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Archiver > APG > 2001-02 > 0982211398


From: "Mills" <>
Subject: [APG] Certification requirements
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 22:29:58 -0600


Natalie wrote:
> I'll have to wait for the perfect 'receptive to the idea,' and fairly
well-seated
> client to come along *and* then hope that their family research would be
> something that would make a reasonable presentation in the certification
that
> I want to pursue.

Natalie, after posting my response to your main question, I had shut down
e-mail and gone back to "real work." But I kept thinking about the statement
above and decided to add something more.

>From the postings you have made on this list over the past couple of years,
I've formed an impression of you as a highly ethical and competent
researcher who sincerely wants to give your clients the best service
possible. (And Christine, who also posted a query tonight, is someone I
personally know and personally *know* to have the same qualities -- although
her "clients" are library patrons, readers, and audiences.) Yet you point
out your hope for that "perfect" client who can provide you with a showcase
opportunity.

There are a lot of good professionals in our field whom we could say the
same about. Speaking for myself, not BCG, I really hate to see someone put
off making that dream a reality, while they wait for the day that perfection
happens -- 'cause it just ain't gonna!

I know that the thought of being "judged" is intimidating. It's humbling to
have someone -- *three* someones, no less! -- point out whatever warts they
see in our work. But we all have those warts. I've been certified for 25
years. I've edited "the" national society's journal for 14 of those years.
Each issue I send to press is a very public example of my work. I feel that
every one the society's 18,000 subscribers deserve perfection, but I've long
since given up hope that I'll put out a perfect issue. And it is indeed a
humbling experience when 18,000 people judge that issue and see whatever
warts I let slide through. But the fact is that I'll never have the perfect
combination of articles, of the perfect length, all exhibiting the highest
quality research, with exquisite editing on my part &c &c &c.

So what does all this have to do with certification? Well, the Board hasn't
decertified me for my warts <g> -- although some of them do get pointed out
every 5 years when I have to submit a portfolio for that renewal evaluation.

Please don't wait, Natalie, for the day that all the stars align and a
chorus of angels sing "Gloria in Excelsis! You're gonna knock the judges'
socks off!" <g>

Elizabeth

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