Category: Guest Blogger
Exploring the Obsolete: The Need for Adaptation in Genealogy
February 16, 2016
To be a young and savvy genealogist means to embrace change. These are the stories that motivate and excite us in our own histories: the exact moments when new paths begin, when the ships set sail, when boots touch down on soil for the first time. Because we try to become catalysts for our own possibilities in our personal and professional lives, these are the stories we most want to discover in our families.
Adaptation—fearlessness in the face of change—is inseparable to who we are as the rising generation of family historians, researchers, and archivists. It’s the commodity our generation has to offer in abundance, an asset that is frequently underutilized and unappreciated. And at no point is that more apparent than when something in the genealogical community goes obsolete.
So in order to help all of us in our journey to discovery, I want to talk about what it means for something to be obsolete, and how we can recognize and embrace these changes when they come.
What makes something in genealogy obsolete?
As I’ve reflected on my own experiences in adaptation, these are some examples that come to mind as a working definition:
- When the number of users of a product, project, or service has demonstrably been in decline for a prolonged period of time. Especially true when the majority of its users no longer use the service.
- The product, project, or service in question has been replaced by one of equal or superior functionality, or one that is free or reduces costs to the user.
- The product, project, or service is no longer financially sustainable without significant reduction or expansion to its implementation.
- The technology on which the product, project, or service depends is obsolete. Especially true when more effort must be exerted in adapting the old systems to new technology than would be exerted in replacing it.
- The needs of new/current users are not being met by the current design of a product, project, or service.
Obsolescence: The Death of PAF
When I first began getting serious about genealogy early in my teenage years, I used Personal Ancestral File, or PAF. At the time, I didn’t understand the importance of citing sources or collaboration with other researchers. I wasn’t trying to wrestle with DNA related questions, or categorize a large collection of photos or original documents. For me, research was using as many free resources as possible—no matter how poor or questionably accurate they may have been. For my lack of experience, I didn’t know any better. For my needs at the time, PAF was ideal because it was free and easy to use.
If you’ve never heard of PAF or seen it in action, that’s because it’s obsolete now. All support for it was discontinued several years ago, for many of the reasons listed above. PAF software has been replaced—twice—in favor of websites superior in functionality. With the significant advances in technology and digitization, the needs of users had expanded to such a degree that PAF could no longer keep up. As computer operating systems continued to progress beyond Windows XP, the program could only be run in compatibility mode by those who insisted upon using it. With the introduction of Windows 8, compatibility mode for many programs disappeared. The problem was compounded further with Windows 8.1, and the technology on which PAF was based was gone.
How do we cope with the obsolete?
Why was PAF’s disappearance not the end of my world? Because I had long since outgrown the software. I moved on to RootsMagic Essentials 4 and 5, and embraced all of the features they had to offer. Many of the features they provided, including one of the earliest alliances with FamilySearch, made their software invaluable to me.
As I learned what it meant to do quality research with source citations, and became increasingly transient as a college student, my needs changed again. For someone like me who has lived in five states and gone through six computers (and at least as many phones) in the past ten years, anything less than seamless cross-platform synchronization does not meet my needs. As a result, I’ve since done away with desktop genealogy software altogether, in favor of the website/app combination provided by Ancestry.
Reaching a place where obsolete technologies no longer affect me has been an exercise of continual experimentation. Rather than being dragged into a new experience, I am willing try most of the tools available on the market. I develop a keen sense of what I require, and use anything and everything to accomplish the task. When something no longer functions according to my needs, I dump it without hesitation or sentimentality. I live under the assumption that there is always something better coming, or may already exist, that will ultimately make what I do easier and more enjoyable.
The Best is Yet to Come
I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that some of the best work that has ever happened in the genealogical community is happening right now. Digitization and greater records access demand to make better researchers of us all. DNA analysis presents us with unprecedented answers to burning questions—not to mention more honest connections with family members than we’ve ever had before, at a time when those connections are more important than ever.
But we cannot fully take advantage of these opportunities without adapting to changing online presences, redefinitions of organizational goals, an increased need and reliance on volunteerism, and the disposal of obsolete technologies.
