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!

39 Comments

Nancy

02/02/2014 7:52am

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

02/02/2014 8:34am

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

Yvette Porter Moore link

02/02/2014 8:01am

Seriously? They do not deserve a response

Kenneth R Marks link

02/02/2014 8:34am

Thanks Yvette. I agree.

Rorey Cathcart link

02/02/2014 8:05am

Mae West for the win!

Kenneth R Marks link

02/02/2014 8:35am

Thanks Rorey. That's my favorite also.

Marina Dececo

02/02/2014 9:11am

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

Kenneth R marks link

02/03/2014 7:48am

Thanks Marina - I guess so.

Bernita

02/02/2014 9:13am

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

02/03/2014 7:50am

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

Brynne

02/02/2014 9:41am

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

02/03/2014 7:51am

You are welcome Brynne - and thanks for the comment!

Tony Proctor link

02/02/2014 11:04am

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

02/03/2014 7:53am

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

02/02/2014 11:06am

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

02/02/2014 3:52pm

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

Kenneth R Marks link

02/03/2014 7:55am

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

Kenneth R Marks link

02/03/2014 7:54am

Thank you Karen.

Linda Schreiber

02/02/2014 1:31pm

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

02/03/2014 7:56am

Thanks Linda!

Constance Bower

02/03/2014 5:13am

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

02/03/2014 7:57am

Thank you Constance. I appreciate the sentiment.

Tara link

02/03/2014 5:20am

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

02/03/2014 7:58am

I will Tara. Thank you!

Dale Rideout

02/03/2014 6:21am

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

02/03/2014 7:59am

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

Ann Hinds link

02/03/2014 7:25am

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

02/03/2014 8:00am

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

Pauline Rowe

02/03/2014 8:58am

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

02/09/2014 11:13am

Thanks Pauline!

Darlene Anderson link

02/03/2014 9:31am

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

02/09/2014 11:04am

Thanks Darlene!

Kenneth R Marks

02/09/2014 11:06am

Amazing is right. Thanks Darlene!

Lauri

02/03/2014 9:53am

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

Anne

02/03/2014 11:32am

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

02/09/2014 11:00am

Thanks Anne !

Kenneth R Marks

02/09/2014 11:02am

He wasn't a subscriber. Glad of that!

GunRights4US

02/18/2014 1:58pm

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

02/23/2014 11:37am

Thanks! And thanks for visiting.

You Can't Be Serious! Genealogist That Is

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