Showing posts with label conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conference. Show all posts

Thursday, 1 March 2018

RootsTech 2018 a la YouTube!

The 2018 #NotAtRootsTech Survival Guide is getting way too long to scroll though, so I thought I would link to a new post containing all of the relevant videos about RootsTech I find posted to YouTube, Facebook and elsewhere.

Gathered and posted in no particular order. I think the YouTube videos listed create a pretty comprehensive collection. The Facebook Live broadcasts might be lacking. Please don't hesitate to email/comment with links to yours if I've missed!

[NOTE: If you followed me on Twitter at all throughout #NotAtRootsTech, you might be aware that I was sidelined unexpectedly by the insomnia plague. So, apologies for the delay in completion of this video collection! Hopefully, it is still enjoyable and that it comes in handy for more than just me. Ironically, I ended up really needing this!]

Go on, get watching!



Pre-RootsTech
In no particular order...


Phewf... that's a lot of watchin! You probably need a snack now, eh?











Wednesday
In no particular order...


Do you think, maybe, you should take a break now...? 





Thursday
In no particular order...




Friday
In no particular order...





Saturday 
In no particular order... 




Post-Event
In no particular order...




What have I missed?

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Monday, 26 February 2018

Follow These Canadians at RootsTech

Credit: iStock
I know you've always wanted it and I'm here to give it to you! [if your mind is in the gutter, BAHA! Now, let's move along quickly...]

I present to you The Compendium of Canadian's at RootsTech in 2018!

We canucks who are #NotAtRootsTech, of COURSE, want to follow the shenanigans of our syrupy brethren. You might notice them riding their majestic, antlered cows down the streets of Salt Lake City or stretching before engaging unwary Americans in a serious game of skatey-punchy outside the FHL --- or not. Either way, we're good people. And you should follow all of us.



L-R: The Kirsty Gray, Ruth Blair.
OGS2017. Used with permission.
Ruth Blair is Canada's Passionate Genealogist!
Ruth Blair is a Professional Genealogist and lecturer based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada who has been doing family history research for over 30 years. She has researched her family history from Canada to Ireland, England, Scotland, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Ruth has her Professional Learning Certificate for Genealogical Studies for Canada, England and Ireland from the
National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She has also written two books. The first was called “Planning a Genealogical Trip to Ireland: the Research Trail in Dublin” and the second was called “Remembering Trafalgar Township” a book commemorating the Township’s 200th Anniversary. Ruth writes the “The Passionate Genealogist” blog and makes of point of sharing her experiences at RootsTech for those sad, dejected #NotAtRootsTech souls, like me.

Get social with Ruth!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PassionateGenea
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blair-Archival- Research-55342464202/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/116024850385559476238
Website/Blog “The Passionate Genealogist”: http://familyhistorysearches.com


L-R: Dianna (seated), Steve and his hat, David Thompson.
Used with permission, courtesy Cindy Taylor Robichaud.
Roots Tech 2018.
Dianna & Steve Fulton do a LOT for OGS and genealogy!
Just look for the hat! It has already been in an official RootsTech 2018 video shared on social media!

Steve is the current Vice-President of The Ontario Genealogical Society and Council Lead for the Niagara Peninsula Branch of OGS. His lovely wife, Dianna, is co-chair of the upcoming OGS 2018 conference to be held in Guelph, Ontario. I know they both do a lot more than just this! Cindy, David, Steve, his hat and Dianna (pictured right) hope to post on social media a lot throughout conference!

