed I happened to look at during the time the baby is napping, the older child is in school, nobody is calling, the chores are done, and so on. It is well-written and I agree with it, but I would never had read it or made a comment if lots of other things had not reached alignment. So what's the point? I am glad you wrote it. Thank you. :-)Amy McDanielnoreply@blogger.com