While most of the month of August 2008 was spent planning, preparing and administering the 2008 Genea-Blogger Games (along with the help of my able "do-ers" Miriam Midkiff Robbins and Kathryn Doyle), the days and weeks did fly by quickly. And now that it is over, I wanted to offer up this summary opinion of what those games meant to me and possibly the greater family history and genealogy community.
Skill Building
While this seems the most obvious area from which all participants benenfitted, it is even more important than you might think. I've heard from several people that they never learned the proper way to perform certain tasks such as scanning or citing sources. And for those that have learned how to perform those tasks, many found new and more efficient ways of getting the job done. And, with all our posting and communication on the "how to" aspect of these tasks, as a group we've begun to build a set of "best practices" for genea-bloggers.
Focus
I know for me, participating in all the events has honed and sharpened my focus with my own genealogy research. While working on each task within an event, I was able to see the weaknesses in terms of my skills and my research. Now I can go back and tend to those areas that need improvement such as organizing my research and backing up data.
Outreach
The presence of the GB Games both in the blogosphere and on Facebook, allowed those spectators new to either genealogy, blogging, and/or social networking to witness the types of skills needed to be a genea-blogger. The events also highlighted the fact that genealogy is not all boring dates and names, research and data entry. Genea-blogging offers many ways to get involved with like-minded people, share information, find cousins, discuss issues and more. Given some recent criticism about "stay at home" genealogists, I think it was important to show our community that one does not have to remain isolated by being a genea-blogger.
Community Building
The inception of the first Genea-Blogger Games has come at a time with the creation of the Genea-Blogger Group on Facebook. As the group rapidly adds members, we've seen the steady but strong building of an on-line community that has the potential to accomplish great things, both on-line and in-person.
To that end, many have been asking for other methods of connecting, including web conferencing, webcasts and even attending a conference in the flesh! Several die-hard genea-bloggers have begun to discuss the formation of a formal genea-bloggers society and all the benefits and responsibilities that go along with it. Look for more information in the coming weeks and months!
Spirit
I've been involved in way too many groups, both real world and virtual, in which egos get involved, there is constant crisis, and many participants leave to lick their wounds. In the past year of involvement with the genea-blogger community, I've yet to encounter a situation in which someone was miffed, or angry or felt the need to lash out. That isn't to say that we aren't human and that it can't happen. Perhaps because many of us are researching families and ancestors who may have kept secrets, betrayed each other, caused great hurt to others - perhaps that is why we are a bit more sensitive to those possible problems and we are proactive about them. For me, in the genea-blogger community I am able to interact with people of different faiths, political views, opinions of issues and yet still understand that there is a base need to connect and try to find common ground to do so.
Showing posts with label Genea-Blogger Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Genea-Blogger Games. Show all posts
Monday, August 25, 2008
Genea-Blogger Games: Closing Ceremonies
The 2008 Genea-Blogger Games are coming to an end and now it is time for the Closing Ceremonies. And as a disclaimer, this event is free of wardrobe malfunctions, warring factions, protests, and too much glitz and glamour. It is a celebration of the achievements of all our participants and those that cheered them on. You should all be proud of your accomplishments!
And if you notice any errors in information, or if I misread your medal count or accomplishments, please let me know as soon as possible so that I may correct any mistakes.
Before we get to a parade of the flags and presentation of the medals, here is some interest information about this competition:
- of the 38 entries, 35 participants were able to complete one or more event as planned and earn at least one medal
- 120 total medals awarded, of which there were
- 40 Platinum Medals
- 33 Diamond Medals
- 24 Gold Medals
- 10 Silver Medals
- 13 Silver Medals
- 3.57 medals was the average per participant
- the event with the least number of medals: Back Up Your Data (18)
- the event with the most number of medals: Reach Out and Genealogical Acts of Kindness (29)
- the event with the most Platinum medals: Reach Out and Genealogical Acts of Kindness (15)
So, go ahead and grab those medal graphics above and post them on your blog.
Lisa
100 Years in America
A Light that Shines Again
Small-leaved Shamrock
Cite Sources: Platinum
Back Up Data: Bronze
Organize Research: Gold
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Diamond
Wendy Littrell
All My Branches Genealogy
Cite Sources: Platinum
Organize Research: Gold
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Diamond
Amy Johnson Crow
Amy's Genealogy, etc. Blog
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Bronze
Kathi Reid
Ancestor Search Blog
Back Up Data: Platinum
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Diamond
Miriam Robbins Midkiff
AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors
Cite Sources: Platinum
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Gold
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Gold
Ruth Stephens
Bluebonnet Country Genealogy
Back Up Data: Platinum
Organize Research: Gold
M. Diane Rogers
Canada Genealogy, or "Jane's Your Aunt"
Write, Write, Write!: Platinum
Pat Richley
DearMYRTLE: Your Friend in Genealogy
Cite Sources: Bronze
Back Up Data: Silver
Write, Write, Write!: Bronze
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Gold
Thomas MacEntee
Destination: Austin Family
Cite Sources: Platinum
Back Up Data: Gold
Organize Research: Platinum
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Sheri Fenley
The Educated Genealogist
Cite Sources: Platinum
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Elyse Doerflinger
Elyse's Genealogy Blog
Cite Sources: Diamond
Back Up Data: Bronze
Organize Research: Bronze
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Denise Levenick
The Family Curator
Cite Sources: Bronze
Back Up Data: Silver
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Gold
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
the footnoteMaven
footnoteMaven
Cite Sources: Bronze
Back Up Data: Bronze
Organize Research: Gold
Write, Write, Write!: Platinum
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Randy Seaver
Genea-Musings
Organize Research: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Julie Cahill Tarr
GenBlog
Cite Sources: Platinum
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Gold
George Geder
George Geder Genealogy~Photography~Restoration
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Gold
Midge Frazel
Granite in My Blood
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Linda Robbins
Hollingsworth Robbins Family Tree
Cite Sources: Platinum
Back Up Data: Gold
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Brenda K. Wolfgram Moore
HomeTown Edition - Kratochvil & Secor
Cite Sources: Platinum
Back Up Data: Platinum
Organize Research: Platinum
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Amir Dekel (abba-dad)
I Dream of Genea(logy)
Cite Sources: Platinum
Back Up Data: Silver
Organize Research: Platinum
Write, Write, Write!: Gold
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Melody Lasalle
Island Routes
Cite Sources: Bronze
Back Up Data: Gold
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Janet Iles
Janet the Researcher
Cite Sources: Silver
Organize Research: Gold
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Jessica Oswalt
Jessica's Genejournal
Write, Write, Write!: Gold
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Gold
Becky Wiseman
Kinexxions
Cite Sources: Bronze
Back Up Data: Gold
Organize Research: Platinum
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Laura Womack
Life at the Home20
Back Up Data: Silver
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Gold
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Elizabeth O'Neal
Little Bytes of Life
Cite Sources: Bronze
Back Up Data: Silver
Organize Research: Gold
Write, Write, Write!: Gold
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Kathryn Lake Hogan
looking4ancestors
Cite Sources: Platinum
Back Up Data: Silver
Organize Research: Diamond
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Diamond
Colleen McHugh
The Oracle of OMcHodoy
Organize Research: Gold
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Gold
Laila Normann Christiansen
Slekt og slikt!