Get social with Dianna, Steve and OGS!
Dianna Twitter: https://twitter.com/FultonDianna
Steve Twitter: https://twitter.com/steve_fulton
OGS Twitter: http://twitter.com/ontgensociety
OGS Conference Twitter: https://twitter.com/OGSConf2018
Facebook, "The Ontario Genealogical Society": https://www.facebook.com/groups/ontgensoc/
OGS Website: https://ogs.on.ca
OGS Conference Website: https://conference2018.ogs.on.ca
Yes, used with permission.
BIFHSGO Pub Night at OGS 2017

Mags Gaulden likes pie!
Mags Gaulden is a Professional Genealogist specializing in Genetic Genealogy as founder of Grandma’s Genes in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She is also a Leader with WikiTree where she currently leads the DNA Project as well as others. Mags lectures on genealogy and produces and hosts weekly LiveCasts for WikiTree.

Get social with Mags!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrandmasGenes
Facebook “Grandma’s Genes”: https://www.facebook.com/grandmasgenes/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113742620545984822942
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grandmas_genes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0BbBW6BzW6AmaT_WPSyutg
Website: http://www.grandmasgenes.com/
Blog: http://grandmasgenes.com/blog/

Here's a less hilarious photo of Mags (right), just for good measure. Here she is teaching a Fast Trax session at OGS's 2017 conference. You will probably find her in the RootsTech Expo Hall wearing this, her signature orange WikiTree shirt.




"The Majestic Screaming Beaver" by Jessica.
Johanne Gervais is a Canadian I don't know. (We don't all know each other up here).
Canadian blogger, Gail Dever, informs me that Johanne Gervais of the new Quebec Genealogical eSociety will be in the Exhibit Hall with her husband and attending sessions. I'm sure she is very lovely and I look forward to meeting her. In the meantime, I will be following her on Twitter!

Get social with Johanne!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/genquebec
Website: https://www.genquebec.com/en

Buy this sticker HERE.
Jane MacNamara escorts Canadians to SLC in groups!
Jane MacNamara organizes trips from Ontario to Salt Lake City for Canadian genea-freaks who enjoy guided trips and research to the FHL is also a popular speaker up here in the Great White North. She is the author of "Inheritance in Ontario: Wills and Other Records for Family Historians" -- of which I have my very own copy AND it's autographed! I do not know Jane personally but we have met (she won't remember). If you're lucky enough to be in SLC, look for Jane and her Canuck Contingent. I believe they will all be sporting maple leafs in solidarity.

 Get social with Jane!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wherethestory
Website: http://wherethestorytakesme.ca



Via Pinterest| (so no idea where
this came from originally).
Ellen Thompson-Jennings is the Family History Hound!
Ellen is owner of the online store, ShopTheHound.com and creator of The DNA Angel Project. She is based in western Canada [brain farting exactly where, ATM -- I'll update when it comes to me. I will also add the photo I have once I locate whichever damn USB key it's on].

Get social with Ellen!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/familyhisthound
Blog: http://blog.familyhistoryhound.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyhistoryhound/


[NEW as of March 2nd] KathInYeg is tweeting her first time at RootsTech!
Follow her on Twitter!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kathinyeg




The Kirsty Gray gets an Honourarable Mention
I bequeath The Kirsty Gray with honourary Canadian status since she is the co-chair of this year's Ontario Genealogical Society conference with Dianna Fulton. [BTW, early bird registration pricing for this conference ENDS on February 28th]. She is pictured in a photo (above) with Ruth Blair. Keep an eye out for the brand new Mini Kirsty as well -- little K has already been making waves on social media!

Kirsty Gray is the UK's No. 1 Genealogist, People Finder and Heir Hunter. Family and local historian. Worldwide Sillifant surname study. Tetcott and Luffincott one-place studies. Founder and Chair of The Surname Society. Founding Chair now Secretary of Society for One-Place Studies. MD of Family Wise Limited. Author and world-renowned lecturer. Superstar (Gold Medallist) Rockstar Genealogist for UK/Ireland 2015 and 2016. Featured genealogist on Qui-Etes Vous? (Who Do You Think You Are?) in Canada and BBC1’s Family Finders in the UK. Expert researcher for BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are?. Networking Queen and member of 4Networking Community. Member of Ontario Genealogical Society, Devon Family History Society. Member and Chair of West Middlesex Family History Society.

