Because it’s just another name for what we’ve always done. There, if you’re pressed for time you can move onto the next blog you need to read. If you have a moment, grab your beverage of choice and ponder with me a moment.
Genealogists are social creatures and have always networked. Back in the day it meant writing letters and joining local, and far flung, genealogical and historical societies in order to make connections. Over time new tools were introduced. Phones, cars, planes all served to speed up and increase the range of communication a person engage in. And then came computers and electronic networks. The possibilities for making connections grew. You could post the same query on a single electronic bulletin board that before you might have had write out and mail several versions of, hoping you’ve picked the correct libraries and societies to contact.
Today is different only in terms of the tools we use in our networking and the fact that those tools now allow us to connect faster, and to a wider audience, than ever before. “Social networking” as touted by the news and offered up by companies really isn’t that different of an interaction from the electronic bulletin boards, list servs, library bulletin board, or written query letter.
Are you a professional genealogist who refuses to utilize social networking? Keep in mind that you are discounting a tool that could allow you to quickly find someone in that remote little town who can pull records for you or tap into a vast well of knowledge to figure out how to get over a hurdle. Over time, the folks who can do a quality job quicker are going to have more satisfied clients and they’ll get more business.
Now granted, new tools can be scary to learn and sometimes intimidating; facts that shouldn’t be discounted as they are very real barriers to some folks. And there are certainly issues around being online in general including privacy–as in maintaining yours–and the time suck that can occur when you start trying to digest all the information coming in. Things to be aware of, yes. But the benefit of making connections and advancing your family research is very real. Weigh your options, don’t pooh-pooh something just because it’s newfangled.
So, I’ve convinced you and you want to check out this social networking thing but, eek!, it’s scary! Go find a teenager or tween. Seriously. They are ones embracing these new technologies at remarkable speeds and–BONUS!–what better way to reach out to them? Here you have an opportunity to learn a new skill that could reap great rewards for your research AND connect with someone who could become your genealogical heir. If not the one teaching you, perhaps a member of the younger generation that you end up connecting with online. I stay connected to my cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephew via Facebook as none of us are letter-writing folks and it’s how I get the majority of my family news.
So, in summary, Why you should get on board with the big bad social networking thing:
- It’s not a new concept, just new tools
- Opens up vast possibilities for connections
- Including in your own family
- Chance for son/daughter to teach you something new (and you to find out what they’re really doing online, but don’t let them read this or they’ll be on to you)
- It’s the launching board for the next greatest way to connect
(yea, kinda sprang that last one on ya)
With Thanks to Caroline Pointer, Family Stories, (twitter: @familystories) for asking the question that inspired this post.
Great post! This is what I don’t understand: how some professional genealogists can discount social media and even dismiss it without taking the time to understand it. What if we were to apply that same attitude towards genealogy resources? How much would we be missing? So why don’t we use the same standards of investigation and evaluation towards social media as we do towards our sources?
I think part of the issue is negative media exposure about Facebook and other social media tools – and the fact that much of this is targeted towards the over 55 age group.
Excellent points Thomas. We’re in the same boat of wondering why some folks will dismiss things without even looking into them. Partly, I think because it’s easier sometimes, but also the age thing some. One thing I’ve noticed over the years of working on my genealogy is that the folks doing this don’t exactly embrace change. Now, there are some very good reasons for some things NOT to change (can you imagine having to rewrite your citations in new formats frequently? yikes). But, other things can make your life SO much easier. My professional background includes technology and publishing, so I’ve seen the clash of constant vs. you-can’t-make-me change in play for some time.
There will be folks who never ‘convert’ and I’m not going to spend time trying to get them on board. I have a teen, I know from experience you can’t make folks do something they don’t want to. But, if there are folks who are maybe interested but wary, they are the ones who can be guided. Your cheat sheets are GREAT tools for this, thanks for putting those together.
Great post!! I am always encouraging people to explore social media websites.
IMHO, I think the negative press about Facebook is what keeps many people away. Privacy issues, viruses, and how predators use it to target certain people makes people afraid. But it comes down to common sense and the realization that you have control as to how much you share. You don’t have to share where you live, when you were born, or what you ate for breakfast. You can share as much or as little as you would like.
Plus, it doesn’t help that many people who are not technologically experienced view it all as too difficult. I’m always told by others that “of course it is easy for you! – you grew up with technology and computers”. True, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have to learn a bit. I definitely had to learn a bit. I always tell others “if you need help with it – then ask! Genealogists are the nicest bunch of people around!”.
Thanks for the comment Elyse and you are spot on!