Cite Sources: Platinum
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Diamond
Stephen Danko
Steve's Genealogy Blog
Cite Sources: Bronze
Organize Research: Silver
Write, Write, Write!: Silver
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Platinum
Taneya Koonce
Taneya's Genealogy Blog
Cite Sources: Platinum
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Diamond
John Newmark
Transylvanian Dutch
Cite Sources: Platinum
Organize Research: Platinum
Sheri Bush
Twig Talk
Cite Sources: Platinum
Organize Research: Platinum
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Vidar Øverlie
Vidar's Slektsblogg
Back Up Data: Bronze
Organize Research: Silver
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Diamond
Bill West
West in New England
Write, Write, Write!: Platinum
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Diamond
Donna Pointkouski
What's Past is Prologue
Back Up Data: Gold
Organize Research: Bronze
Write, Write, Write!: Diamond
Genealogical Acts of Kindness: Silver
We hope to present the next Genea-Blogger Games in 2010 during the Winter Olymipcs which will be held in Vancouver, Canada. In fact, perhaps we can convince our Canadian bloggers to host the next GB Games!
Special thanks go to: everyone who participated, everyone who cheered on the participants, everyone who publicized the games even if they didn't participate, Miriam Midkiff Robbins and Kathryn Doyle for their organizational efforts, and footnoteMaven for her glorious graphics.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Genea-Blogger Games: Day 12
Dear Diary:
Another frustrating day but at one point I just put all other work aside and said "ENOUGH!" and tackled some of the tasks for events that I need to complete.
Here is where I am at:
Back Up Your Data!
This is a tougher category than even I, the Backup King, realized. I won't have time to scan all my photos so that means I will remain at the Gold medal level.
Organize Your Research
I finally had time to organize what remains of The Box - documents, photos, etc. So I've completed 5 of the 6 tasks (I have not yet prepared a master list of items) for another Platinum medal.
Write, Write, Write!
I confirmed with Tim Abbott at Walking The Berkshires that I will be hosting the October edition of The Cabinet of Curiosities.
I have also written and pre-posted my entry for the Getting To Know You Challenge put forth by Terry Thornton at Hill Country of Monroe County, Mississippi.
Since I am leaving on a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota in the morning, I may not have time to post a biographical sketch. So I will probably end up with a Diamond medal for the Write, Write, Write! event.
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness
I needed one more task in order to jump from the Diamond to the Platinum level and I took care of that today. I joined the Huguenot Historical Society through their online store. This is something I've been meaning to do since my visit there in July.
So my standings are:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Platinum
Back Up Your Data! - Gold
Organize Your Research - Platinum
Write, Write, Write! - Diamond
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Platinum
Another frustrating day but at one point I just put all other work aside and said "ENOUGH!" and tackled some of the tasks for events that I need to complete.
Here is where I am at:
Back Up Your Data!
This is a tougher category than even I, the Backup King, realized. I won't have time to scan all my photos so that means I will remain at the Gold medal level.
Organize Your Research
I finally had time to organize what remains of The Box - documents, photos, etc. So I've completed 5 of the 6 tasks (I have not yet prepared a master list of items) for another Platinum medal.
Write, Write, Write!
I confirmed with Tim Abbott at Walking The Berkshires that I will be hosting the October edition of The Cabinet of Curiosities.
I have also written and pre-posted my entry for the Getting To Know You Challenge put forth by Terry Thornton at Hill Country of Monroe County, Mississippi.
Since I am leaving on a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota in the morning, I may not have time to post a biographical sketch. So I will probably end up with a Diamond medal for the Write, Write, Write! event.
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness
I needed one more task in order to jump from the Diamond to the Platinum level and I took care of that today. I joined the Huguenot Historical Society through their online store. This is something I've been meaning to do since my visit there in July.
So my standings are:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Platinum
Back Up Your Data! - Gold
Organize Your Research - Platinum
Write, Write, Write! - Diamond
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Platinum
Reminder: Genea-Blogger Games Tallies Due Saturday!
A quick reminder that all competition for the Genea-Blogger Games must end at 12:00 pm PDT on Saturday, August 23rd.
More importantly, in order for me to prepare the Closing Ceremonies to appear on Monday, August 25th, you must post your final results on your blog no later than 3:00 pm PDT that same day, Saturday, August 23rd. And if possible, email the link to me at tmacentee at gmail dot com.
More importantly, in order for me to prepare the Closing Ceremonies to appear on Monday, August 25th, you must post your final results on your blog no later than 3:00 pm PDT that same day, Saturday, August 23rd. And if possible, email the link to me at tmacentee at gmail dot com.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Genea-Blogger Games: Day 11
Dear Diary:
Have you ever felt that no matter how much effort you put into an event, certain forces are conspiring against you? Sort of like an invisible baton to the knee that leaves no mark but you just know something has interfered with your progress?
Today was the first day of my "staycation" where I intended to work on sorting and properly storing hundreds of photographs and possibly scanning many of them. Well let's just say that I heard the sound of the starting gun, but I never made it out of the gate.
In the words of that O'Hara gal in Atlanta: "After all, tomorrow is another day."
So my standings remain:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Platinum
Back Up Your Data! - Gold
Organize Your Research - Gold
Write, Write, Write! - Silver
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Diamond
Have you ever felt that no matter how much effort you put into an event, certain forces are conspiring against you? Sort of like an invisible baton to the knee that leaves no mark but you just know something has interfered with your progress?
Today was the first day of my "staycation" where I intended to work on sorting and properly storing hundreds of photographs and possibly scanning many of them. Well let's just say that I heard the sound of the starting gun, but I never made it out of the gate.
In the words of that O'Hara gal in Atlanta: "After all, tomorrow is another day."
So my standings remain:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Platinum
Back Up Your Data! - Gold
Organize Your Research - Gold
Write, Write, Write! - Silver
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Diamond
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The 4th Edition of the "Smile for the Camera" Carnival is Posted!
Get thee over to footnoteMaven's site Shades of the Departed where she has just published the 4th Edition of Smile for the Camera. With the topic of My Favorite Photograph, fM had 40 entries which is a record.
My entry entitled My Favorite Photograph tells the story of Anna McPhillips Austin and how she was killed by a runaway automobile in The Bronx at the age of 36.