Get social with Kirsty!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKirstyGray
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirsty.gray.5095
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KirstyGray
Website: http://family-wise.co.uk/
Blog: http://family-wise.co.uk/blog/



Buy the tshirt HERE.
BONUS Canadian --because we don't discriminate up here! (It's too cold).*
Devon Noel Lee is an American in Texas but she feels a strong Canadian connection and that's good enough for me!

Devon tells me her great grandpa and grandma were from Gainsborough, Ontario. Her grandpa became a professor in the US but his wife would go back to Ontario to deliver her babies with her mom's care. Except For Devon's. Devon's grandma was the first child born in the US. Additionally, Devon's dad's aunt returned to Ontario after she wed and Devon's cousins still live there. Devon is also proud to say that her great grandma is a descendant of Jacob Comfort UE on whose property the oldest maple tree in Canada in still standing (barely).

Get social with Devon!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHFanatics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyhistoryfanatics/
Website: https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com


Congrats!
Bahahaha! Via @AB-Ootlanders 



Are you a Canadian attending RootsTech this year and feeling left out? Sorry!
Comment below or send me a private, politely worded message and I will add you to the menagerie.

Yes, The Asterisks Mean Something...
* Okay, I know. There is definitely discrimination in Canada and we would do well to work on that. However, IMO, we're in a floatier boat than other countries as this specific point in time. That's all I'm sayin!

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Thursday, 9 February 2017

#NotAtRootsTech Survival Guide

If you're like me this second week of February, you're pouty, irritable, bitter, desolate and periodically inconsolable.

As I sit virtually penniless* in frigid Ontario, genea-peeps across the world are convening at this very moment in Salt Lake City at the epic event that is RootsTech 2017. RootsTech is presently touted as the largest family history event on the planet. With an attendance count rumoured to reach between 30,000 - 40,000 souls this year, you certainly get that impression. 

Held at the exquisite Salt Palace Convention Center, the RootsTech conference is located steps away from every family historian's mecca - the Family History Library, which is a dream worthy of its own entire blog post. Staying on topic, though - I attended this conference for the first (and, sadly, so far only) time in 2015 and can say with confidence that it is a totally mind-blowing experience. The largest genealogy conference I'd attended previously had around 600 registrants, maaaaayyybe 45 vendors in the Marketplace and only 2 - 4 choices per session time slot. To this date, at conventions in this neck of the woods, I am still frequently the youngest** in attendance by at least 15 years. By contrast, at RootsTech learning cannot be avoided in both the myriad lecture streams (upwards of 24 choices per time slot) and ENORMOUS Expo Hall; opportunities for networking, connections and fellowship are almost limitless [I was asked for my business card after a brief chat in the ladies' washroom, for instance!]; and, there were more people my age or younger in the first session I walked into (which was half-full, by the way) than I've seen at all of the other conferences I've attended COMBINED!

RootsTech is an intense and invigorating jungle where genea-celebs wander free and newbies gawk openly. It's the place where probably-unneeded-but-still-irresistible samples, pamphlets and swag magically appear in your grubby little paws [I have, like, 100 pens and pencils] and advice you didn't know you knew spills from your lips at the encouraging faces of strangers. Camaraderie. You were born for this jungle! Cutting-edge technology and top-notch education are king and queen in this captivating wilderness. Industry news and the thrill of discovery dance and swirl at every turn. You can't help but be caught up in the excitement, mesmerized by innovation, inspired to motivation...

.... Have I convinced you yet???

Now, there are pros and cons to this type of huge conference, of course, but at this time of year I am hard-pressed to remember what the cons are [as you may be able to tell]. All I can focus on is the fact that I'm not there and not able to join in the fun!! Which is where the #NotAtRootsTech hashtag comes in.

In attempt to channel my distraught energies, I am compiling a list of ways YOU (like me!) can participate in this epic event without being there in person. You didn't know you could do that, did ya? 