To refuse to adapt, to give up on outgrowing our current approaches, is to sacrifice our own potential for the sake of comfort. And what we stand to lose, now and going forward, is of too great a value to pass up.
Heather Collins scribbled her first pedigree chart in the back of her journal at fourteen. Her research has since taken her deep into the American South, Canada, and the Caribbean. She blogs at Of Trees & Ink, and is a founder/contributor at Young & Savvy Genealogists. A native of Maryland, she now lives in Idaho with her husband and very spoiled cat.
Preparing For Your First Genealogy Conference
January 18, 2016
In February 2015, I attended my first genealogy conference—RootsTech and the Federation of Genealogical Societies in Salt Lake City, Utah. Living in Australia, I was somewhat nervous about flying to the US, to a state I had never set foot in before. On top of that, it was my first international trip without the parents. However, I was also really excited.
As I was traveling to the other side of the world, I started researching the conference early. I’m talking a whole year early. I wanted to know things like how the conference operates, registration costs, and what I should bring.
I have come up with a list of ideas that should help you prepare for your first genealogy conference. These have come straight from my head after reflecting on my first conference. While I may not have thought of everything, whether your first conference is RootsTech in February or another conference later in the year, I hope you will find a few helpful ideas here.
- Research hotels and prices early
Conference dates are announced at least 12–18 months prior, if not sooner. If possible, start researching hotels and prices about a year beforehand. If it is an annual conference, have a look on the conference website for the previous year’s hotel information. This should also give you an indication of how soon to book the hotel, which is usually six months prior to the conference. Always double check if the hotel is doing special conference rates. The conference website should tell you which hotels they have partnered with.
- Early bird registration
Keep a watch over conference announcements to discover when registration opens. Take advantage of early bird prices! In most cases, you can save $20–$50!
- Research transportation
If you are flying in from interstate or overseas, ensure you have researched transportation to get to and from the hotel and airport, and between the conference venue and hotel. Some hotels run airport shuttles, or if you are feeling adventurous, check out what public transport options are available. It is quite rare these days to find a major airport without a train station.
- Business cards
Business cards? What? I’m serious! Have some business cards made with your name, contact details, social media and/or blog links if applicable, and family surnames. I used VistaPrint for mine. Business cards are a fabulous way to stay connected after the conference. Sometimes you will receive a card and notice a surname that is in your family tree. Could there be a connection? It happened to me at RootsTech! Turns out we are more than likely seventh cousins one time removed!
- What to expect at the conference
If the conference has any social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, you name it), follow them! This is the perfect way to stay up to date with conference updates, before and during the conference. Another idea is to have a look on YouTube for any videos about previous conference experiences. These are a great help especially if it is your first time. For example, GeniAus and DearMyrtle have had Google Hangouts about RootsTech. I watched a few and I am so glad I did!
- Hashtags
People normally live tweet from genealogy conferences, and if there is a hashtag for the conference, follow it on Twitter so you can access it on the go. This provides you with the opportunity to network and see who else is tweeting from the conference.
- Comfortable attire
Firstly, shoes. I am very serious about this one. Yes, there is plenty of sitting down time at conferences. There is a lot of walking too! Are the sessions in different rooms? Is the venue small or big? Are there stalls or vendors to peruse? You do not want your feet hurting by 1 p.m. when you still have five hours left. Ensure you have comfortable shoes that you will be okay doing lots of walking in. Secondly, clothes. I know we all want to look nice, and we can. However, I would rather not get annoyed with a top making my skin itchy, or something being too tight. Dress for comfort too. You might not have time to whip off to your hotel to change. Think about the weather as well, inside and outside the venue. Keep a jacket/sweater with you at all times.
- Bag
Another important aspect to think about is what you are going to carry around all your stuff in. Is your back okay to handle a backpack for the day? What about a small bag with wheels? Again, this is all about personal opinion and what YOU are comfortable with. You do not want your back to be aching halfway through the day from a heavy backpack or shoulder bag. Whatever your bag choice, be prepared to keep it with you all day.
