tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post5587634999553980256..comments2023-10-26T07:37:27.825-05:00Comments on Our Tree Became A Forest: Skip Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918735417131997475noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-17480377524385839712013-09-02T12:39:07.577-05:002013-09-02T12:39:07.577-05:00The work you have done and continue to do for the ...The work you have done and continue to do for the genealogy community speaks for itself Skip. Your gift of time and talent is priceless and very appreciated. When I use the word "professional" I use it as an adjective, not a noun. How one conducts themselves -whether taking on clients for pay or doing research for a volunteer project. The alphabet soup of postnomials do not define "professional" behaviour. <br /><br />It is very scary go to your first conference by oneself. But what you come away with after attending is well worth it.Sheri Fenleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01720122119370691488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-38166439047950071602013-08-19T16:12:22.620-05:002013-08-19T16:12:22.620-05:00Greetings Skip,
I thoroughly enjoyed your article...Greetings Skip,<br /><br />I thoroughly enjoyed your article, it reminded me of my recent experience with some wonderful people with pretty letters behind their names. <br /><br />I was so intimidated in asking them for a recommendation for a research fellowship I almost didn't ask. When I did contact them they were very supportive of my proposal and my research. <br /><br />After I read the recommendations for the first time as a "non-professional" researcher I felt my work mattered and it was acceptable to people I have longed admired who took time out of their busy schedules to help me reach another level.<br /><br />I didn't get the fellowship but the recognition from the two PHd's was (for the time being) reward enough.<br /><br />Clearly you have found positive feedback in the work you do and at the end of the day, you will receive your reward or as the "African Proverb" states, "if doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger!"Terry LIGONhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07984215829377154156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-31175632401677842012013-08-18T19:43:12.125-05:002013-08-18T19:43:12.125-05:00Skip--I can relate. The negative genealogy experie...Skip--I can relate. The negative genealogy experiences I've had have all been at the hands of so called pros (with pretty little letters behind their names). <br /><br />One experience was bad enough and made me mad enough that I filed a complaint with the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Since they investigated my complaint, I can only surmise that it had merit. <br /><br />I've sat thru more than a few uncomfortable board meetings where CGs in particular have targeted some poor soul...mostly successful genealogists who don't have letters. The challenge, insult, and belittle their efforts. It makes for long board meetings. <br /><br />If business is the concern of pros, then perhaps they should look at their behavior. Frankly, at this point, when I find out that someone has the letters behind their name, it causes me to pause and move with caution. <br /><br />Unfortunately for true pros (with or without letters!), the actions of petulant people with letters goes a long way toward wiping out the good will that true pros try to build. I'm happily surprised when I find I'm dealing with a true pro. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-12898743921493808902013-08-18T19:35:41.552-05:002013-08-18T19:35:41.552-05:00Wow! All I can say is I had no idea...all the peop...Wow! All I can say is I had no idea...all the people in the sandbox I play with have been fantastic, and I am SO SORRY for the cruel and hateful manner in which you were treated! But I whole-heartedly agree with everything you said! <br /><br />My husband has worked at the VA Hospital for 26 years, first in Northampton, MA and now in Asheville, NC. All the men in our families, both sides (except my husband who serves his country's veterans daily) have been in the military: Army, Air Force, Navy and even Marines. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK in assisting to locate veterans' families!!! That work is much needed and a real blessing to the families, I am sure!<br /><br />I am currently in the process of earning my BCG credentials...not because I want to be a "pro," but because when I tried to apply to graduate school, none of my professors still living (class of 1983) remembered my work well enough to write me a letter of recommendation. I desire to earn a dual Masters of Library Science and Archives & Records Management so I might get a better job outside of Food Service Management before the job cripples me...or just drives me nuts. I promise to always maintain the integrity and civility I must demonstrate on a daily basis with the public and my employees.<br /><br />And on a side note...I wonder if those "pros" who treated you badly are also treating their friendly neighborhood deli associates just as distastefully?!?<br /><br />Again, thank you, Skip, for your honesty, humility & integrity. If it weren't for Thomas MacEntee, I would never have known about your blog. I think now you have a new follower!Debra Newton-Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05234528123525258645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-62396687912580430522013-08-18T19:30:16.276-05:002013-08-18T19:30:16.276-05:00Skip,
