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

This is a great message... thanks for passing it on. I've deleted the reference to contacting Mike in case of a problem tho... I don't think he's even on this list, so if anyone does have a problem, just let me know privately. ;-) Happy holidays to all! nt -----Original Message----- From: SAMS72427@aol.com [mailto:SAMS72427@aol.com] Sent: Friday, December 21, 2001 12:56 PM To: KYHOPKIN-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [KYHOPKIN] Re: New Online Genealogy Enthusiasts 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! :-)