tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851868154073731740.post3079305633447555109..comments2023-12-23T02:45:37.892-06:00Comments on GenBlog: Some People Just Aren’t Cut Out for Genealogy ResearchJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09699560976080566224noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851868154073731740.post-90868562330959983312013-03-08T13:55:43.537-06:002013-03-08T13:55:43.537-06:00@Peanut Butter - Thanks for your comment and under...@Peanut Butter - Thanks for your comment and understanding.Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09699560976080566224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851868154073731740.post-6611658476918447582013-03-08T04:31:07.535-06:002013-03-08T04:31:07.535-06:00Hard truths are necessary. I think the post author...Hard truths are necessary. I think the post author is talking about people who simply and truly have no aptitude for critical thinking whatsoever, rather than apt folks who are pursuing genealogy without formal edu (you don't need formal edu to master some things). <br /><br />The genealogy junk info issue is alive and well. My husband's grandmother asked if I could research her dead husband's ancestors, since I work for one of the larger genealogy depositories & am known as a sleuth. <br /><br />I wasted 2 weeks following incorrect leads before finding a correct ancestor, and am still searching for evidence and truths after hitting a brick wall. Even though my evidence stops cold, I've seen dozens of genealogists online who have published continuations of the same tree with NO evidence AT ALL. Often, I've thought to myself: "this is very obviously not a connection...How could this person not only think this were legitimate, but have published this online?"<br /><br />For years my in-laws perpetuated a fable that they were descended from Robert E. Lee. After many incorrect leads and wasted hours, I discovered they are not of the Virginia Lees (but of some other obscure line). There are hundreds of other neo-genealogists who go through the same muck I just went through, due to dozens of genealogists posting false info with no sources or evidence. <br /><br /> I presented this info to my in laws with scientific method style, no-question proof and sources for every single step and connection. Most were ambivalent, but my SIL was offended because she'd encouraged her 10-yr-old to brag about the false ancestry at school. <br /><br />After I showed her the censuses, vital records, cemetery records, photographs, and LEE DNA bank, she still asked "then why would my grandmother tell me this?" Evidence means nothing to some people; they simple don't understand its purpose or value.<br /><br />Now my SIL is planning on doing genealogy research on her grandmother's lines (the one who asked me to research her dead husband). <br /><br />This woman is one of the dullest people I've ever met. She repeated 10th grade 3 times then dropped out of high school. When she found out her grandmother's mother was from Germany, she thought she was related to Hitler. When her phone broke, she thought it was the government spying on her. She has the comprehension and reading level of an 8th grader, cannot write proper English grammar and cannot follow a simple recipe in a cookbook. She was born to wealthy parents and accorded privileges the majority never experience; not even poverty can account for her deficiencies. Intelligence IS genetic.<br /><br /> The idea of the possible info atrocities she might add to the already murky online genealogy info pool is frightening. I hope (and expect) she'll give up after trying interpreting her first census document. <br /><br />This post is not labeling anyone or judging anyone, IMO. People who are not sharp are not cut out for rigorous investigation and research. Some people can't figure out things that may seem very basic, no matter how slow you speak or how many ways you try to illustrate a basic concept. <br /><br />Those with low critical thinking and comprehension skills should not attempt this sort of undertaking, which, professional or not, involves a considerable level of analytical ability, just as those without the aptitude could not hope to succeed in math or the sciences.<br />Peanut Butternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851868154073731740.post-69532048795178841962012-11-29T21:52:59.955-06:002012-11-29T21:52:59.955-06:00Kenneth,
I appreciate your comment and you make s...Kenneth,<br /><br />I appreciate your comment and you make some great points...I will be sure to check out your post during my blog reading time later tonight.<br /><br />You're right, it sounded harsh. I took a tongue-in-cheek approach hoping to lighten a cruddy situation, and perhaps this was not the right approach. I was just trying to make the point that not everyone can do research (any kind) it's just not their thing. Just like I can't be a mathematician, a classical pianist, or a football coach. Try as I might, I may pick up a few things, but I will never be good at any of those things because I don't have the aptitude for them.