Hi all, I need some input from others. I have just returned from coordinating another family reunion. This particular family is one where I have researched the families connected, written 3 books, and coordinated and produced the family reunions for the past 7 years. I've put unknown hours, time and energy [not to mentioned expense] in researching the families, and have joined DAR through one of the families because of my research. At this year's reunion, the updated book was available for purchase. Those who didn't get the 1st one I put out in 2000, wanted this one. A particular family member [30 yr old] attended this year's for the 1st time. He is into genealogy within the last few years and criticized the updated book because it was too small [50 pages... a strictly updated version of the core family]. He didn't want to purchase a book, but wants me to send him my gedcom file so that he can use it to put out another book... 'a better, larger edition', and not once has he mentioned about giving me credit]... Frankly, I'm at a dilemma.... I want to encourage this new cousin who's discovered the fascination of researching family history, but frankly, I don't want to send him all the info I have just cause he wants it.... Am I being selfish? What should be my reply? I thought about just sending him names, but since he didn't want to purchase the book [and didn't] and wants all this info free, this really makes me feel funny...... I KNOW if he gets a book put out, he will use my info and hard work and take the credit.. I'm willing to share some of my info, but not at the risk of not being recognized or mentioned for the hard work I've already done. I'm open to suggestions, and input..... Lanita

Lanita, This is my feeling for what ever it is worth. Explain to him that you have went to much research and expense and IF he is willing to share the credit with you, you would be glad to enter your information in HIS book. You DO want your information ( right or wrong ) entered just as you have it written and in a special section of it's own WITH your name as the researcher. Only under those circumstances will you allow your information to be used. That is only fair. Under no circumstances would I send him my gedcom. MC ----- Original Message ----- From: Lanita Sconce Smith<mailto:ozarkn@grm.net> To: modavies@rootsweb.com<mailto:modavies@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 5:13 PM Subject: [MODAVIES] sharing GEDCOMs... need some input Hi all, I need some input from others. I have just returned from coordinating another family reunion. This particular family is one where I have researched the families connected, written 3 books, and coordinated and produced the family reunions for the past 7 years. I've put unknown hours, time and energy [not to mentioned expense] in researching the families, and have joined DAR through one of the families because of my research. At this year's reunion, the updated book was available for purchase. Those who didn't get the 1st one I put out in 2000, wanted this one. A particular family member [30 yr old] attended this year's for the 1st time. He is into genealogy within the last few years and criticized the updated book because it was too small [50 pages... a strictly updated version of the core family]. He didn't want to purchase a book, but wants me to send him my gedcom file so that he can use it to put out another book... 'a better, larger edition', and not once has he mentioned about giving me credit]... Frankly, I'm at a dilemma.... I want to encourage this new cousin who's discovered the fascination of researching family history, but frankly, I don't want to send him all the info I have just cause he wants it.... Am I being selfish? What should be my reply? I thought about just sending him names, but since he didn't want to purchase the book [and didn't] and wants all this info free, this really makes me feel funny...... I KNOW if he gets a book put out, he will use my info and hard work and take the credit.. I'm willing to share some of my info, but not at the risk of not being recognized or mentioned for the hard work I've already done. I'm open to suggestions, and input..... Lanita ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MODAVIES-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MODAVIES-request@rootsweb.com> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Lanita, I have been sitting here trying to think of a polite way to tell him to do his own research. A person puts their time and money into researching a family and then someone else wants all that information given to them so they can right a book I would just say NO. I have one fa,ily that I have given what I have to others and have had them twist it out of shape to satisfy there ideas of what is right. I had one person cclaim he had the father of my brickwall located when three of us have been chasing this person and still have not come up with the father. Two of the three have been at it for over thirty years. I would offer advices and help but no GEDCOM. Leon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lanita Sconce Smith" <ozarkn@grm.net> To: <modavies@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 6:13 PM Subject: [MODAVIES] sharing GEDCOMs... need some input > Hi all, > > I need some input from others. I have just returned from coordinating > another family reunion. This particular family is one where I have > researched the families connected, written 3 books, and coordinated and > produced the family reunions for the past 7 years. I've put unknown > hours, time and energy [not to mentioned expense] in researching the > families, and have joined DAR through one of the families because of my > research. > > At this year's reunion, the updated book was available for purchase. > Those who didn't get the 1st one I put out in 2000, wanted this one. A > particular family member [30 yr old] attended this year's for the 1st > time. He is into genealogy within the last few years and criticized the > updated book because it was too small [50 pages... a strictly updated > version of the core family]. He didn't want to purchase a book, but > wants me to send him my gedcom file so that he can use it to put out > another book... 