I think that not only the Genea-Blogger Games are responsible for the level of participation but the Genea-Blogger Group on Facebook allows fM and all of us to better publicize events and carnivals.
Also, don't forget the upcoming 5th Edition with the topic of "Crowning Glory.":
Show us those wonderful photographs of hairdos and maybe even a few don'ts. Don't limit yourself to just hair fashion through the ages, got a great photograph of a hat, helmet, bonnet, or some other interesting headgear? Share!
Choose a photograph of an ancestor, relative, yourself, or an orphan photograph that is the epitome of Crowning Glory and bring it to the carnival. Admission is free with every photograph!
Your submission may include as many or as few words as you feel are necessary to describe your treasured photograph. Those words may be in the form of an expressive comment, a quote, a journal entry, a poem (your own or a favorite), a scrapbook page, or a heartfelt article. The choice is yours!
For those of you who know about my checked coiffure past, including the Billy Idol look and my multicolor mohawk, don't get your hopes up for seeing too many photos of said hair don'ts.
The submission deadline is 12:00 am (midnight) PDT, September 10, 2008. You may e-mail footnoteMaven with the title and permalink URL of the post you are submitting, and the name of your blog (put "Smile For The Camera" clearly in the title of your email) or submit it here. You may also view the event on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=23143487866.
My entry entitled My Favorite Photograph tells the story of Anna McPhillips Austin and how she was killed by a runaway automobile in The Bronx at the age of 36.
I think that not only the Genea-Blogger Games are responsible for the level of participation but the Genea-Blogger Group on Facebook allows fM and all of us to better publicize events and carnivals.
Also, don't forget the upcoming 5th Edition with the topic of "Crowning Glory.":
Show us those wonderful photographs of hairdos and maybe even a few don'ts. Don't limit yourself to just hair fashion through the ages, got a great photograph of a hat, helmet, bonnet, or some other interesting headgear? Share!
Choose a photograph of an ancestor, relative, yourself, or an orphan photograph that is the epitome of Crowning Glory and bring it to the carnival. Admission is free with every photograph!
Your submission may include as many or as few words as you feel are necessary to describe your treasured photograph. Those words may be in the form of an expressive comment, a quote, a journal entry, a poem (your own or a favorite), a scrapbook page, or a heartfelt article. The choice is yours!
For those of you who know about my checked coiffure past, including the Billy Idol look and my multicolor mohawk, don't get your hopes up for seeing too many photos of said hair don'ts.
The submission deadline is 12:00 am (midnight) PDT, September 10, 2008. You may e-mail footnoteMaven with the title and permalink URL of the post you are submitting, and the name of your blog (put "Smile For The Camera" clearly in the title of your email) or submit it here. You may also view the event on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=23143487866.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Genea-Blogger Games Diary: Days Four and Five
Dear Diary:
This is a combo post of Day Four and Day Five since I have been busy. Don't you just hate it when your job interferes with your genealogy or blogging? I've also been following the progress reports of other GBG participants and some of them are really using me to mop the floor, so to speak. Note to self: Perhaps one of those "onesie" swimsuits that Michael Phelps wears will give me the abs of death and intimidate all my other competitors. Call Speedo - NOW.
Here is what I've been working on the past two days:
2. Back Up Your Data!
I still only have a gold medal with A, B, and C completed. I have been hesitant to go through The Box and start organizing photos during the day since my illustrious career as Computer Guy for Lawyers is so taxing lately. And at night I am just wiped. I want to secure all the photos so they cannot be damaged by water.
I am on vacation all of next week and at home on Wednesday and Thursday. Those will be good days to tackle this part of the event.
I am not sure if even I, Mr. Backup, will attain the Platinum level but I have plenty of time left.
3. Organize Your Research!
Again, just like #2 above, I am going to spend two days next week getting my photos and files in order.
I still have my Gold medal but will soon bump it up at least one notch to Diamond.
4. Write, Write, Write!
I have completed B and C and have made an offer to host the Cabinet of Curiosities carnival over at Walking The Berkshires.
So I am stalled at the Silver level on this one.
5. Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!
I already have B and E complete, this means another Silver medal. I have commented on some new genealogy blogs and have found some of my new favorites too. So that means A is done as well.
I have invited other genealogists to join Facebook but I'm not sure any of them have taken the bait yet. I need to follow up. So technically I also have C complete but would feel better if those people actually joined us all on Facebook.
So I have my first Diamond medal! They are not just a girls best friend.
So my standings, so far:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Platinum
Back Up Your Data! - Gold
Organize Your Research - Gold
Write, Write, Write! - Silver
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Diamond
This is a combo post of Day Four and Day Five since I have been busy. Don't you just hate it when your job interferes with your genealogy or blogging? I've also been following the progress reports of other GBG participants and some of them are really using me to mop the floor, so to speak. Note to self: Perhaps one of those "onesie" swimsuits that Michael Phelps wears will give me the abs of death and intimidate all my other competitors. Call Speedo - NOW.
Here is what I've been working on the past two days:
2. Back Up Your Data!
I still only have a gold medal with A, B, and C completed. I have been hesitant to go through The Box and start organizing photos during the day since my illustrious career as Computer Guy for Lawyers is so taxing lately. And at night I am just wiped. I want to secure all the photos so they cannot be damaged by water.
I am on vacation all of next week and at home on Wednesday and Thursday. Those will be good days to tackle this part of the event.
I am not sure if even I, Mr. Backup, will attain the Platinum level but I have plenty of time left.
3. Organize Your Research!
Again, just like #2 above, I am going to spend two days next week getting my photos and files in order.
I still have my Gold medal but will soon bump it up at least one notch to Diamond.
4. Write, Write, Write!
I have completed B and C and have made an offer to host the Cabinet of Curiosities carnival over at Walking The Berkshires.
So I am stalled at the Silver level on this one.
5. Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!
I already have B and E complete, this means another Silver medal. I have commented on some new genealogy blogs and have found some of my new favorites too. So that means A is done as well.
I have invited other genealogists to join Facebook but I'm not sure any of them have taken the bait yet. I need to follow up. So technically I also have C complete but would feel better if those people actually joined us all on Facebook.
So I have my first Diamond medal! They are not just a girls best friend.
So my standings, so far:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Platinum
Back Up Your Data! - Gold
Organize Your Research - Gold
Write, Write, Write! - Silver
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Diamond
Monday, August 11, 2008
Genea-Blogger Games Diary: Day Three
Dear Diary,
I had another night of restlessness so I put it to good use by staying up until 3:30 am CDT working on events in the Genea-Blogger Games. It was a great way to pass the time! Here's what I've done:
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources!
Despite my jump start before the sounding of the gun on Saturday, I was able to get 50 more - more like 122 - citations either entered or seriously corrected. Most of these were for the descendants of Charles McEntee.