1. Watch the live-streamed sessions.
Last year, apparently over 150,000 people (including moi!) watched the schedule of streamed lectures remotely. Believe it or not, this IS something that people do! It's quite like watching live TV or YouTube, actually.

Broadcast sessions usually include key note speakers, the Innovator Showdown Finals and a variety of lectures on topics that are, probably, of interest to a broader range of people. To watch, simply navigate to the www.RootsTech.org homepage. You will be prompted to enter your name and email address in order to gain access to the live stream.

This year's Streaming Schedule can be found here: https://www.rootstech.org/live-stream-schedule



2. Follow the hashtags on Twitter in real time.
These days, most events (not just genealogy-related) will have an official hashtag. You can and should follow them even if you are attending the event but they provide a direct way of participating, learning and interacting for those who cannot attend in person. 

For Roots Tech, regardless of year, the official hash tag is always #RootsTech. Sometimes, though, variants will be used frequently enough that you should watch them too.

Here is a list of hashtags I recommend following on Twitter during RootsTech 2017:

#NotAtRootsTech ***
#RootsTech
#RootsTech2017
#genealogy
#familyhistory

Through following these, you may even discover a few more hashtags worth investigating!

Now, are you wondering how you're going to follow all of these or even just one in real time??
  1. Get yourself a Twitter account. [I can't believe you don't have one already!]
  2. You can click on and follow the links above ... or ...
  3. After you've logged in, enter the hashtag (#hashtag) of interest into the search box at the top, left-hand side of the page. The default is to show you the Top posts first; those will be the ones with the most interaction regardless of when they occurred. I recommend clicking on the "Latest" tab/link (as pictured below) which will update automatically with the newest public posts containing your searched-for hashtag. You can scroll to view posts earlier in the day and so on.

    It can be a pain in the buttinski trying to follow events in this fashion, though. Instead, I recommend using TweetDeck which is a Twitter application.
  4. a) Sign in with your Twitter account information to TweetDeck. I believe you can download and use this application on your smartphone but I find it most convenient to use on my laptop viw the web address.
    b) Add a column for your Notifications so that you will get immediate notification of any activity directed at your account.
    c) Add columns for each relevant hashtag. This will enable you to view and interact with all activity involving all selected hashtags in real time.

    Here is an article that will help you get started with TweetDeck. You don't HAVE to use this application but I find it makes following along in real time much easier. There are also other apps out there that can help you follow real time discussions but I do not have enough experience with them to make any recommendations.



3. INTERACT on Twitter.
Part, if not most, of the fun of virtually attending a live event is interacting with other sad sacks who couldn't make it to the real deal. You interact by Liking (click the heart), retweeting, quoting (adding a comment to a retweet) and replying to the posts of other tweeters. Go ahead - ask questions, make comments! Don't be shy! Interact with vendors exhibiting in the Expo Hall! Keep an eye out for special conference-only deals, discounts, and contests from your favourite genealogy-related companies. Remember, even if they're not officially hosting a booth, many smaller societies and businesses in attendance have an accessible virtual presence on the Expo Hall floor to talk with prospective members, clients and customers! Share photos of yourself relaxing in your jammies or re-share pics of your friends who are having fun in person at the event. No friends attending? This how you start new friendships and spark connections with colleagues who could one-day help you with some aspect of your research!

Include the official hashtag as often as possible (unless the conversation gets more specific/personal and may not be of general interest). 



4. Follow the hashtags on Facebook.
Did you know that hashtags are also something you can follow on Facebook? That's right! Log in to your Facebook account and enter the hashtag into the search bar at the top left of the page. 
The default is to show you the Top posts first though I prefer to follow the Latest tab/link (as pictured above).

Following are links to the hashtags on Facebook that I recommend keeping an eye on during Roots Tech 2017. You could probably bookmark these links into a folder so that you can go back to review them without entering in all the text again.



