Networking

In my quest to trace my family tree, I have found networking with others to be a key to my success.  While message boards are sometimes a futile source of information, the sheer contacts that can be made reviewing them can make the tour of these seemingly timeconsuming posts worth it. 

The Member Connect option on Ancestry.com is a networking tool designed to bring people together who are seeking the same family tree information.  I find it to be quite effective.  How else would I have found my McLaughlin's, Maxwell's, and other descendants of Jack and Minnie Flanagan.

Another rather interesting consequence that can arise out of reviewing Member Connect is that you might find relatives or college professors borrowing your information.  I like to refer to it as "snooping around".  I mean that with the utmost respect, with a little humor thrown in, and as the bold researcher that I have become can appreciate that method.  The boldness is what gets you connected and can even connect a college professor to the owner of some source documents or letters, plus more stories of those who lived before us.

So I continue with my ultimate attempt at networking which includes this blog, my website, my Facebook site for this blog, and my internal network of family and relatives who have gathered and shared their research about our family lines.  I look upon my information online as a respository for anyone who is connected to my family tree or just interested in reading about my quest for more information about my ancestors.