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Edited February 23, 2021 at 2:49 PM
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Some tools in explaining some of the challenges with FamilySearch FamilyTree
As leaders in the community - sometimes we are attempting to try to explain or give background as to things like the following:
1) Why there are so many duplicates?
2) Why are there so many errors?
3) The concept of "My Tree" versus "Our Tree"
4) Working in a Silo versus working in a collaborative environment
5) How to fix a mangled/tangled family data
I find that a THREE-PRONGED approach can be very effective - - in helping people take a much more positive approach and give them an incentive to be part of the solution and not just a critic of the problems.
The Three Pronged Approach:
a) Providing very specific information and help - about a specific problem that needs correcting on their tree.
b) Helping people realize this is a Collaborative Family Tree Database where no one really has "ownership"
c) Helping people realize the background of the data in FamilySearch FamilyTree - that goes back more than 100 years, even before computers - and how this unique history explains much of reasons for duplicity and mangled family trees - and helps them realize it is all a work in progress - and has been improving for various years now since FamilyTree came into existence.
I also find that videos can be a very effective tool in helping explain these issues
These are some of the more common videos I share with people
WHY USE FAMILYSEARCH FAMILYTREE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwRSRZ9amlM
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUcr4cH_EQ
MAKING THE MOST OF FAMILYSEARCH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMmZSZnTDbw
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DUPLICATES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in4PZ2h-49M
UNTANGLING A MESS YOU FIND IN FAMILYSEARCH FAMILY TREE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swa3Ub56dKI
I always try to give a positive portrayal of FamilySearch and ask people to be patient and understanding that it is not in a "final state" - but is a work in progress that we all are involved in.
But also truth be told - sometimes people are trying to put a square peg in a round hole - in trying to use FamilySearch for something it was never intended for.
Family Search Family Tree is not the solution and application for everyone - thats just a fact. BUT I feel way to many people throw the baby out with the wash when they see something they dont like - and are often missing an opportunity to be part of the solution and missing the value of a universal open database
and then in the process - end up working in a silo - and having their entire life of research thrown away when they die - because no one else know how or what to do with it.