There has been a lot of discussion recently in the social media the differences and similarities among 'professional genealogist' and the rest of us doing family history and genealogy study for our own gratification and family sharing in Springfield and across the globe. Are we hobbyists, amateurs, enthusiasts, or what? Does it matter what we are called? What do we call ourselves? What's in a name?
One of the responses, from Bart Brenner (GeneaPopPop), was in his blog post: "A Hobbyist's Genealogy Manifesto." I invite your to read it, with the attached comments, and consider what your position is on the question. The introduction does provide links to some of the key discussions that led to this series of posts. I'm sure more will follow - see the 'What's in a name?' link. I'll be responding to this, myself, on Saturday in my Ancestor Stories blog.
Bart provides a six point manifesto, which I will only highlight here, for reference:
- I will explore. Finding data from which to build your family story is essential.
- I will share (both giving and receiving). I really like this. Sharing should be two-way.
- I will cite. In the midst of another whole discussion on 'citing sources' his 'Pirates of the Carribean philosophy of citation' is right on target. People need to be able to follow where you went on the quest for your results.
- I will learn. He lists many of the ways to learn. Life-long learning is essential to mental and physical health as well as to good family history and genealogy research.
- I will stay connected. None of us lives on an island. Connecting with others is essential.
- I will operate with integrity. This is at the heart of all we do. I hope we can all agree on this.
Finally, he says, "I hold myself accountable to my genealogical research by remembering met two grandchildren…" I hope I do the same. How about you?
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I hope you will also subscribe to my series, above or below, as well, if you have not done so already, leave a comment, and share this article with others. You might also enjoy my blogs: Dr. Bill Tells Ancestor Stories, Dr. Bill's Book Bazaar and The Homeplace Series.
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