With that number of citations, the Platinum medal is secured.
2. Back Up Your Data!
Although I had performed a backup to my 250GB external drive on August 1st, I took time last night to reorganize my entire genealogy folder structure. This was in conjunction with #3 below where I tagged over 200 photos and scanned images. With the new structure, and shedding many MBs of unneeded, duplicative data, I redid the backup.
So with A, B, and C completed, I can garner at least a Gold medal for this event.
3. Organize Your Research!
As stated above, and taking about two hours of my time, I redid all my Tags in Windows Vista Windows Explorer for photos of headstones, scans of obituaries and death notices, military records etc. One point of frustration is the inability to create tags for PDF documents and for RTF documents. I simply saved the RTFs as Word files in the DOC format and then was able to tag them.
With that and entering new data for McEntee descendants of Charles McEntee in my database, I have B, D and E completed for another Gold medal so far.
4. Write, Write, Write!
I finished my submission for the 4th edition of Shades of the Departed and posted it to my blog. I also participated in a new meme created by Lori Thornton at Smoky Mountain Family Historian about stores and pre-posted that item.
I am working on a biographic sketch that is not complete but I have pre-posted many of my entries for when I am away on vacation. I may also volunteer for an upcoming carnival - I am leaning towards Cabinet of Curiosities.
So with B and C complete I at least have the Silver medal.
5. Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!
I have joined several new blogs on Blog Networks over at Facebook most notably the Forensic Genealogy Blog run by Colleen Fitzpatrick.
In terms of what could constitute an indexing project, I added more burial records with headstone photos over at Find A Grave.
With B and E complete, this means another Silver medal.
So my standings, so far:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Platinum
Back Up Your Data! - Gold
Organize Your Research - Gold
Write, Write, Write! - Silver
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Silver
I had another night of restlessness so I put it to good use by staying up until 3:30 am CDT working on events in the Genea-Blogger Games. It was a great way to pass the time! Here's what I've done:
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources!
Despite my jump start before the sounding of the gun on Saturday, I was able to get 50 more - more like 122 - citations either entered or seriously corrected. Most of these were for the descendants of Charles McEntee.
With that number of citations, the Platinum medal is secured.
2. Back Up Your Data!
Although I had performed a backup to my 250GB external drive on August 1st, I took time last night to reorganize my entire genealogy folder structure. This was in conjunction with #3 below where I tagged over 200 photos and scanned images. With the new structure, and shedding many MBs of unneeded, duplicative data, I redid the backup.
So with A, B, and C completed, I can garner at least a Gold medal for this event.
3. Organize Your Research!
As stated above, and taking about two hours of my time, I redid all my Tags in Windows Vista Windows Explorer for photos of headstones, scans of obituaries and death notices, military records etc. One point of frustration is the inability to create tags for PDF documents and for RTF documents. I simply saved the RTFs as Word files in the DOC format and then was able to tag them.
With that and entering new data for McEntee descendants of Charles McEntee in my database, I have B, D and E completed for another Gold medal so far.
4. Write, Write, Write!
I finished my submission for the 4th edition of Shades of the Departed and posted it to my blog. I also participated in a new meme created by Lori Thornton at Smoky Mountain Family Historian about stores and pre-posted that item.
I am working on a biographic sketch that is not complete but I have pre-posted many of my entries for when I am away on vacation. I may also volunteer for an upcoming carnival - I am leaning towards Cabinet of Curiosities.
So with B and C complete I at least have the Silver medal.
5. Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!
I have joined several new blogs on Blog Networks over at Facebook most notably the Forensic Genealogy Blog run by Colleen Fitzpatrick.
In terms of what could constitute an indexing project, I added more burial records with headstone photos over at Find A Grave.
With B and E complete, this means another Silver medal.
So my standings, so far:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Platinum
Back Up Your Data! - Gold
Organize Your Research - Gold
Write, Write, Write! - Silver
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Silver
Please Welcome These Latecomers to the Genea-Blogger Group Games!
As we mentioned in yesterday's post, we allowed latecomers to register for the Genea-Blogger Group Games as late as 9:00 PM, PDT, this evening. We'd like to extend a warm welcome to the following bloggers, who will be working hard to earn their medals!
The first is Linda Robbins (gee, I like her already! but no, we don't seem to be related) with the Kenlin Family Blog. Linda is working on changing her blog settings so that it will be made public to everyone. Please be patient and visit later if it's still set to private when you drop by.
Next up is Taneya Koonce with Taneya's Genealogy Blog. Taneya's been blogging for a long time and we're happy to see her join the Games. Her Entry Post is here.
The Genetic Genealogist, Blaine Bettinger, has joined us hoping to put a genetic genealogy twist on things. He writes about the categories he's competing in here.
Craig Manson has dug himself out of a (literal!) truckload of documents and photos and has headed out of the starting gate over at GeneaBlogie. Craig's blog has moved recently, so even if you're a long time fan and reader, as I am, make sure your bookmarks and feeds are updated. His post tells how he's entering all the categories!
We're very excited to add these "athletes" to our Games and wish them the best!
If you are a genealogy blogger and would like to join the Games (participation info and rules here), you are also certainly welcome! At this point, we will not be awarding medals to any more latecomers. However, feel free to drop me a line and let me know you're participating, and I will highlight you and your blog here, and you are welcome to use our participants' badge (Games logo) on your blog.
The first is Linda Robbins (gee, I like her already! but no, we don't seem to be related) with the Kenlin Family Blog. Linda is working on changing her blog settings so that it will be made public to everyone. Please be patient and visit later if it's still set to private when you drop by.
Next up is Taneya Koonce with Taneya's Genealogy Blog. Taneya's been blogging for a long time and we're happy to see her join the Games. Her Entry Post is here.
The Genetic Genealogist, Blaine Bettinger, has joined us hoping to put a genetic genealogy twist on things. He writes about the categories he's competing in here.
Craig Manson has dug himself out of a (literal!) truckload of documents and photos and has headed out of the starting gate over at GeneaBlogie. Craig's blog has moved recently, so even if you're a long time fan and reader, as I am, make sure your bookmarks and feeds are updated. His post tells how he's entering all the categories!
We're very excited to add these "athletes" to our Games and wish them the best!
If you are a genealogy blogger and would like to join the Games (participation info and rules here), you are also certainly welcome! At this point, we will not be awarding medals to any more latecomers. However, feel free to drop me a line and let me know you're participating, and I will highlight you and your blog here, and you are welcome to use our participants' badge (Games logo) on your blog.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
It's Not Too Late to Join the Games!
Because of the great publicity the Games has been given through some popular blogs, we've had a few people ask if it's too late to join them. Miriam, Kathryn, and I put our heads together about this and decided no, it's not too late!