'a better, larger edition', and not once has he > mentioned about giving me credit]... > > Frankly, I'm at a dilemma.... I want to encourage this new cousin who's > discovered the fascination of researching family history, but frankly, > I don't want to send him all the info I have just cause he wants it.... > Am I being selfish? What should be my reply? I thought about just > sending him names, but since he didn't want to purchase the book [and > didn't] and wants all this info free, this really makes me feel > funny...... I KNOW if he gets a book put out, he will use my info and > hard work and take the credit.. I'm willing to share some of my info, > but not at the risk of not being recognized or mentioned for the hard > work I've already done. > > I'm open to suggestions, and input..... > > Lanita > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > MODAVIES-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Lanita: I know it is hard work, long hours, and sometimes a lot of money to search for our ancestors but I have a completely different viewpoint. I got started on family history when I found out my wife was pregnant (1978). She followed me on a few Saturdays to the library until she was about 7 months pregnant, and then decided she couldn't sit there for hours on end. At that library in Austin, Texas I was researching my Starkey family, and a woman came up to me and asked me about them, as she was also researching a Starkey family. Lo and behold, we discovered we were cousins, and she gave me a lot of information on my family without a second thought. At that time I was just collecting names and didn't realize that it would be helpful to put down where I got the information, whether it be from a person, census record or birth or death certificate. I stopped my research for about 20 years (too many kids, committments, etc.) and then in 1999 with the advent of the Internet and a new computer, I began again. This time I was a little more (but not much more) sophisticated and began to write down sources. I put out a query on my Starkey family on a rootsweb list, and was really surprised to hear from that same woman twenty years later, who again helped me with the same family. Many, many people have given me information or advice freely. Since I have been researching on the Internet I have found many free sites, and am subscribed to many rootsweb lists such as this one, and you, along with many others on this list have helped me over the years whenever I have had a question, and I thank you for it. I have, in turn, tried to help others, even when I knew they were asking for information on a family not directly related to me. On several occasions I actually spent several hours of my time and found many a connection for those requesting assistance. I like the excitement of solving the mysteries more than anything else, and I don't expect to get paid, don't expect a thank you, and frankly, I don't care if someone uses my work at all, or if they don't give me credit. My goal is to find out as much as I can about my ancestors, and their descendants, and the more people who have access to what I have discovered the better. I put my family tree on the Rootsweb World Connect and whoever wants to use the data can do so. I do tell them that some of my research is not confirmed, that some of it is speculation, and some of it is just plain wrong, which I found out today, thanks to a wonderful lady who pointed out an error to me on my Miller family. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am not doing this to get credit for it. Please don't get me wrong. I am not saying that wanting credit for your hard work is a bad thing, because it is not. It is just not my thing. We are all motivated to do things in this world for a number of reasons, and taking pride in what you do is one of the best reasons for such an accomplishment. I think your work in genealogy is kind of like a carpenter who makes a cabinet. Once built, the carpenter takes pride in showing off the cabinet to others, and has every right to take credit for a job well done, and to get paid for it as well. You certainly deserve nothing less. Please forgive me for rambling on, and I hope that my point came across. I think what I am trying to say is that you have every right to seek credit, but please understand that some of us, especially when we are younger, take awhile to appreciate all of the hard work of others. Stephen Carlile Salem, Oregon

Just say NO. -----Original Message----- From: modavies-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:modavies-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Lanita Sconce Smith Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:13 PM To: modavies@rootsweb.com Subject: [MODAVIES] sharing GEDCOMs... need some input Hi all, I need some input from others. I have just returned from coordinating another family reunion. This particular family is one where I have researched the families connected, written 3 books, and coordinated and produced the family reunions for the past 7 years. I've put unknown hours, time and energy [not to mentioned expense] in researching the families, and have joined DAR through one of the families because of my research. At this year's reunion, the updated book was available for purchase. Those who didn't get the 1st one I put out in 2000, wanted this one. A particular family member [30 yr old] attended this year's for the 1st time. He is into genealogy within the last few years and criticized the updated book because it was too small [50 pages... a strictly updated version of the core family]. He didn't want to purchase a book, but wants me to send him my gedcom file so that he can use it to put out another book... 