Rules of Camp

What I’ve seen of long-winded genealogy newsletters makes my brain tingle and toes go numb. So, I thought I’d handle all introductions, ground rules, etc. here.

I’d be the last person, a couple years ago, to predict I’d get so immersed in this stuff that I’d put together something like this. But as fate and countless late nights would have it, I’m fascinated. And I’ve turned up a lot of neat stuff I’m figuring may fascinate you, too. Hence: this.

What this will be:

A series of blogs, some of which may be compiled into a longer “newsletter” — because blogs are easier to read, and can come with photos that won’t swamp your computer or email program.

Semi-irregular — I do have a day job, after all, and a family to gaze at instead of my computer.

Largely in story form — I kind of loathe genealogy “publications” with their countless lists and dates and tortured phrases. I’m not out to bombard you with information. I want what I send to focus on a theme and share some information that will illustrate, not inundate.

A recurring invitation — (to my family) to go on Geni.com and Ancestry.com and share what you know about our ancestors, as well as pictures, documents, stories, etc.

What it won’t be:

A comprehensive outline of our ancestors — again, let’s save that for the software that can handle it. The sites I use at Geni.com and Ancestry each can display family trees far better than I can illustrate them in text.

A tutorial on how to use Geni.com — the site is quite navigable and intuitive all on its own. Sign on and check it out.

A genealogy how-to. Again, plenty of resources out there on the net for that. But, hey, read a few posts, and check out my Sources page, and you’re bound to pick up on the way I do things. In short, a lot of curiosity, a compulsion for thorough confirmation, and an impulse for sharing what I find — in (virtual) print and in person with family.

How you can help:

Mainly, by reading, when you have a chance. And commenting, if the mood strikes you. And adding your memories and mementos to Geni.com.

If you feel a serious writing Jones, feel free to contact me about submitting a guest post.

I’m not doing this because I feel ownership over my family’s history — though I do take pride in and stand by the research I’ve done. I’m fairly confident that much of it is accurate. However: I’m open to assistance, suggestions, tips — whatever you’ve got to share.

Just pay me the courtesy of shooting me an email or giving me a call before going in and changing dates, names, places, etc. You very well could be right — and I thank you for that!

Now let’s start some conversations.