I had no idea this was going on. I had not...Skip,<br /><br />I had no idea this was going on. I had not experienced this.<br /><br />All I know is when I met you, you greeted me with open arms and passed a lot of knowledge on as did the other's that I meet through knowing you.<br /><br />As I said on another person's posting, labels do not define who you are. We are each different in what we bring to others and are not a "label".<br /><br />I am not saying to that we should not go for the degrees / initials after our names if that is the path you want to go but if you choose not to that is okay also.<br /><br />Those who define themselves with a "label" and who feel that they are separate from those who do not have it are not reaching their full potential as to who they are and how others see them.<br /><br />When you isolate yourself in this manner, you miss all of the wonderful human beings there are out there who could enhance your life not detract from it.<br /><br />I remember a quote from a movie [not sure which one] but they said "they are not better than me, we are just different in the path's we are moving on"<br /><br />We all have the different paths that we journey and it is who we meet along the way that guides us forward [even for those of us who seem to like the path backward :) ].<br /><br />So, I am glad you have moved on along your path and are leaving the road blocks behind. Maybe you will meet them again on a future path, and maybe not but just remember, it is who YOU are inside that matters, and what YOU MEAN to US. <br /><br />To Me, the only "label" I apply to you is Friend.<br /><br />Debi DisserStarwalkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357435579319968545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-57071213125226582792013-08-18T17:58:34.299-05:002013-08-18T17:58:34.299-05:00I am a genealogist, I have no credentials, am not ...I am a genealogist, I have no credentials, am not interested in getting them because I feel at my age it would be a waste of time. I need that time to research and learn new ways to research.<br />I am always willing to help people in starting or continuing their work on their own tree, and I know that I have helped. This is a feeling that no one can take from you, though I must admit that I have also had a few comments made over the years.<br />Thank you so much for your blog, it has enabled me to keep going in my NY research. I am studying on how negative proof can actually prove something, even though there is no paper evidence.<br />Shirley Becker in CA.Shirley Beckerhttp://clancywrightgenealogy.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-84311201766336012292013-08-18T16:12:22.042-05:002013-08-18T16:12:22.042-05:00So glad that you are a fighter, Skip, and even hap...So glad that you are a fighter, Skip, and even happier that you are able to rise above it! Wish I had known what you were going through at the time.<br /><br />When people complain that amateurs are "taking their jobs", I'm never sure which jobs they are talking about. The people I help wouldn't go to a professional anyway! I'm also not sure how we give them a bad name...wonder what that name is? Would like to know so I could call them by name should we ever meet.<br /><br />I always said that the best revenge was to be happy & successful at what you love.<br /><br />Hugs...Terry ElliottTrailer T. Guruhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02678700009405074690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-40134238542300704892013-08-18T13:55:09.865-05:002013-08-18T13:55:09.865-05:00All I can say is Wow! I guess I have been lucky no...All I can say is Wow! I guess I have been lucky not to have had an experience such as yours. Thank you for sharing your experiences, and I hope those guilty parties will read and see themselves for what they truly are.Beverly Normanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11757691288977028005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-43633151127838197012013-08-18T13:47:57.904-05:002013-08-18T13:47:57.904-05:00Skip --
Thank you for writing. It has to have bee...Skip --<br /><br />Thank you for writing. It has to have been hard to write and even harder to live through. I'm seconding what Pat and Randy said. I have escaped the many kinds of bad treatment you describe -- even though I have asked some pretty prominent people some pretty dumb questions (not that I knew it then!) and always got unfailingly polite and helpful responses. It sounds like you will stand up for yourself next time, and that's good. The vast majority of us, both professional and un, wish you well. -- HaroldHarold Hendersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12217640113047709249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-66246931307263646222013-08-18T12:15:02.508-05:002013-08-18T12:15:02.508-05:00Amazing! Thank you so much for the bravery and ins...Amazing! Thank you so much for the bravery and insight! I have never had this specific experience but have gotten some odd vibes at conferences from a few of the upper crust, but thought it was my imagination - I tend to be a bit of a research wall flower until my social media button gets switched on so I blame no one but myself. However, you