Avoiding common research pitfalls -- a gentle reminder

A brief but insightful article on al.com out of the Press-Register Community News, "Avoiding pitfalls in genealogical research," identifies a number of common mistakes made by beginning and genealogy researchers alike. The article lists it source, and -- It's good to be reminded

Photos as documentation? Maybe not . . .

We've all had the urge, no doubt, at some point, to completely erase a chapter of our lives or make a few tidy changes to the past. We now have that power, it seems, but at what cost? The article, "Photoshop vs. history," on seattlepi.com discusses the practice altering photos using modern image-editing software and thereby altering history. Is it revisionist history or something more? Revisionist history is the revision of history based on new information or the reinterpretation of existing information. Given the types of manipulations, the question becomes, what can you trust? As the article suggests it's "just a tad scary -- to contemplate the possibility that many of the tangible artifacts our civilization leaves behind may prove to be, well, lies."

To be or not to be - FamilySearch and its commercial partnerships

On About.com, this week Kimberly Powell discussed the prevailing angst regarding FamilySearch partnering with various commercial affiliates and what that might mean to the traditionally free access to FamilySearch records the public has come to rely on. On the surface it appears the data will remain free even if the associated images may require a fee, but there appear to be a few other caveats, as well.

The right to privacy vs freedom of information -- respect is key

Genealogists may be confronted by certain legal issues in the gathering of family history information. It's important for researchers to be aware of the issues and respect the concerns, at the same time working toward demonstrating responsible use of information acquired and shared. In his article, "The Law and Genealogy," Alan Smith explores specific areas of potential conflict.

Be aware of genealogy scam tactics

Always a good reminder, Kimberly's Genealogy Blog on About.com, zeros in on "How to Identify Genealogy Scams." For researchers, its worth taking the time to become familiar with the tactics, quite often charging you for information that is readily available OR charging to lead to sources that you could find easily on your own or through legitimate, free resources.

Traditional genealogy societies struggle to survive

An article on About.com, "Save Your Genealogy Society - Become Involved!," explores the problems facing genealogical societies today and encourages participation. Learn more about this issue and what you can do to help support these institutions that we have relied on so heavily in the past.