- Note taking
Think about what your method of note taking is going to be. Pen and paper? Tablet? Cell phone? Feather? You need to assess what is most comfortable, quick, and easy for YOU. Keep in mind that not all conference rooms have desks. A little tip—too much information on the PowerPoint slide to note down quickly? Snap a photo of it on your phone or tablet. Please note—only do this if it has been approved by the speaker.
- Choosing sessions
Are there particular topics or speakers you definitely must see? Are there a number of classes on at the same time? Are any sessions being recorded? These are things to keep in mind when choosing classes to attend. Have a rough schedule planned. However, keep in mind that your schedule will more than likely change. Be up for deciding last minute to go to a different class, or choosing to go have a meal with someone. Your schedule will probably change, and that is perfectly okay.
I hope you have found something helpful on this list. One more piece of advice—do not be afraid to say hi! Genealogists are one of the friendliest groups of people I know. I have never met a genealogist who bites. Oh, most importantly, don’t forget to HAVE FUN!
Caitlin Gow is the author of the blog Genealogically Speaking. Based in Australia, she has a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University. She is an avid supporter of using social media for family history, and loves using her “detective skills” to solve mysteries.
Facebook Groups for Genealogists
December 14, 2015
Facebook is one of the leading social media platforms that genealogists use to research their family history and find living relatives. In this post, we’re going to discuss some key ways to leverage Facebook for genealogy with a focus on Facebook Groups, including how to use them to your advantage and how to create your own.
There are thousands of Facebook Groups that include nearly every topic imaginable. In the genealogy community in particular, there are five primary types of groups that you can join to further your research:
- General Genealogy Groups: Ask questions about your research problems, request assistance finding a specific record, and share your discoveries.
- Location Specific Genealogy Groups: These are directed towards those focusing on research in a specific geographic area, perhaps a country, a state/province, or even down to a county level.
- Surname Registry Groups: These are centered around locating relatives who share the same surname within a region in hopes of connecting with other living descendants. Maybe you’ll find those elusive fourth cousins!
- Genetic Genealogy Groups: Come here if you are interested in the nitty-gritty of your DNA results, including using DNA to locate living relatives. Users are often encouraged to upload their DNA results on GEDmatch and to share kit numbers in the group to help connect members with each other.
- Organization/Society Groups: These allow an existing organization or genealogical society to keep in touch with members and offer a place for virtual discussion. Did you know that the NextGen Genealogy Network has a Facebook Group?
If you have pored through the wide variety of genealogy groups on Facebook and haven’t found one that suits your needs, consider starting your own. For example, if your ancestor’s county doesn’t have it’s own genealogy group, or if you want to start a small group for your extended relatives to share family photographs and stories, read on.
Creating your own Facebook Group is simple:
- At the top of your Facebook homepage you will see a padlock. Click the arrow next to it and select “Create Group.”
- Give your new Facebook Group a name, keeping in mind it should be something descriptive to make it easy for people to find (if you want it to be open to receiving new members).
- Add new members, whether this may be your genealogy best friend or your cousins who are interested in participating. I recommend that you check with any prospective members first before sending an invitation to your group to ensure that your invitation is not an annoyance or simply ignored.
- Be aware of privacy settings that determine who can see the group and who can join the group.
- Public: Anyone can join and anyone can see the group’s posts (even if they’re not members). Use with caution.
- Closed: Members must request to join. This helps to screen out trolls, group collectors, self-promoters, etc. Depending on the volume of member requests, you may want to have a backup admin to assist you with this process. Only members can see posts.
- Secret: Not open to the public. Only members can see posts and refer new members to join the group by invitation.
- Add your Facebook Group to your favorites. This will put your group on the toolbar on the left side of your Facebook homepage so you can easily access the group to monitor posts, pose discussion questions, or approve new members. Make an effort to keep your group active and engaged for the greatest genealogical success!
How are you using Facebook Groups to further your research?
Melanie McComb, a software product analyst, volunteers as the NextGen Genealogy Network’s Social Media Assistant. She is also the creator and co-administrator of the English Surname Registry Facebook Group. She has been researching her family history for over five years and can often be found online on Facebook assisting others with their research.