APG-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Keeping Online Genealogy Free
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 11:34:05 EDT

To all:
Sharon makes some very good points in distinguishing between "Free genealogy"
and "freely available genealogy material." This, it seems to me, is a very
important distinction that has gradually become lost in the shuffle. While I
am delighted when other people have done the tedious search through piles of
dusty records and indexed them or abstracted them so that I can easily find
references to my ancestors, thereby shortcutting my work, I do not expect to
be given a published book of that tedious search for free. I expect to pay
for that effort - just as I expect some cost involved when that tedious
search shows up on the internet.

Why in the world should genealogy be any different than any other endeavor -
work expects a reward. And while it would be wonderful if each of us worked
hard just for the reward of work well done, I don't expect that utopia to be
reached in my lifetime - not in the lifetime of any of my living descendants!

And that's my soapbox oration for the day.....
Marie




In a message dated 00-07-11 08:55:35 EDT, Sharon Sergean writes:

Hello,
I would personally like to see professional genealogists comment on the
distinction between "free genealogy", "freely available genealogy material
and
services" and the realistic costs involved in records preservation, access
and education.

It concerns me that this phrase "free genealogy" continues. The genealogy
community of professionals are particularly aware of what kinds of issues are
involved in balancing pro bono work with running a business and earning a
living, as well as the realities of the funds required for records
preservation and access.

I do not like to see the idea of "free genealogy" skimming over all of hard
work and personal contributions of a small number of individuals to
continue
unrealistic expectations. "Rights and responsibilities" go hand in hand.

In particular, online genealogy is not free. I work in the internet router
and
remote access vendor business. The billions of dollars invested in the
internet infrastructure are expected to return a profit - nomatter what the
product is.

thanks,
Sharon Sergeant
http://bostonstates.rootsweb.com

This thread:

• [APG] Keeping Online Genealogy Free for All by "Wenner, Susan" <>
  • [APG] Keeping Online Genealogy Free by Sharon Sergeant <>

  • Re: [APG] Keeping Online Genealogy Free by <>