We'll give everyone until 9:00 PM PDT tomorrow, August 10th to join the games, which includes 1) joining Facebook; 2) joining the Genea-Blogger Group at Facebook; 3) creating a post on your blog describing the categories you are "competing" in. E-mail Miriam to let her know about your post.
Latecomers won't be added to the Opening Ceremonies post, but we'll highlight you on my blog. If you qualify by completing the appropriate tasks, you'll receive the appropriate medal(s).
We welcome all who wish to be a part of the Genea-Bloggers: you can join our group at any time! Remember, our description is: "For those who blog about genealogy or family history and those who are their devoted readers!"
Also, a gentle reminder that competition starting time is 12 Noon, PDT today, August 9th and ending time is 12 Noon, PDT on Saturday, August 23rd. A few of you got so excited about participating, you "jumped the gun." We'll forgive you!
We'll give everyone until 9:00 PM PDT tomorrow, August 10th to join the games, which includes 1) joining Facebook; 2) joining the Genea-Blogger Group at Facebook; 3) creating a post on your blog describing the categories you are "competing" in. E-mail Miriam to let her know about your post.
Latecomers won't be added to the Opening Ceremonies post, but we'll highlight you on my blog. If you qualify by completing the appropriate tasks, you'll receive the appropriate medal(s).
We welcome all who wish to be a part of the Genea-Bloggers: you can join our group at any time! Remember, our description is: "For those who blog about genealogy or family history and those who are their devoted readers!"
Also, a gentle reminder that competition starting time is 12 Noon, PDT today, August 9th and ending time is 12 Noon, PDT on Saturday, August 23rd. A few of you got so excited about participating, you "jumped the gun." We'll forgive you!
Genea-Blogger Games Diary: Day Two
Dear Diary,
Well the Opening Ceremonies after-party must have been very successful - that's all I'll say. I woke up very late, not knowing if it was morning or evening as I pulled open the shade and shouted, "Gosh that moon is bright!" It was the sun. Note to self: find out what footnoteMaven was drinking last night. Vague recollections of a conversation with her include my asking, "What did you wear to the Opening Ceremonies?" and her response was, "Something simple. A fur coat over a nightgown."
As for progress, despite having survived the festivities, I did in fact get some tasks completed or partially completed as I was up until 3:00 am CDT:
- Organize Your Research!: I added 20 entries to my genealogy database along the McEntee line. Having started the Surname: McEntee group in Facebook, I wanted to extend a few of the lines down to the present day which I did. Note to self: continue to complain to Ancestry about the poor transcription job on many of the census sheets. Frustration abounds when you have a 15 year-old son entered as being 75 years old and when the last name McEntee appears as McEster. One shouldn't have to search all women named "Caroline" living in New York but born in Canada in the 1900 census to find these errors.
- Go Back and Cite Your Sources: With the 20 entries and their respective citations, I was able to get to the Silver medal level. I have much more to do, especially since I stumbled on some cryptic citations along my Austin line. Note to self: your thrice divorced Aunt Susan's story-telling fueled by "Riunite on ice" at the last family reunion does not constitute a source. That's nice.
- Write, write, write!: I will be participating in the Shades of the Departed carnival entitled Smile for the Camera with a deadline tomorrow. I am still researching how the subject of my photo died when struck by a car in the Bronx in 1925.
Note to self: I still think footnoteMaven is a goddess - I love her blogs and her wit.
- Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!: I spent about an hour finally entering information on the McEntees buried at the New Paltz Rural Free Cemetry. This included uploading the photos of headstones that I took last month on my trip home. I made 10 entries and now I need to enter all the McEntees at Montrepose Cemetery in Kingston, New York. Not sure into which task this info falls but I will go with indexing project. Note to self: start thinking of a witty epitaph for my headstone, the McEntees can be so conventional sometimes. I may opt for Dorothy Parker's "Pardon My Dust."
So my standings, so far:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Silver
Organize Your Research - Bronze
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Bronze
Well the Opening Ceremonies after-party must have been very successful - that's all I'll say. I woke up very late, not knowing if it was morning or evening as I pulled open the shade and shouted, "Gosh that moon is bright!" It was the sun. Note to self: find out what footnoteMaven was drinking last night. Vague recollections of a conversation with her include my asking, "What did you wear to the Opening Ceremonies?" and her response was, "Something simple. A fur coat over a nightgown."
As for progress, despite having survived the festivities, I did in fact get some tasks completed or partially completed as I was up until 3:00 am CDT:
- Organize Your Research!: I added 20 entries to my genealogy database along the McEntee line. Having started the Surname: McEntee group in Facebook, I wanted to extend a few of the lines down to the present day which I did. Note to self: continue to complain to Ancestry about the poor transcription job on many of the census sheets. Frustration abounds when you have a 15 year-old son entered as being 75 years old and when the last name McEntee appears as McEster. One shouldn't have to search all women named "Caroline" living in New York but born in Canada in the 1900 census to find these errors.
- Go Back and Cite Your Sources: With the 20 entries and their respective citations, I was able to get to the Silver medal level. I have much more to do, especially since I stumbled on some cryptic citations along my Austin line. Note to self: your thrice divorced Aunt Susan's story-telling fueled by "Riunite on ice" at the last family reunion does not constitute a source. That's nice.
- Write, write, write!: I will be participating in the Shades of the Departed carnival entitled Smile for the Camera with a deadline tomorrow. I am still researching how the subject of my photo died when struck by a car in the Bronx in 1925.
Note to self: I still think footnoteMaven is a goddess - I love her blogs and her wit.
- Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!: I spent about an hour finally entering information on the McEntees buried at the New Paltz Rural Free Cemetry. This included uploading the photos of headstones that I took last month on my trip home. I made 10 entries and now I need to enter all the McEntees at Montrepose Cemetery in Kingston, New York. Not sure into which task this info falls but I will go with indexing project. Note to self: start thinking of a witty epitaph for my headstone, the McEntees can be so conventional sometimes. I may opt for Dorothy Parker's "Pardon My Dust."
So my standings, so far:
Go Back and Cite Your Sources - Silver
Organize Your Research - Bronze
Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness - Bronze
Friday, August 8, 2008
Genea-Blogger Games Diary: Day One
Dear Diary,
Well I think I have everything I need for the competition. I just got a training session in last night and while I thought another workout would help this morning, I don't want to overdo it. I keep telling myself it isn't always the first one out of the gate that wins or even finishes the race.
I think I'll do well in all the events but I do have some concerns about my competitors. I just know Colleen over at The Oracle of OMcHodoy is going to try and beat me in almost every event - I can just feel it! I bet she's just sittin' at her computer right now, crackin' her knuckles waiting for 3:00 PM PDT. Note to self: Do research to see if "oracle" is another word for witch.
