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Archiver > APG > 1999-12 > 0944580779


From: Michael Neill <>
Subject: [APG] seal, web site, conferences, etc.
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 09:32:59 -0600


IMHO-

SEAL

I'm warming up to this idea. However I do think a lot of groundwork needs to
be laid on this topic and there are a number of issues to resolve. There are
many interesting concerns, one of which is handling an accurate
transcription of a source that is known to be riddled with accuracies.

WEB SITE

This idea has merit as well and may easily work until the "seal" idea can be
more formalized. It would allow for a more informal discussion of
difficulties faced and would be more of a constant "work in progress." If
initiated, this site should not focus solely on "digital" media. However,
there are some difficulties with this idea that would need to be dealt with

a) does anyone have control over what is posted?
b) how can objectionable or obviously incorrect posts be removed?
c) we most likely want to eliminate posts that are non-ojective or indicate
a lack of understanding of either the source or basic methodology.
d) who will make these decisions?
e) will posts be screened?

My postings on French-Canadian materials may be witty (that's debatable
too), but not on the mark as my knowledge of that area is scant. In a
similar vein if someone does not know a patent from a quitclaim, there
comments on land records may be suspect.

We don't want to necessarily censor anyone, but opening the site up to each
and every individual post may cause difficulties. No matter what is done,
someone will end up irritated or mad (if they don't we should patent and
market the approach <grin!.). Pointing out known errors or inadequacies may
serve us all in good stead. However, this site must be marketed and promoted
in order for it to have any efficacy at all. Chad's recent post addressed
some of these issues.

CONFERENCES/KIDS

It is especially difficult for younger genealogists to attend conferences a
distance away, especially when there are young children and the other spouse
is NOT a genealogy enthusiast. At national conferences daycare may not be
the answer or be entirely practical, but at smaller local conferences, it
might work---I'm not certain. Groups may wish to explore this option, but
would then have to effectively market it to potential attendees.

A one-day conference might have a separate "track" for children of a certain
age range. There are activities that could be geared towards children that
have some genealogical relevance. This would require more work and planning
than usual however. There are activities one could do with maps, and a
variety of social study skills (math skills too---had to throw that in
there!)

Another approach might work for national conferences and would take less
intense planning. In conference promotional material, list attractions that
might be useful to parents of young children. Might it even be possible to
have the "bus" go to these places? Maybe not every hour, but a couple of
times a day. Just some ideas.... When I spoke in Omaha, we got on the net
and learned of several attractions for children, including a children's
museum and the zoo. My wife and daughters visited these facilities while I
lectured.

I realize that some probably prefer to not have children at a conference and
I agree they don't need to be running around all over or being disruptive
during a lecture or presentation and they do need to be behaved. However, I
have upon occasion had to ask adults to be quiet during a lecture so I could
hear the presentation. They were over 70 and their parents were not present!

Michael

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