5. Make Facebook friends or Follow-Backsies.
Further to #3... If you find yourself having a good conversation or enjoyable small talk with a particular tweep or person on Facebook, don't let the virtual relationship end there! You clearly have at least one subject in common and each of you probably have a specialty or special knowledge that may complement the other's at some point in the future. You never know what contacts and connections may come in handy one day. You certainly never know which random networking efforts will end up becoming your new BFF, your Genealogy Conference Husband or Family History Twin.

Cultivate your new genea-relationships by continuing the social media interaction after the event. Everyone likes to be followed back on Twitter! Request their friendship on Facebook or the URL of their business FB page so you can follow them there, too. In the more immediate future, you may benefit from more direct access to their posts related to the ongoing conference and subject matter. Following each other also enables you to send Private Messages.



6. Take the opportunity to share your blog, website or other social media links on Twitter.
So you're stuck at home with a somewhat captive audience who is clearly interested in your favourite subjects: genealogy and family history! Is this not the perfect time to force upon others (IOW, share) the address to your genealogy blog or website and/or the URLs to whatever other social media accounts you use frequently (ie, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, LinkedIn, etc)??

Especially on a Friday, using the hashtag #FollowFriday or #FF, put yourself and your links out there. These two particular tags are meant to direct people towards new accounts to follow. Depending on the days the event occurs on, you could also make use of hashtags like #SurnameSaturday or #ThrowbackThursday to share your surnames of interest or topical blogposts with the larger audience the event hashtag will add. Use your imagination - or google! 

Of course, you must not forget to include that Official Hashtag! Do refrain, however, from spamming your information (IOW, sharing repeatedly and excessively). Keep in mind that any tweet has a lifespan of about 15 minutes BUT virtual attendees of an event like RootsTech should not be considered Joe or Jane Twitter User in this instance since they are, likely, closely following the same event feeds (hashtag threads) as you. Err on the side of restraint.



Getting back to more specific #NotAtRootsTech survival tasks... 

7. Watch Power Sessions live-streamed from Genealogy Gems.
Lisa Louise Cooke's Genealogy Gems Podcast celebrates its tenth anniversary and 200th episode this year. To celebrate, they're giving away tons of prizes and freebies on-site. That doesn't help us virtual attendees much, does it? Nope. Way to rub it in, LDC. [Sorry!]
Anyway, the part of interest to those of us #NotAtRootsTech is that select 30 minute classes will be broadcast LIVE over the Periscope app or on their Facebook Page (via Facebook Live). These are indicated in the schedule (below) by the little blue and red pinpoints. Alternatively, click on the image to go directly to the Genealogy Gems webpage in question for additional info.
All times listed in MST.
PS. Congratulations!


















8. Watch DearMYRTLE's Ambush Cam et al on her YouTube channel.
Not quite live, usually, but soon enough after-the-fact to be relevant and to make you feel like you're participating from home! DearMYRTLE's Roots Tech 2017 play list already boasts 10 videos (around 2 minutes each) and it is, presently, still very early on in the event! Alternatively, follow her on Google+ (a social media forum which tends to confuse me more than it probably should but might be more your cup of tea), Facebook or via her blog which are all kept quite current. Wait, you say? Just who is this DearMYRTLE character?? Check out her bio HERE.



9. Read and follow Randy Seaver's RootsTech 2017 Blog Compendium.
This blog post is a genea-community fave! Looked forward to by many (including yours truly!) every year, this post will be updated, at least, daily throughout the conference with relevant blog posts by genea-peeps talking about their experiences at RootsTech 2017. Live vicariously through the prose of posters present! Enjoy the photos! Resist the devious draw of gluttony and hold fast to the inspiration and motivation! You can do it. I believe in you. Then, spread the love by commenting with your thanks and sharing their work on social media.



