Customer Reviews

The Weekend Genealogist: Timesaving Techniques for Effective Research (PBS Ancestor)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the book I wish I'd had when I began researching my family history. The organization and time-saving techniques the author shares are fantastic for anyone from the professional genealogist to those who can only work on it now and then. The techniques are clearly explained and reviewed for easy reference. The book gives just enough guidance (the tone is helpful, not bossy) for any beginner, yet the techniques are flexible to match your needs and style. If you have an out-of-control paper pile, you'll immediatley appreciate this book. Forms that can be copied for personal use are included; a more complete set can be found in Emily Anne Croom's "Unpuzzling Your Past Workbook", as recommended by the author.

I highly recommend this book to family history researchers who have limited time. The author has great suggestions for using short amounts of times -- lists of tasks that can be done in five minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes -- and ideas for controlling the mountains of paper that seem inevitable. I particularly like (and use) her suggestion about an alphabetical index of ancestors: it's a lifesaver when I'm at the library and come across a familiar-looking name ("Is that someone I'm related to or someone I went to college with?" <smile>)

I wish I could figure out what the author is describing I like the idea of the alpha card index to the pedigree chart and identifying each surname with a colored dot that corresponds to a binder on which a similar larger dot is placed on its spine. This affords ability to transfer family group sheets from one binder into another that would be taken to a research facility and then easily return them to the correct binder. However, she says she has over 20 binders and the colored dots come in four primary colors....does this mean she has many red dot binders for say alpha letters A-D, E-G, etc. There is no way to submit a comment or question. I am trying to use many of these features but instructions not clear.

In fact, I believe this book is mistitled. It should be "The Beginning Genealogist." I consider myself an "intermediate" genealogist and looked forward to many timesaving tips. Most of the timesavers I had already figured out for myself. The forms are helpful if you don't have them, but don't try to find them in the index. I tried to find the Correspondence Log. The only index reference is to a page that gives you a cross-reference to the introduction to the log. This section leads you to the form in the index. This was not worth the time and money to me.

Originally, I checked this book out from my local library. I renewed it several times, and finally decided to order myself a copy. This book has forms, resources, and many practical tips for how to save time and focus your research and paperwork. I found interesting ideas in every chapter, and the format is very easy reading with focal points and tips in the margins. GREAT book!

Until this is updated, I would have to say don't bother. She is fantastically organized, and has great tips, but a normal person really isn't going to go to this much trouble. And there is not enough info about organizing using a computer.