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From: Janis L Gilmore <>
Subject: Re: [TGF] Report writing (was Pro bono in South Carolina)
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:48:37 -0700
In-Reply-To: <00d201c9a2c3$912c1ec0$b3845c40$@com>


Thanks, Elissa.

If I were planning to take paying clients, I would wait a year or two to
make this application. I may take clients at some point, but I hesitate to
accept payment for research when our family business continues to take so
much time.

I don't want to accept commissions, and find myself not in a position to
deliver in a timely manner. While that remains an issue for pro bono work,
it is less so, at least.

Regardless of what happens with my CG application, the pursuit of my
genealogical education has been completely, deeply, and satisfyingly
rewarding.

(And now, back to my recreational perusal of NARA's Reference Information
Paper 109, on military service records....) <g>

Janis




On 3/11/09 8:35 PM, "Elissa Scalise Powell, CG" <>
wrote:

> Janis,
> When I certified as a CGRS (Certified Genealogical Records Specialist) in
> 1995, the requirements were a bit different. (They have been since
> streamlined and consolidated to one credential of CG.) In 1995 I had to
> submit 4 client reports. So I went to my drawer and chose 5 that I had
> written and liked and wrote to each client for permission to use (4 plus a
> backup). That part was easy for me because I had been taking clients for 5
> years before I applied for certification. Through them I was able to show a
> breadth of knowledge and report styles although there were not as many
> formal training opportunities or guides like there are now.
>
> Nowadays there are many models you can view on the BCG website, in the BCG
> Genealogical Standard Manual, Professional Genealogy, and in actual
> portfolios at the BCG booth at major conferences.
>
> Good luck on the pro bono work. It can be fun and rewarding -- and as you
> said stretches your skills


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