10. Watch the recordings of the live-streamed sessions.
All live-streamed sessions are recorded and, generally, posted 
  1. to the www.RootsTech.org website within hours of the conclusion of the day's events. Scroll down past the schedule of the next sessions, currently on the main page, to the Did You Miss A Session? section. Click on the appropriate day.
    Wednesday's sessions can be watched HERE.
    Thursday's sessions can be watched HERE.
    Friday's sessions can be watched HERE.
    Saturday's sessions UPCOMING!
  2. Alternatively, watch from the Mormon Channel on YouTube.



11. Make sure you enter the genealogy contests you're eligible to win!
There won't be many, but every year there are a couple more. This year, people #NotAtRootsTech are welcome to enter SIX genealogy contests:
  1. "Watch for an official giveaway Tweet from the RootsTech account (@RootsTechConf)... Then, to enter, simply tweet a photo of you watching the conference online with the hashtag #NotAtRootsTech. Winners will be selected at random during the day. If your photo is selected, prizes such as a RootsTech t-shirt, hat, or backpack will be mailed to you". -- via the FamilySearch Blog
    Prizes include three WD My Passport hard drives!
    UPDATE: via @RootsTechConf selfies tweeted do NOT have to include your face if you are #NotAtRootsTech and the contest continues on Saturday!
  2. Enter to win a FREE DNA ANALYSIS from Legacy Tree Genealogists (valued at $350 USD) to help you interpret your DNA test results or create a DNA testing plan to aid in your genealogy research.

    NOW CLOSED! TO ENTER:
    a) "Like" the Legacy Tree Genealogists Facebook page
    b) Complete the form HERE.
    Winner will be announced during the LIVE DNA Q&A on the Legacy Tree Genealogists Facebook page on Saturday, Feb.11th at 4:00pm MDT.
  3. Enter to win an Artisan 5® Digital Scrapbooking Program from Shop The Hound valued at $59.95 USD (approx. $79.65 Canadian). "Great for beginner or expert scrapbookers. Telling your story is easy; you start by choosing some of your favorite photos and then adding your creativity, and you have a special keepsake. You can create scrapbooks, photobooks, cards, calendars, mugs and much more. You can literally build a book in minutes and believe me when you make something yourself it’s the best gift of all".

    TO ENTER:
    Follow THIS link.
    Giveaway ends at 6:00pm CST on 14 February 2017. Open to Canadian and US residents where allowed by law. 
  4. "Innovator Summit semi-finalist, JoyFLIPS, is giving away four Apple iPad-2 tablets to celebrate their RootsTech 2017 launch and you don’t have to be in Salt Lake City to win!! Anyone opening a free JoyFLIPS account from 8 February 2017 to 11 February 2017 will be entered into the daily drawings. (All JoyFLIPS accounts created before the event opens will be included in the drawing on 8 February.) Winners will be picked each day at the JoyFLIPS booth #1335". -- via The Ancestry Insider
  5. Enter the drawing for a chance to win one (1) Ancestry DNA kit and unlock your family history. Brought to you by www.passitdown.com.
    TO ENTER:
    Follow THIS link.
  6. Enter to win a FREE DNA test from Living DNA.
    Find out more about Living-DNA here:​
    www.livingdna.com/en-gb/uk-regional-breakdown
    TO ENTER:
    a) Read this blog post.
    b) Guess what percentage of the writer's total DNA result will fall within Living DNA’s geographical definition of ‘Northumbria’.
    c) Submit your guess and contact information, HERE.
    The competition closes on 31st March 2017. The winner will be announced during the ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ Live event at the NEC in Birmingham which runs from the 6-8th April.


12. Visit the Virtual Expo Hall
You've gotta admit that one Plus about not being able to attend RootsTech 2017 in person is that crowds are definitely not a problem. Just think - you get to take your time, browse and learn in peace!! [Yeah, I know. Trying too hard, there, LDC]. Anyway, you really should follow the virtual map and investigate all of the new and established vendors RootsTech 2017 has to offer! Check out their websites, follow their blogs and social media accounts, shop through the products, ephemera and software. Create your wish list! The money you've saved NOT attending and/or NOT travelling to this conference might just come in handy now, eh? ;-)

You may also find more live-streamed, Facebook Live or Periscope sessions offering first-hand peeks at the action! Do not fret if you miss the actual live stream, it will usually be preserved to play back at a later date or time.  