And I can't take my eye off of someone like Midge Frazel over at Granite In My Blood even if she is my cousin. I keep telling myself that cousins ain't always the "kissin'" kind. Something tells me that I should be asking judges to test for performance enhancing drugs. I don't know where she gets her energy but it just ain't right. Note to self: a quick baton to Midge's knee might work. Call Tonya Harding.
Well, less than two hours to go and I can get started. Granted I am on vacation much of the time the GB Games are taking place but if I can compete in the high altitude and thin-air of Lake Tahoe, I know I've got what it takes to win.
Well I think I have everything I need for the competition. I just got a training session in last night and while I thought another workout would help this morning, I don't want to overdo it. I keep telling myself it isn't always the first one out of the gate that wins or even finishes the race.
I think I'll do well in all the events but I do have some concerns about my competitors. I just know Colleen over at The Oracle of OMcHodoy is going to try and beat me in almost every event - I can just feel it! I bet she's just sittin' at her computer right now, crackin' her knuckles waiting for 3:00 PM PDT. Note to self: Do research to see if "oracle" is another word for witch.
And I can't take my eye off of someone like Midge Frazel over at Granite In My Blood even if she is my cousin. I keep telling myself that cousins ain't always the "kissin'" kind. Something tells me that I should be asking judges to test for performance enhancing drugs. I don't know where she gets her energy but it just ain't right. Note to self: a quick baton to Midge's knee might work. Call Tonya Harding.
Well, less than two hours to go and I can get started. Granted I am on vacation much of the time the GB Games are taking place but if I can compete in the high altitude and thin-air of Lake Tahoe, I know I've got what it takes to win.
Genea-Blogger Games: My Competition Events
Here are the Competition categories and Events in which I hope to participate in during the upcoming Genea-Blogger Games. I will be on vacation about half of the time (in Lake Tahoe and St. Paul, MN) but will travel with my laptop so that I can update my progress.
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources!
I hope to add 50 citations to my current database. I have many entries that I know are in fact sound, but I haven't bothered to enter the source citations since I knew where they could easily be found on the Web. I need to take the time to do this!
2. Back Up Your Data!
Yes, the king of backups also has his shortcomings! I have to reorganize The Box, as I call it, with all the photographs and place them in protective sleeves and then in a waterproof tub.
3. Organize Your Research!
I don't keep many "hard files" but those that I do have need to be better organized. I also want to start adding metadata to all the photos that I've scanned during the past few Scanfests. I also want to update my master list of items.
4. Write, Write, Write!
Many of the tasks I already perform on a regular basis but it would be nice to get some posts in draft mode, especially for posting while I am on vacation. And a biographical sketch of an ancestor would be great!
5. Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!
I hope to cover all of these tasks during the competition. I also want to try and seek out non-Facebook genea-bloggers and try to bring them into "the fold."
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources!
I hope to add 50 citations to my current database. I have many entries that I know are in fact sound, but I haven't bothered to enter the source citations since I knew where they could easily be found on the Web. I need to take the time to do this!
2. Back Up Your Data!
Yes, the king of backups also has his shortcomings! I have to reorganize The Box, as I call it, with all the photographs and place them in protective sleeves and then in a waterproof tub.
3. Organize Your Research!
I don't keep many "hard files" but those that I do have need to be better organized. I also want to start adding metadata to all the photos that I've scanned during the past few Scanfests. I also want to update my master list of items.
4. Write, Write, Write!
Many of the tasks I already perform on a regular basis but it would be nice to get some posts in draft mode, especially for posting while I am on vacation. And a biographical sketch of an ancestor would be great!
5. Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!
I hope to cover all of these tasks during the competition. I also want to try and seek out non-Facebook genea-bloggers and try to bring them into "the fold."
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Deadline Extension for Genea-Blogger Games!
First of all, Miriam, Kathryn and I want to say a huge "thank you" to FamilyTreeMagazine for publicizing the Summer 2008 Genea-Blogger Group Games in both their blog and their e-newsletter. We've received such a overwhelming onslaught of requests from people wanting to sign up, that we are extending a couple of deadlines (these deadlines will be changed on our official rules of participation post). The changes have been made below and are listed in bold red font:
1. Sign up at the Facebook Genea-Blogger Group page by RSVPing to the Genea-Blogger Group Games that will be listed in the Events menu on that page. Submission deadline is 9:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on August 8, 2008. Only participants who have signed up in advance will be listed in the Opening Ceremonies. If you are not yet a Facebook and Genea-Blogger Group member, you must sign up for these immediately. Administrators can also participate.
E-mail Miriam Midkiff by 9:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on August 8 with the following information which will be used during the Opening Ceremonies:
Please note that the following deadline remains in place:
2. Participate in Opening Ceremonies by publishing a post on your blog on August 8, 2008, by 12:00 noon, PDT describing the categories in which you will compete. Describe your goals for achievement. Look for the Official List of Competitors at AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors to be posted later that day. These are our Opening Ceremonies.
The obvious factor is, if you don't have a blog, you won't be able to participate. If you want a quick tutorial on creating one, please visit Robert Ragan's easy tutorial here.
1. Sign up at the Facebook Genea-Blogger Group page by RSVPing to the Genea-Blogger Group Games that will be listed in the Events menu on that page. Submission deadline is 9:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on August 8, 2008. Only participants who have signed up in advance will be listed in the Opening Ceremonies. If you are not yet a Facebook and Genea-Blogger Group member, you must sign up for these immediately. Administrators can also participate.
E-mail Miriam Midkiff by 9:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on August 8 with the following information which will be used during the Opening Ceremonies:
A. The name of the country in which you now reside.
B. An attached graphic of a flag you create yourself at WeAreMulticolored representing your ancestry, heritage, or personal expression. Please explain the heritage or special meaning behind your flag.
C. The URL (web address) of your blog.
Please note that the following deadline remains in place:
2. Participate in Opening Ceremonies by publishing a post on your blog on August 8, 2008, by 12:00 noon, PDT describing the categories in which you will compete. Describe your goals for achievement. Look for the Official List of Competitors at AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors to be posted later that day. These are our Opening Ceremonies.
The obvious factor is, if you don't have a blog, you won't be able to participate. If you want a quick tutorial on creating one, please visit Robert Ragan's easy tutorial here.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Announcing the Summer 2008 Genea-Blogger Group Games!
Announcing the Summer 2008 Genea-Blogger Group Games!
August 8 to August 25, 2008
Created In the Spirit of the Summer Olympics
Created In the Spirit of the Summer Olympics
In the Spirit of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, we would like to invite you to participate in the 2008 Genea-Blogger Group Games beginning August 8th through August 25th (one day longer than the Olympic Games, due to Scanfest occurring on the 24th). There will be five categories in which you can participate. All participants will receive a badge, and qualifying participants will be awarded medals (designed by our very own creative footnoteMaven) on Monday, August 25th during the Closing Ceremonies.