'a better, larger edition', and not once has he mentioned about giving me credit]... Frankly, I'm at a dilemma.... I want to encourage this new cousin who's discovered the fascination of researching family history, but frankly, I don't want to send him all the info I have just cause he wants it.... Am I being selfish? What should be my reply? I thought about just sending him names, but since he didn't want to purchase the book [and didn't] and wants all this info free, this really makes me feel funny...... I KNOW if he gets a book put out, he will use my info and hard work and take the credit.. I'm willing to share some of my info, but not at the risk of not being recognized or mentioned for the hard work I've already done. I'm open to suggestions, and input..... Lanita ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MODAVIES-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Once bit, twice shy!! I always "share" with others who are doing research, I also spend many hours doing look-ups for others and help in every way I can to further the search for that missing ancestor, mine, yours or who ever. I've driven miles and miles to take a cemetery photo for 3 different people, who never said thanks much less offer my expenses. Thanks would have been nice. I would NOT ever send anyone my gedcom, he sounds like one of those who can find their entire family tree in 6 months no matter what line or branch they actually belong to. We have those all the time and they always ask for "everything" you have. Help those who are kind enough not to belittle your hard work, and remember the thrill of discovery should be the same for them as it was for you. Just nudge them in the right direction. Just one persons opinion who has been through this little game, ONCE. Kay > -----Original Message----- > From: modavies-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:modavies- > bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Lanita Sconce Smith > Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 6:13 PM > To: modavies@rootsweb.com > Subject: [MODAVIES] sharing GEDCOMs... need some input > > Hi all, > > I need some input from others. I have just returned from coordinating > another family reunion. This particular family is one where I have > researched the families connected, written 3 books, and coordinated and > produced the family reunions for the past 7 years. I've put unknown > hours, time and energy [not to mentioned expense] in researching the > families, and have joined DAR through one of the families because of my > research. > > At this year's reunion, the updated book was available for purchase. > Those who didn't get the 1st one I put out in 2000, wanted this one. A > particular family member [30 yr old] attended this year's for the 1st > time. He is into genealogy within the last few years and criticized the > updated book because it was too small [50 pages... a strictly updated > version of the core family]. He didn't want to purchase a book, but > wants me to send him my gedcom file so that he can use it to put out > another book... 'a better, larger edition', and not once has he > mentioned about giving me credit]... > > Frankly, I'm at a dilemma.... I want to encourage this new cousin who's > discovered the fascination of researching family history, but frankly, > I don't want to send him all the info I have just cause he wants it.... > Am I being selfish? What should be my reply? I thought about just > sending him names, but since he didn't want to purchase the book [and > didn't] and wants all this info free, this really makes me feel > funny...... I KNOW if he gets a book put out, he will use my info and > hard work and take the credit.. I'm willing to share some of my info, > but not at the risk of not being recognized or mentioned for the hard > work I've already done. > > I'm open to suggestions, and input..... > > Lanita > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MODAVIES- > request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in > the subject and the body of the message

My thanks to all you have given your input. The books I have for sale are from $20 - $35, not a bad price, I thought, for what was in them... FREE is my middle name when it comes to sharing info, I'm glad to do so, and help in any way... However, to send the whole kittencaboodle just cause he wants it, just didn't sound 'kosher'... I'm glad to know that my hesitancy was justified. Many thanks! Lanita

Tell him to buy the otiginal book and second book if he wants the info. You have no obligation to give him your hard work for free! --- Lanita Sconce Smith <ozarkn@grm.net> wrote: > Hi all, > > I need some input from others. I have just returned > from coordinating > another family reunion. This particular family is > one where I have > researched the families connected, written 3 books, > and coordinated and > produced the family reunions for the past 7 years. > I've put unknown > hours, time and energy [not to mentioned expense] in > researching the > families, and have joined DAR through one of the > families because of my > research. > > At this year's reunion, the updated book was > available for purchase. > Those who didn't get the 1st one I put out in 2000, > wanted this one. A > particular family member [30 yr old] attended this > year's for the 1st > time. He is into genealogy within the last few years > and criticized the > updated book because it was too small [50 pages... a > strictly updated > version of the core family]. He didn't want to > purchase a book, but > wants me to send him my gedcom file so that he can > use it to put out > another book... 'a better, larger edition', and not > once has he > mentioned about giving me credit]... > > Frankly, I'm at a dilemma.... I want to encourage > this new cousin who's > discovered the fascination of researching family > history, but frankly, > I don't want to send him all the info I have just > cause he wants it.... > Am I being selfish? What should be my reply? I > thought about just > sending him names, but since he didn't want to > purchase the book [and > didn't] and wants all this info free, this really > makes me feel > funny...... I KNOW if he gets a book put out, he > will use my info and > hard work and take the credit.. I'm willing to share > some of my info, > but not at the risk of not being recognized or > mentioned for the hard > work I've already done. > > I'm open to suggestions, and input..... > > Lanita > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email > to MODAVIES-request@rootsweb.com with the word > 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and > the body of the message >