GenMassachusetts-L Archives

From:
Subject: [GM-L] New Online Genealogy Enthusiasts
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 20:09:32 -0800

Got this from a different list and thought I would pass it on...


Hi Everyone,

"Tis the season" has many meanings...when using the Internet, it also
means..."Tis the season to be inundated with the clueless." :-) It is
that
time of year once again...when suddenly there is an influx of new online
genealogy enthusiasts with their Christmas gift, first computer...that is
usually newer and faster than what most of the rest of us already have
and
they will be hopping right online. Many of these people are new to
computers, genealogy, and the Internet. For a great many of these
"newbies"...it will be their first time online.

As you become more expert, be patient as others first learn to paddle,
then
swim, and then surf the Mailing List. Please be extra patient with all
"newbies" to the maillist. Also, avoid jargon, because the "newbies"
need
to understand your messages too. Remember that we all started out on the
Internet with little knowledge of how things worked. Please take this
into
consideration in advance and be helpful to these "newbies." Be an
active
participant in teaching them. Sometimes people just need for someone to
take them under their wing and help them learn. If you aren't able to
help...please remember...that is what the delete key is for. Of course
there will be errors. People are only human! Everyone was new
once...nobody is born knowing everything. If someone has enough
enthusiasm
to post a message in the first place, then they can learn...and be
taught.
Gently...the way friends are made. I don't want anyone to have hurt
feelings. Most people quickly learn but there will be a few that won't,
just like anything else. Everyone has to start somewhere! :-)

If things get out of hand, please let me know but also remember that I am
behind the scenes taking care of the problems. Just remember, one of
these
new subscribers might hold the clue you have been searching for! Let us
not
discourage them before they have a chance to learn how genealogy,
computers,
Mailing Lists, Message Boards, and the Internet work.

I would like also to take this time to wish each of you and yours a
blessed
Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Happy Holidays! :-) Thanks, Mike

*************************

Michael G. McManness, a Jayhawk through and through, eating, sleeping,
breathing, and bleeding Crimson and Blue near the University of Kansas.
Family genealogist and research historian. "Character may be manifested
in
the great moments, but it is made in the small ones." --- Phillip Brooks

*************************



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