If you would like to participate, please carefully read the criteria below. If you have any questions, please post them at the appropriate discussion boards (and not in the comments below) provided at the Genea-Blogger Group page.
The footnoteMaven has graciously created the participants' badges as well as medals in the following levels: bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and diamond, with bronze being the lowest level and diamond being the highest. These badges and medals will be awarded during the Closing Ceremonies on Monday, August 25th at Destination: Austin Family.
ADDENDUM II: Participants are encouraged to use the lovely Summer 2008 Genea-Bloggers Group Games participants' badge (shown at the top of this post) created by the equally lovely footnoteMaven on their blogs. Please link it to the Genea-Bloggers Group Facebook page: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30305424880
If you would like to participate, please carefully read the criteria below. If you have any questions, please post them at the appropriate discussion boards (and not in the comments below) provided at the Genea-Blogger Group page.
Participation
1. Sign up at the Facebook Genea-Blogger Group page by RSVPing to the Genea-Blogger Group Games that will be listed in the Events menu on that page. Submission deadline is 9:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on August 8, 2008. Only participants who have signed up in advance will be listed in the Opening Ceremonies. If you are not yet a Facebook and Genea-Blogger Group member, you must sign up for these immediately. Administrators can also participate.
ADDENDUM I: E-mail Miriam Midkiff by 9:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on August 8 with the following information which will be used during the Opening Ceremonies:
2. Participate in Opening Ceremonies by publishing a post on your blog on August 8, 2008, by 12:00 noon, PDT describing the categories in which you will compete. Describe your goals for achievement. Look for the Official List of Competitors at AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors to be posted later that day. These are our Opening Ceremonies.
3. Start competing on August 9, 2008 at 12:00 noon, PDT.
4. Record your progress daily on your blog. Keep track of your own statistics. This is on the honor system! For those who may be on vacation during this time and perhaps not have Internet access, keep record of daily stats manually and publish them when back online.
5. Stop competing on August 23, 2008 at 12:00 noon, PDT.
6. Post your final tallies by 3:00 p.m. PDT on August 23, 2008 on your blog.
7. Visit Destination: Austin Family on August 25, 2008 for the Medals Ceremony/Closing Ceremonies (we are postponing this by one day because of Scanfest and to give the administrators time to double-check tallies).
ADDENDUM I: E-mail Miriam Midkiff by 9:00 AM, Pacific Daylight Time on August 8 with the following information which will be used during the Opening Ceremonies:
A. The name of the country in which you now reside.
B. An attached graphic of a flag you create yourself at WeAreMulticolored representing your ancestry, heritage, or personal expression. Please explain the heritage or special meaning behind your flag.
C. The URL (web address) of your blog.
2. Participate in Opening Ceremonies by publishing a post on your blog on August 8, 2008, by 12:00 noon, PDT describing the categories in which you will compete. Describe your goals for achievement. Look for the Official List of Competitors at AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors to be posted later that day. These are our Opening Ceremonies.
3. Start competing on August 9, 2008 at 12:00 noon, PDT.
4. Record your progress daily on your blog. Keep track of your own statistics. This is on the honor system! For those who may be on vacation during this time and perhaps not have Internet access, keep record of daily stats manually and publish them when back online.
5. Stop competing on August 23, 2008 at 12:00 noon, PDT.
6. Post your final tallies by 3:00 p.m. PDT on August 23, 2008 on your blog.
7. Visit Destination: Austin Family on August 25, 2008 for the Medals Ceremony/Closing Ceremonies (we are postponing this by one day because of Scanfest and to give the administrators time to double-check tallies).
Badges and Medals
The footnoteMaven has graciously created the participants' badges as well as medals in the following levels: bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and diamond, with bronze being the lowest level and diamond being the highest. These badges and medals will be awarded during the Closing Ceremonies on Monday, August 25th at Destination: Austin Family.
ADDENDUM II: Participants are encouraged to use the lovely Summer 2008 Genea-Bloggers Group Games participants' badge (shown at the top of this post) created by the equally lovely footnoteMaven on their blogs. Please link it to the Genea-Bloggers Group Facebook page: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30305424880
Competition Categories
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources!
We all know how important our research is - but it is only worth the evidence that supports it! Have you ever looked at an entry in your database and wondered, "Where did that come from?" or "How can that be?" All events can and should be backed up by linking them to sources and evidence using a consistent and clear citation format.
Create proper citations of sources for as many events possible using either Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills or How to Cite Sources by John Wiley.
Qualifications for "Go Back and Cite Your Sources!":
10 Citations - Bronze Medal
20 Citations - Silver Medal
30 Citations - Gold Medal
40 Citations - Diamond Medal
50 Citations - Platinum Medal
2. Back Up Your Data!
Backup data to choice of formats (flash drives, CDs, DVDs, online) or storing hard copies properly (safety deposit box, safe, etc.).
A. Prepare a comprehensive backup plan for your digital research files and a security plan for your hard copies and photos
B. Secure your hard copies and photos in waterproof containers
C. Backup all your data using a flash drive, an external drive, CDs, DVDs, or an online resource
D. Have all your hard copies and photos scanned and secure them either in a fire-proof safe or offsite in a safety-deposit box/secure environment
E. All your data is backed up digitally and secured physically and you can recover from any disaster while losing only one month or less worth of research
Qualifications for "Back Up Your Data!":
Complete Task A - Bronze Medal
Complete Task B - Silver Medal
Complete Task C - Gold Medal
Complete Task D - Diamond Medal
Complete Task E - Platinum Medal
3. Organize Your Research!
So you have plenty of research - that's okay if you can find what you need when you need it, right? Take time to review your collection of documents and photos, both hard copy and digital, and work to organize those items for easy access.
A. Organize at least 20 hard files or ancestral items (books, fabrics, inherited items) into file folders, boxes, envelopes, containers, etc.; archival-quality where appropriate.
B. Organize at least 20 digital files into folders, label, add metadata, add descriptions, add tags, etc.
C. Organize at least 20 photos into photo albums, scrapbooks, collages, protective holders, boxes, etc.
D. Organize at least 20 digital photos into folders, label, add metadata, add descriptions, add tags, etc.
E. Create at least 20 data entries in your database, or scan 20 photos, or scan 20 documents.
F. Create a master list of your files and notify your family members of where it is stored.
Qualifications for "Organize Your Research!":
Complete any one task - Bronze Medal
Complete any two tasks - Silver Medal
Complete any three tasks - Gold Medal
Complete any four tasks - Diamond Medal
Complete five or more tasks - Platinum Medal
4. Write, Write, Write!
Do you find birth dates, death dates and all the data boring if there's no narrative behind it? Don't you find the stories about ancestors more attractive than cut and dried census data? It takes time to be able to write about your family history and the more you write and the more often you write, the easier it is to bring your family to life for others to see.