<br /><br />And you're also right that my approach may be discouraging. I just felt like people needed to be aware that the research part is not as easy as some people make it seem (I'm not talking about the people who are simply collecting and preserving memories, photographs, and artifacts or those working on a health history or some other small project that doesn't require actual research). And that if they're struggling, it could be because the research part is not their forte--I also said this was OK and gave suggestions for how they can make it work and the other great ways they CAN contribute.<br /><br />And perhaps I wasn't clear in my intent for writing what I wrote...I guess I never put it in context. I get very frustrated in the world of genealogy for two reasons (neither of which have to do with my brick walls). First, I get frustrated at the people who claim to be genealogists and their only contribution is a messed up tree put together by other messed up trees...and mind you some of these people offer "professional" services to others! In the former, yes, it's a matter of exploration and education and some move out of that stage...but in the latter case, yikes...that can make everyone look bad.<br /><br />But the biggest frustration I have is when you see first-hand people struggling. When you are trying to help someone and they themselves are frustrated because they can't even grasp seemingly simple concepts. It's sad...they just don't get it, and no one seems to be able to help them. You try different learning methods, and nothing...they simply just don't have the aptitude for the research part. But heck, they can tell one hell of a story! Sometimes I see them get the storytelling epiphany and they switch gears to focus on that. Other times, I see them so passionate about the research part and the yearning to know more but they just can't do it and they ultimately quit. That's sad to see and it frustrates me. What's worse is they want the help (a good thing) so they can do it themselves, but when they pass their line of frustration, they up and quit. I wish they'd allow other people to help by actually doing some of the work for them, and letting the focus on the things they're good at and make it a collaborative effort instead of walking away.<br /><br />Finally (and this is not directed at you, Kenneth--but I am tired of trying to get my response across in 140 <br />characters so I'm posting it here), I NEVER said that people shouldn't do genealogy, I only said that some people aren't cut out for genealogy research (research being the operative word) and I hope that this response helps to reenforce that.<br /><br />JulieJuliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09699560976080566224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851868154073731740.post-33382810146425547492012-11-29T20:20:34.775-06:002012-11-29T20:20:34.775-06:00Kenneth,
I removed the comment that had the incor...Kenneth,<br /><br />I removed the comment that had the incorrect link...not sure what that was going to. Thanks for reposting the entire comment with the correct link. I will respond to you comment shortly.<br /><br />JulieJuliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09699560976080566224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851868154073731740.post-49709565547013605312012-11-29T19:23:07.833-06:002012-11-29T19:23:07.833-06:00(reposted - bad link)
Julie,
I have just read an...(reposted - bad link)<br /> Julie,<br /><br />I have just read and re-read your post 3 times, just to make sure I understood what you are saying. Although I disagree with your reasoning and won't "go there" - here's my issue and it is summed up by an article that I wrote this morning <a href="http://www.theancestorhunt.com/1/post/2012/11/stop-labeling-people-now.html" rel="nofollow">STOP Labeling People - NOW</a>, before I read your post.<br /><br />As researchers with experience, we need to recognize that the newer researchers are intimidated as all get out by these type of articles, and many over the past year that pass judgment on them. Whether one thinks so or not, they feel bashed, stupid, and not worthy to be involved in this very rewarding endeavor.<br /><br />Therefore, in my opinion, even though it might make one feel good about stating what one thinks about the capabilities of new researchers, it is dangerous.<br /><br />What gives one the right to criticize these folks in what is taken as a harsh way?<br /><br />What benefit is it to express these views other than to take advantage of free speech?<br /><br />Is it our right to turn off a new researcher so that they stop researching because they feel that the "experts" are saying that they are doing it wrong?<br /><br />In my view - this has to stop - Now.<br /><br />Has anyone who reads this had a loud argument with their spouse and scared the hell out of their kids with that argument?<br /><br />Well - the kids are listening and they aren't feelin too good and don't know what to do about it. <br /><br />Again - this criticism has got to stop. NOW. Its serves no useful purpose.<br /><br />Kenneth<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kenneth R Markshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04400304978312375414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2851868154073731740.post-44995017584762244182012-11-29T19:19:49.115-06:002012-11-29T19:19:49.115-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Kenneth R Markshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04400304978312375414noreply@blogger.com