You Can't Be Serious! Genealogist That Is

2/2/2014

I have been writing at The Ancestor Hunt for about 15 months. It has been great fun and I hope helpful (and fun) for readers.

And I have been researching my family history for over 10 years and it has been a blast to do.

I often get nice comments from readers that are helpful in that they add to my content and knowledge, but mostly they are just complimentary. The comments are attached to the posts and sometimes are in an email. And I appreciate all the feedback - positive or negative.

But this one?

Recently I received one in an email that stated - "Although you are not a serious genealogist, I do appreciate the articles that you write."

My question is - What do you think my response should be?

"Are you friggin kidding me?"
"You are right - I am not serious - I have fun at this"
"If being serious means being rude, count me out"
"I am serious, but don't call me Shirley" (from Airplane!)
"Is that a stick up your ass or are you just glad to see me?" (butchered Mae West quote)

Maybe the best response is no response.

___________________________________

Please Share!

40 Comments

Nancy

2/1/2014 11:52:16 pm

I have found that those who feel inferior, less talented, etc., in order to make themselves feel better, will belittle those they feel inferior to. I say "no response", that is unless you want to challenge them to a genealogy research duel.

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 12:34:02 am

Thanks nancy. No duels. No response is probably best.

Yvette Porter Moore link

2/2/2014 12:01:58 am

Seriously? They do not deserve a response

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 12:34:40 am

Thanks Yvette. I agree.

Rorey Cathcart link

2/2/2014 12:05:59 am

Mae West for the win!

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 12:35:18 am

Thanks Rorey. That's my favorite also.

Marina Dececo

2/2/2014 01:11:36 am

Perhaps there are genealogy snobs who do not believe digging for the dead can be really fun.

Kenneth R marks link

2/2/2014 11:48:55 pm

Thanks Marina - I guess so.

Bernita

2/2/2014 01:13:59 am

Wow, that is just rude. I am always shocked but never surprised at how rude some people are to others. Did they list their credentials? What makes a "serious" genealogist? Are they kidding? Those type of people never deserve a response. Why, because you can't fix stupid.

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:50:28 pm

Indeed Bernita. I have seen that "serious" genealogy or "serious" genealogist reference in many many articles though. Thanks for the comment.

Brynne

2/2/2014 01:41:23 am

Kenneth--you have helped me tremendously with my genealogy research through your generosity and knowledge. That's "serious" enough for me. I'm tempted to go with Mae West too--but they don't deserve any response. Have a good one!

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:51:42 pm

You are welcome Brynne - and thanks for the comment!

Tony Proctor link

2/2/2014 03:04:02 am

It's difficult, I know Kenneth, but it's probably best to resist a reply. As others have said, they don't deserve it. I've had a few responses, myself, that beggar belief, and for which I've so far managed to ignore (albeit with a knot in my stomach). Maybe I'll just turn them into a blog post too since there's a certain poetry in that. It's sad in a way that so many people leave useful or polite responses, but it only takes one insulting or crazed response to set you back.

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:53:49 pm

Thanks Tony. Actually I have seen that "serious genealogist" reference in lots of different places. I always find it to be a condescending phrase likely from some insecure person.

Karen Rademacher

2/2/2014 03:06:52 am

It's called bullying and it needs to be called out. I think writing a post about it, as you have just done, is the appropriate response.

Yvette Porter Moore link

2/2/2014 07:52:58 am

Karen, That is a healthy way of handling it if you want to be more verbal...Great suggestion.

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:55:29 pm

Thanks Yvette. Verbal is probably better than physical, no?

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:54:30 pm

Thank you Karen.

Linda Schreiber

2/2/2014 05:31:33 am

This is also the "snooty" way of deliberately picking a fight, stirring a pot, and hoping for the 'duel'.... Used to call them trolls long ago. Some people just love getting that kind of attention. Ignoring them, instead of feeding into their game, is best. Posting here as you did helps you let it out without getting embroiled with an idiot. Also safer.... Sometimes the people who thrive on stupid dueling also pick-and-choose small bits, spread them, and you can have a mess to clean up. "All I said was x, and *he* said !!". Don't respond to the idiot. Talk to friends about it instead. You did! Good :)

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:56:31 pm

Thanks Linda!

Constance Bower

2/2/2014 09:13:23 pm

Please continue on as you have for all of us that so enjoy your perspective and the valuable information you share with us.
There are those who can not help their "snarkiness" so let them be and know that they are missing out out on the good that you do for us : )

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:57:31 pm

Thank you Constance. I appreciate the sentiment.

Tara link

2/2/2014 09:20:50 pm

Sounds like somebody is jealous of your success? Haters gonna hate. I've benefited from the knowledge you share and enjoy your lighthearted posts. I appreciate your time and efforts. Keep doing your thing, Kenneth!

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:58:07 pm

I will Tara. Thank you!

Dale Rideout

2/2/2014 10:21:22 pm

I had a call from a lady who just knew my genealogy was flawed. She proceeded to tell me that the information I had about my 3rd great grandfather was all wrong. We had the wrong wife, the wrong children, etc. She had been trying to gather her information for 2 years for a friend of hers. I have been working on this family for over 30 years for myself. She finally conceded that she might need to do some more research. I enjoy your writing and your ideas.

Kenneth R Marks link

2/2/2014 11:59:13 pm

Thanks Dale. I am glad that you enjoy the site.

Ann Hinds link

2/2/2014 11:25:28 pm

I also opt for no response but it is tempting to fantasize about a pithy response. I appreciate your site and the information you provide.

Kenneth R Marks link

2/3/2014 12:00:22 am

I am glad that you appreciate the site. I appreciate your appreciation!

Pauline Rowe

2/3/2014 12:58:21 am

Maybe that person needs to unsubscribe but no they won't do that they like FREE & someone else doing the hard research.

Kenneth R Marks

2/9/2014 03:13:29 am

Thanks Pauline!

Darlene Anderson link

2/3/2014 01:31:04 am

I am amazed at how rude some people can be! I want you to know that I enjoy reading your posts and will continue to read them. I would say "no response" because this person doesn't deserve one.

Kenneth R Marks

2/9/2014 03:04:24 am

Thanks Darlene!

Kenneth R Marks

2/9/2014 03:06:32 am

Amazing is right. Thanks Darlene!

Lauri

2/3/2014 01:53:12 am

I would send them your picture of the cat. I think that says it all. Then, can you unsubscribe them?

Anne

2/3/2014 03:32:37 am

Haters gonna hate - no response is the best response. What does that even mean, seriously?!? Keep up the good work Kenneth, I always learn something new from you - and am entertained as well!

Kenneth R Marks

2/9/2014 03:00:41 am

Thanks Anne !

Kenneth R Marks

2/9/2014 03:02:58 am

He wasn't a subscriber. Glad of that!

GunRights4US

2/18/2014 05:58:36 am

I think I would at least ask "How do you define serious?" or perhaps something like "Do you not realize how rude you sounded?"

Great site by the way. Just found it today and will definitely be back!

Kenneth R Marks

2/23/2014 03:37:20 am

Thanks! And thanks for visiting.

Susan Mason

4/17/2019 03:30:11 pm

I get a ton of snobbery from Inferior birth people all the time! I’m the one with 19th and 20th century aristocracy. My family has done genealogy for centuries. On the streets I’m a normal American woman, but in Europe I’m in paintings (sorta)

Genealogy has a spiritual component. Let Satan expose himself.

You Can't Be Serious! Genealogist That Is

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