I have been thinking about family history research and genealogy quite a lot since I wrote I Don't Wanna Be a Genealogist. I made some points in that article about 21st century researchers and some observations of the genealogy community.
Additionally, over the past year I have read several articles that have been written by a small number of professional genealogists with some interesting insights into amateurs, hobbyists, as well as bloggers of genealogy. Some of these insights had a condescending point of view. And quite critical because amateurs weren't doing things the "proper" way. There have been some eloquent online responses. But mine is simple: Did any of you have children? Were you as critical of your children because they were doing something new and didn't do it "right"? Unless you were a mean parent, probably not.
On a separate note, I have four websites - two of which are family history sites, Braunhart Mania, and Marksology. The other two are sites that have short articles that present my thoughts on the world of research as well as some simple "how to's." One of these sites is retired and the other is fairly new, The Ancestor Hunt, which is this site.
I use some well-known online software tools that allow me to build these websites. As part of that software there is the ability to blog. But because I use this software doesn't mean I am a blogger. And because I write articles on my websites using blogging software doesn't make me less of a writer.
I don't care if you are a CG or APG or AG. I also don’t care if you are new at this and making mistakes. We all are seeking our family history. I don't like labels, whether they are hard earned certifications or arbitrary monikers such as "amateur" or "hobbyist." I don't like being called a Blogger either, because inherent in that title is unstated negative connotations such as "not really a writer" or "not really a serious genealogist."
So can we please stop with the labels?
Some people research their family history; some people write about it; others teach it and a few others even have made it their living. Some have well developed skills and some are just learning. They all deserve equal respect.
So the moral of the story is:
Call me Kenneth. I research my family history and write about it - on my websites. I don't consider myself an expert in research or writing - but I am pretty good at it. So, do not label me - you do not have the right to do so. You don't even know me.
But if you must – SOB works sometimes.
Additionally, over the past year I have read several articles that have been written by a small number of professional genealogists with some interesting insights into amateurs, hobbyists, as well as bloggers of genealogy. Some of these insights had a condescending point of view. And quite critical because amateurs weren't doing things the "proper" way. There have been some eloquent online responses. But mine is simple: Did any of you have children? Were you as critical of your children because they were doing something new and didn't do it "right"? Unless you were a mean parent, probably not.
On a separate note, I have four websites - two of which are family history sites, Braunhart Mania, and Marksology. The other two are sites that have short articles that present my thoughts on the world of research as well as some simple "how to's." One of these sites is retired and the other is fairly new, The Ancestor Hunt, which is this site.
I use some well-known online software tools that allow me to build these websites. As part of that software there is the ability to blog. But because I use this software doesn't mean I am a blogger. And because I write articles on my websites using blogging software doesn't make me less of a writer.
I don't care if you are a CG or APG or AG. I also don’t care if you are new at this and making mistakes. We all are seeking our family history. I don't like labels, whether they are hard earned certifications or arbitrary monikers such as "amateur" or "hobbyist." I don't like being called a Blogger either, because inherent in that title is unstated negative connotations such as "not really a writer" or "not really a serious genealogist."
So can we please stop with the labels?
Some people research their family history; some people write about it; others teach it and a few others even have made it their living. Some have well developed skills and some are just learning. They all deserve equal respect.
So the moral of the story is:
Call me Kenneth. I research my family history and write about it - on my websites. I don't consider myself an expert in research or writing - but I am pretty good at it. So, do not label me - you do not have the right to do so. You don't even know me.
But if you must – SOB works sometimes.
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