13. Keep an eye out for Roots Tech SALES and DEALS!
Now, I've hinted at this before but -- while you're reviewing all of these vendor websites, blogs and social media pages, you absolutely MUST keep watch for any special offers, discounts, freebies (ie, shipping) or sales of which non-attendees might be eligible to take advantage. For example, a discount on the digital magazine, Going In-Depth has been advertised on The In-Depth Genealogist Facebook page.

Normally, a subscription which includes 12 months worth of new content plus access to all past editions runs for $35 USD. So you will save $15 USD if you order between February 9th and February 13th. Use the code 2017RT on the subscription form to take advantage of this great deal.

Here's another deal!!

TapGenes has a deal for us "locationally-disabled" non-attendees too! #NotAtRootsTech attendees are eligible for their exclusive show discount:
get 50% OFF a Premium Plan through 2/28 with promo code RT17
Visit http://www.tapgenes.com/rootstech to get immediate access. Once in the platform, click on the Genetics section to upgrade!

Another #NotAtRootsTech DEAL comes from the National Institute of Genealogical Studies which can also be found in the Expo Hall if you are not "locationally-disabled".

Share any of @geneastudies tweets during RootsTech2017 and receive 50% OFF the registration fee for one of their courses or 10% OFF an entire course package!! Your discount code will be sent to you via PM. Offer ends Saturday, 11 February at 11:59pm MST.





Don't forget to SHARE finds like this with ME -- I mean, your new-found "presently-challenged" mates via your own social media outlets!



14. Make the most of the RootsTech app!
I know, you haven't bothered to download the 2017 RootsTech app because it can't help someone who isn't actually attending the event. WRONGZO!! The app is FREE and provides exclusive access to the downloadable handouts for each and every conference lecture! You're clearly wondering what possible help a handout for a talk you're not attending could be to you. Well, some won't be helpful. You won't care about some topics and, frankly, some lecturers are just crap at creating effective handouts. But there will be at least a few containing tips and tidbits you didn't already know or about which you could use a reminder. There will likely be links to online resources you haven't explored. Contact information for lecturers themselves, businesses, other events -- you never know what you might find... unless you look!! Hey, that reminds me of a hobby we all seem to be pretty invested in... 

Which is a pretty good note to end a previously grump-tastic blogger's blog post on, IMO!




Yes, The Asterisks Mean Something
* Okay, okay. I'm being melodramatic. Humour me.
** Or second youngest because, yes, I know The Other young Canadian genealogist! LOL 
*** Who was the first sad non-attendee to use the #NotAtRootsTech hashtag? Christine McCloud appears to have scrolled back to the beginning to determine it was Susan Kitchens! 
Screenshot via LDC's tweetdeck dashboard.




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Tuesday, 3 January 2017

17 Genealogy Resolutions for 2017


  1. Never make New Year's resolutions.
  2. Endeavour to "do better" in all areas. Remember that even a tiny nudge forward is a step in the right direction. No matter how long it takes, you always have to traverse the entire distance to get to the end of the road.
  3. Complete my NIGS certifications in time to graduate in 2017, as planned.
  4. Start ProGren Study group.
  5. Create more Zazzle store items. AKA continue investigating and establishing complementary additional revenue streams.
  6. Organize and optimize my genea-office and files.
  7. Update and catalogue my genea-library.
  8. Focus on improving my time management versus physical and mental health issues, particularly my social media posting schedule and responding to DNA match inquiries.
  9. Be more social, in general - and not just online.
  10. Decide and take action, if applicable, whether to begin work on an application to become certified through the BCG.
  11. Make plans and arrangements to attend at least one international genealogy conference in 2018.
  12. Read more genea-blogs daily.
  13. Purchase DNA test kits for at least three more family members.
  14. Obtain a better understanding of genetic genealogy. Devote time to reading through the ISOGG website.
  15. Sit down to pick the brains of my younger cousins to come up with ideas about getting youth more interested in genealogy.
  16. Make progress toward the completion of at least one Christmas traditions photo/book project (ie, favourite family recipes or beloved ornaments and decorations).
  17. Make progress on a business and/or website design plan, to launch in 2018.




