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Archiver > APG > 2009-04 > 1241118109


From: Langdon <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Ancestry.com Expert Connect
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:01:49 -0700 (PDT)


--- On Wed, 4/29/09, <> wrote:

Eileen wrote:
>this Expert Connect service not only does a disservice to credentialed
genealogists, it does a disservice to the innocent subscribers who will make
use of it.>

I agree.
Ancestry has spent years and a lot of money developing their reputation.  It is the place to get “generations added to your family tree in just minutes”.   That is the reputation they sought. They also earned the reputation of rushing to put up bad work. I’d like to think that APG has spent years trying to develop its own unique identity and good reputation.  We have separate and different expectations for each organization. Ancestry provides data bases and family trees, but doesn’t do this task at all well.  What Ancestry does is not *genealogy*, as even most hobbyists know.  When people want to do look-ups in the 1850 census, they go to Ancestry. When they decide that they want a quality genealogy, an analysis of the census, or just the assurance of knowing that a data base or record has been searched well, they hopefully will go to a professional.  I joined APG because I thought it was fostering an understanding about the difference
between adding to the family tree and real genealogy.
 
For APG to now participate in Ancestry’s latest scheme to increase its own revenue will completely erase years of trying to convince the public that there is a difference between collecting questionable data and producing a family history. Since the reputation of Ancestry, whether earned or not, is that it suits the needs of those who want to throw together a family tree in a few hours, doesn’t it stand to reason that genealogists who associate themselves with Ancestry will be painted with the same brush?  IMHO, any professional participating in Ancestry’s scheme will be damaging his own reputation, that of APG, the profession of genealogy, and even the field of non-professional genealogy.  The idea also reeks of desperation, and leaves one wondering why these genealogists aren’t getting work from more legitimate venues.
 
Membership in APG doesn’t guarantee that a genealogist is experienced or good.  Neither does a license or certification, which tests skills, not commitment.  Membership does suggest that members are interested in producing quality work.  If APG works with Ancestry, or even lends it any credibility, it will certainly blur the line between real genealogy, and pseudo genealogy and family trees.  I can see how Ancestry will benefit, but APG will be destroying itself.  
 
Langdon Hagen-Long
Virginia Beach
 

 
 

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