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READERS' FEEDBACK: Selfish
"researchers"
See original column:
http://www.dearmyrtle.com/05/0815.htm
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From: <Akmgenie@aol.com>
DearMYRTLE,
Loved that article. I know sometimes we need help, but I see some asking for
lookups and materials that they can easily do themselves. They don't want to
take the time to learn how to do research the old fashion way. Guess I have been
at this too long and am getting grumpy. Anne.
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From: <BetteMaier@cs.com>
DearMYRTLE,
Maybe if Ancestry.com. and some others hadn't become so greedy with outrageous
charges this wouldn't happen.
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From: nharamija <nharamija@wowway.com>
DearMYRTLE,
You make a good argument the first half of your newsletter, but the second half
does a disserves to the aged and those on small fixed income. I do like you
newsletter but do not blanket everyone by the actions of a few. Nick.
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From: Sharyn Hay <meow8@verizon.net>
DearMYRTLE,
Thank you, Myrt, for saying what a lot of us feel.
I am very willing to help newbies and the clueless with a few initial lookups to
get them started. However, at the same time I explain to them what they need to
do next, where and how to do it. Sometimes when they request subscription
service lookups they are just playing 'follow the leader' and think it's OK
because they see others do it. I give them the benefit of the doubt and try to
instruct them.
But, there is another category of people who make these requests. It is very
common to read "I'm elderly, disabled, poor, have no transportation, etc. . . ."
with the implication of "please spend YOUR hard-earned money and do my research
for me." I feel sad for their situation but I don't feel it is the
responsibility of the genealogical community to do their research.
After a few initial lookups to get them started, I point them toward free and
low-cost resources, suggest they contact their local genealogical society, and
recommend they check out the free and low cost classes given by senior centers
and community recreation centers. This is a hobby that is supposed to be fun but
it is not inexpensive. If someone cannot afford to do genealogy then they need
to get creative and find those free and low-cost resources or ask their family
and friends to give them genealogy-related gifts for special occasions.
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