have inspired me to branch out more at conferences! I like the challenge of breaking free from the birds of a feather mentality! Btw, I know a few ultra professional genealogists who are incredibly experienced and knowledgeable in the field...provide top notch services....never became certified and yet never want for lack of work! They are booked all the time because people recognize honesty, hard work, expertise, and professionalism. They are also kind and supportive to others of many research levels. Jerks exist in every field regardless of education or lack thereof....by spending their time and efforts criticizing the valuable work of volunteers they convey their obvious lack of clients...and we all know why! I wish you could publish names so we could avoid these pseudo professionals who don't have a clue what it means to be a professional or a genealogist! Don't give up on your passion! There are more of us around to support you than criticize! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14700942096676683769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-69640541755608533822013-08-18T05:59:39.850-05:002013-08-18T05:59:39.850-05:00Family Tree combines intuitive tools with robust f...Family Tree combines intuitive tools with robust features and flexible options, making it ideal for family history novices and experts alike. A dynamic user interface and integration with <a href="www.efamilytree.org" rel="nofollow">Family Tree</a> makes it simple to create family trees.kashihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03474246764949721351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-27361021012651521452013-08-18T04:40:04.137-05:002013-08-18T04:40:04.137-05:00I wish I could figure out how to reply to individu...I wish I could figure out how to reply to individual comments! The amount of people who are being supportive and sharing their kind thoughts are shining examples of all the GOOD people in genealogy! <br /><br />My Mom used to marvel at my ability to "attract the crazy people in the world" and yet, seem to always end up being tied to "the kindest people on earth". I appreciate ALL the kind people so much!!!!<br /><br />Hugs to you all.<br />~ SKipSkip Murrayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09918735417131997475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-43062899712560880882013-08-17T23:56:13.134-05:002013-08-17T23:56:13.134-05:00Skip, thank you for sharing your experiences and f...Skip, thank you for sharing your experiences and feelings about this. I appreciate your honesty and wish you all the best as you continue to work in genealogy what YOU want to do and feel called to do. <br /><br />In my experience since being exposed to the lettered folks since I started my blog, I've never had an experience like you described. Just lucky, I guess. I haven't worked directly for or with a lettered person, and in my dealings at conferences and at local societies have been shown respect and received advice when I asked for it. <br /><br />I am a bit surprised that you've had so many negative experiences, and am amazed that you've hung in there throughout. I admire you and your attitude.Randy Seaverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17477703429102065294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-90831395425590188272013-08-17T23:56:01.907-05:002013-08-17T23:56:01.907-05:00Dear Skip,
I had simply no idea this sort of thing...Dear Skip,<br />I had simply no idea this sort of thing is going on. I find this simply incredible. Glad the majority of genealogists (with or without pretty initials after their name) are mighty fine people. <br /><br />It literally turns my stomach to imagine how you felt widen even one of these incidents happened.<br /><br />Please accept gentle hugs, and know that you are loved, appreciated and respected!<br /><br />Ol' MyrtDearMYRTLEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15684472865240981715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-66152815944637370162013-08-17T21:06:31.660-05:002013-08-17T21:06:31.660-05:00I think Sylvester McMonkey McBean, the fix it up c...I think Sylvester McMonkey McBean, the fix it up chappie has got an opportunity here...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-69548092279192446082013-08-17T19:54:00.617-05:002013-08-17T19:54:00.617-05:00WOW! All I can say, is I wish I had written this!...WOW! All I can say, is I wish I had written this! I certainly am going to take your advice and just go on with my own genealogy (and a few friends). I have been feeling pretty useless the last couple of years. I think I will even start volunteering again. I just might help someone! ~smiles~ <br /><br />Thank you Skip, for helping me see one of the reasons I have been struggling to get back involved with my research, which I have always loved.<br /><br />~KristineFocus Grandma! FOCUS!!https://www.blogger.com/profile/10713483586735157420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321487812009798011.post-22232954966798772222013-08-17T19:52:30.166-05:002013-08-17T19:52:30.166-05:00Skip, thank you. I know this wasn't easy to wr...Skip, thank you. I know this wasn't easy to write, but you're not just making a difference with the work you do. Talking about this stuff also helps the rest of us who've been there. Ann G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08406966151547857091noreply@blogger.com