A. Write a summary of what your blog is about and post it on your blog – you may not have done this since you started the blog and it is a great way to have new readers learn more about your site.
B. Participate in a genealogy or family history related blog carnival. See the AnceStories post "August Is..." for a list of these carnivals and their submission URLs and deadlines.
C. Prepare several posts in draft mode (if possible with your blog platform) and pre-publish.
D. Write a brief biographical sketch on one of your ancestors.
E. Sign up to host a future carnival:
Qualifications for "Write, Write, Write!":
Complete any one task - Bronze Medal
Complete any two tasks - Silver Medal
Complete any three tasks - Gold Medal
Complete any four tasks - Diamond Medal
Complete all 5 tasks - Platinum Medal
5. Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!
A. Comment on a new (to you) genea-blog.
B. Join another genea-blogger’s blog network on Facebook Blog Networks.
C. Invite other genealogists to join Facebook.
D. Assist another researcher with a research request or lookup. See AnceStories "Random Acts of Kindness Week" posts for ideas for this item and Item E.
E. Participate in an indexing project.
F. Join a genealogical, historical, heritage or lineage society.
Qualifications for "Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!":
Complete any one task - Bronze Medal
Complete any two tasks - Silver Medal
Complete any three tasks - Gold Medal
Complete any four tasks - Diamond Medal
Complete five or more tasks - Platinum Medal
Remember: If you have any questions about participation rules or the criteria for the categories, please post them at the appropriate discussion boards at the Genea-Bloggers Group at Facebook!
We all know how important our research is - but it is only worth the evidence that supports it! Have you ever looked at an entry in your database and wondered, "Where did that come from?" or "How can that be?" All events can and should be backed up by linking them to sources and evidence using a consistent and clear citation format.
Create proper citations of sources for as many events possible using either Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills or How to Cite Sources by John Wiley.
Qualifications for "Go Back and Cite Your Sources!":
10 Citations - Bronze Medal
20 Citations - Silver Medal
30 Citations - Gold Medal
40 Citations - Diamond Medal
50 Citations - Platinum Medal
2. Back Up Your Data!
Backup data to choice of formats (flash drives, CDs, DVDs, online) or storing hard copies properly (safety deposit box, safe, etc.).
A. Prepare a comprehensive backup plan for your digital research files and a security plan for your hard copies and photos
B. Secure your hard copies and photos in waterproof containers
C. Backup all your data using a flash drive, an external drive, CDs, DVDs, or an online resource
D. Have all your hard copies and photos scanned and secure them either in a fire-proof safe or offsite in a safety-deposit box/secure environment
E. All your data is backed up digitally and secured physically and you can recover from any disaster while losing only one month or less worth of research
Qualifications for "Back Up Your Data!":
Complete Task A - Bronze Medal
Complete Task B - Silver Medal
Complete Task C - Gold Medal
Complete Task D - Diamond Medal
Complete Task E - Platinum Medal
3. Organize Your Research!
So you have plenty of research - that's okay if you can find what you need when you need it, right? Take time to review your collection of documents and photos, both hard copy and digital, and work to organize those items for easy access.
A. Organize at least 20 hard files or ancestral items (books, fabrics, inherited items) into file folders, boxes, envelopes, containers, etc.; archival-quality where appropriate.
B. Organize at least 20 digital files into folders, label, add metadata, add descriptions, add tags, etc.
C. Organize at least 20 photos into photo albums, scrapbooks, collages, protective holders, boxes, etc.
D. Organize at least 20 digital photos into folders, label, add metadata, add descriptions, add tags, etc.
E. Create at least 20 data entries in your database, or scan 20 photos, or scan 20 documents.
F. Create a master list of your files and notify your family members of where it is stored.
Qualifications for "Organize Your Research!":
Complete any one task - Bronze Medal
Complete any two tasks - Silver Medal
Complete any three tasks - Gold Medal
Complete any four tasks - Diamond Medal
Complete five or more tasks - Platinum Medal
4. Write, Write, Write!
Do you find birth dates, death dates and all the data boring if there's no narrative behind it? Don't you find the stories about ancestors more attractive than cut and dried census data? It takes time to be able to write about your family history and the more you write and the more often you write, the easier it is to bring your family to life for others to see.
A. Write a summary of what your blog is about and post it on your blog – you may not have done this since you started the blog and it is a great way to have new readers learn more about your site.
B. Participate in a genealogy or family history related blog carnival. See the AnceStories post "August Is..." for a list of these carnivals and their submission URLs and deadlines.
C. Prepare several posts in draft mode (if possible with your blog platform) and pre-publish.
D. Write a brief biographical sketch on one of your ancestors.
E. Sign up to host a future carnival:
The following regular carnival hosts are accepting names for volunteer hosts: footnoteMaven needs volunteer hosts for the October 10th edition only of "I Smile for the Camera" (see her criteria in next paragraph); Jessica Oswalt of the Carnival of Central and Eastern European Genealogy; Lisa of the Carnival of Irish Heritage & Culture; and Tim Abbott of the Cabinet of Curiosities. Jasia has all the volunteers she needs for this year's Carnival of Genealogy, so please do NOT distract her from her writing to ask to volunteer as a host right now! :-)
You must email the footnoteMaven with the words "Guest Host – Smile For The Camera" in the subject line. In the body of the email you must select your favorite article from Shades Of The Departed and explain why it is your favorite. The footnoteMaven will select the best answer to determine the host for the October 10 “Smile For The Camera.” The best answer will be featured on Shades Of The Departed.
Qualifications for "Write, Write, Write!":
Complete any one task - Bronze Medal
Complete any two tasks - Silver Medal
Complete any three tasks - Gold Medal
Complete any four tasks - Diamond Medal
Complete all 5 tasks - Platinum Medal
5. Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!
A. Comment on a new (to you) genea-blog.
B. Join another genea-blogger’s blog network on Facebook Blog Networks.
C. Invite other genealogists to join Facebook.
D. Assist another researcher with a research request or lookup. See AnceStories "Random Acts of Kindness Week" posts for ideas for this item and Item E.
E. Participate in an indexing project.
F. Join a genealogical, historical, heritage or lineage society.
Qualifications for "Reach Out & Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness!":
Complete any one task - Bronze Medal
Complete any two tasks - Silver Medal
Complete any three tasks - Gold Medal
Complete any four tasks - Diamond Medal
Complete five or more tasks - Platinum Medal
Remember: If you have any questions about participation rules or the criteria for the categories, please post them at the appropriate discussion boards at the Genea-Bloggers Group at Facebook!
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