This blog post written as part of Family Search's #52Stories Project.
Links
#52Stories Project: Define Your Dash: https://familysearch.org/blog/en/define-dash-start-writing-personal-history-52stories-project-2/




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Monday, 25 January 2016

Come Speak in Ottawa in 2017!

My blog doesn't get a whole heck of a lot of traffic YET!!! but I wanted to share this call for presentations so that some of my international genea-friends* might apply to COME VISIT ME!!! 

The Ontario Genealogical Society's 2017 conference is helping to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. It will be held from 16-18 June in my current, beautiful hometown and our nation's capital city: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA!
In my estimation, OGS conferences are attended by around 500 people. Compared to my experience at RootsTech 2015, this is a much more relaxed, intimate experience. Please consider presenting and submit A FEW ;-) proposals to help create the most EPIC genea-con Canada has ever seen in honour of our patriot ancestors! I have highlighted the portions below that are suited to not-as-Canadian-specific presentations. C'mon!! USE YER IMAGINATIONS!!
So sayeth Tim Gunn.















Call for Presentations OGS Conference 2017
The annual Ontario Genealogical Society Conference 2017 will be held in Ottawa on June 16-18, 2017 at Algonquin College. The theme of the conference is Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation. As 2017 will be the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canada, Ottawa Branch OGS will host the annual OGS conference and give the Conference a national flair, bringing together genealogists and family historians from all over Canada. We are looking for speakers and talks of interest to genealogists from all provinces.
In keeping with this theme, we invite proposals for presentations on: family history from every region and territory of Canada (e.g. Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia); migration to and from Canada and also within Canada and how this helped to not only build our families, but also Canada; pre- and post-1867 research in Upper Canada; religious associations; military connections; the latest updates on computer, social media and genealogy database technology; the ever growing use of DNA testing for genealogy; and skill-building for family historians (e.g. use of the genealogy proof standard, getting more out of online resources).

Speakers from other related disciplines are welcome! Statisticians, demographers, archaeologists, researchers, archivists, librarians, geographers, cartographers, scientists, theologians, doctors, PhD candidates, software gurus, internet intellectuals, social media mavens, and historians of all kinds have information of interest to family historians and we would like to hear from you!
Most sessions will be one hour long. Sessions may be streamed in or out of the Conference venue. Topics for interactive, hands-on workshops are also welcome (typically half-day sessions). Speakers will receive an honorarium, plus appropriate expenses and complimentary Conference registration. In early 2017, speakers will submit content for inclusion in a syllabus.
Please submit your proposals by e-mail. Include your full name, mailing address, telephone number, e-mail address, website address (if applicable) and biographical information including recent speaking credits. For each proposal, please provide a unique title, a summary of your presentation (250 words maximum), the intended audience (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and your A/V requirements. Multiple proposals are encouraged.
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS: 15 FEBRUARY, 2016
To submit proposals or ask questions, please contact the Conference 2017 Program Committee at: program.conference2017@ogs.on.ca.
For more information about OGS or Ottawa Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca or www.ogsottawa.on.ca.


Keep in mind, with the Canadian dollar at a crap-tastic low, our beautiful country should be considered prime territory for your genea-tourism!
CA-NA-DA!




Yes, The Asterisks Mean Something

PS. If you're not on this little list and you think you should be, chances are I still consider you too big a genea-celeb and I'm too shy to name you as a friend. LOL






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