Alona Tester from Gould Genealogy has proposed a Family History through the Alphabet series over the coming 26 weeks. I decided that my theme would be the Attributes we need as family historians: the skills, experience and talents you bring to your research. Let me suggest some Characteristics I think we need.
C is for COMMITMENT: think of this as a long voyage not a quick dash to the shop. We won’t finish our family history quickly and we need commitment every step along the way to explore options and learn new information and skills.
C is for COURTESY: we’re all in the same boat trying to learn more about our families. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that not everyone is as obsessive dedicated as we are, and we need to recognise they may need more time to engage with us and our research wish list.
C is for CITE: another important way to show courtesy for fellow researchers is by always acknowledging their work when using their photos, writing or findings.
C is for CONTRIBUTE: we can help out our research mates by cheering them on, supporting their endeavours, helping them with tips and skills or brainstorming.
When a language creates as it does a community within the present, it does so only by courtesy of a community between the present and the past. Christopher Ricks[i]
Family history across the seas 
(I) Concur
LikeLike
Clever!
LikeLike
Hurray for citations!! They show you’re serious about your research; they mean you can re-find that piece of information; it’s a courtesy to acknowledge where the information came from, especially if it was a fellow family historian – and it may save you IP or copyright troubles. And, importnatly, it means your history is fact-based. If the birth certificate says your ancestor was the son of the farmer, you can’t arbitrarily decide you’d rather be descended from the Bishop of the same name. (This meant I had to give up on the one-legged drummer-boy from Waterloo, but them’s the breaks.)
LikeLike
Thanks Peter, all very good points. I know the loss of that drummer boy was a sad disappointment.
LikeLike
Pauline that’s a great bunch of attributes for the genealogist. I can’t even think of any more to add to ‘C’.
LikeLike
Thanks Alona.
LikeLike
Well chosen C words. I really need to work harder at the third one: Cite.
LikeLike
Thanks Genealyn, I think we all get it wrong sometimes.
LikeLike
Totally relate to all these C’s. I think you were correct the first time with “obsessed”!
LikeLike
Obsessed seemed more accurate but less polite Sharon 😉
LikeLike
I love that your “attributes” always give me pause for consideration and reflection Pauline. I’ve learnt to be patient … understanding that people are not as obsessive 😀 … Am learning to improve my “citing”, esp of pictures, and you’re a great role model. Thanks!
LikeLike
Thanks Catherine. I really appreciate your support and encouraging comments.
LikeLike