Comments on: Money Changes Everything – Or Does It?

By: Janet Hovorka

Janet Hovorka — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:08:43 +0000

Thomas,
This was such a wonderful series of posts. We need more discussion about the topic of making money in this industry and the perceptions that are out there so that we can have a healthy industry–which is good for everyone. Have I missed the coming series about conferences and the pro group? Or are they still coming?
You’re awesome Thomas.
Janet

By: auntieknits

auntieknits — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 07:55:06 +0000

Love the honesty. Money Changes Everything – Or Does It? http://t.co/z4AGuPQ

By: George Geder

George Geder — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 03:20:53 +0000

Hi Thomas,

I finally finished your week long posts.
You have nailed it; the world of genealogy.

Many of us, now, have a reference and a guide to help in figuring out what we specifically need to do to move our genealogy businesses forward.

Peace & Blessings,
“Guided by the Ancestors”

By: Leslie Lawson

Leslie Lawson — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:27:35 +0000

Thanks, Thomas, for your articles this week. I too would be interested in the Pro site. From the looks of all the comments I’ve read, we’re with you!

By: Tessa

Tessa — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:19:47 +0000

Thanks so much for this series. I really liked the idea of covering an issue in depth and from many angles (you are, in my mind, the Genealogy Newshour (I like to watch the PBS Newshour for the same reasons). More in-depth and serious discussion of topics that are important and need to be discussed and no screaming talking heads. My only problem was the daily topics were so cogent and responses so interesting that I felt the need to respond in kind. Keep it up and I look forward to a business or pro aspect – count me in.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:00:28 +0000

Thomas, I thank you for this weeks series. When I started genealogy, seriously about 1990, the general thinking was that genealogist shared EVERYTHING, FREE. Money just was not a topic.

I am glad it has changed. I am not a professional. I have tried to help many friends to get started, which usually ended up me doing the work until I had to finally had to stop so I could get back to my own research. A few have offered me money, but I always said no, please just ‘pass it on’, which of course they wanted their family history but were not really interested in ‘working’ on it any further than I took it, so they would never be ‘passing it on’. ~laughs~

I would usually burn myself out for awhile after researching other families and my own research would suffer. I still probably will not charge, but I am very interested in your new “pro” group. I think it would be great to learn what it takes to be a professional and read what the professionals have done to get to where they are. I think non professionals could learn to appreciate them more.

I have learned so much from you and so many other Geneabloggers this past two months. This is an amazing group and I really agree it should not be a they vs us group. For a good group, we need diversity. I still like FREE, but really, how many ‘professionals’ actually share for FREE so much of their time and talents, All of them from what I can see here. I respect that they can make money from their love of genealogy, and I envy them! ~smiles~

Thanks Thomas, for taking ‘money’ out of the closet!! I apologize for the long post, got carried away . . .

By: Jackie Baker

Jackie Baker — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 15:25:04 +0000

This is a great series. As a genealogist thinking of becoming a for-profit professional, it’s given me a lot to think about. I would be very interested in a “pro” site.

By: Mary Beaulieu

Mary Beaulieu — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 13:16:55 +0000

I supplement my retirement by tutoring high school students in math. In the beginning, I worried about pricing–you don’t want to charge too much so parents can’t afford you, but not so little that you can’t make a little money after gas. And, of course, as a lifetime teacher I know you always meet folks who think “dedication” and “love of the subject” and “desire to help others” should be enough. Then I read an article in our local newspaper about a middle school student making $45 and hour teaching folks how to master a video game, and how he had a waiting list of students.

I’m over it.

Great series!
Mary

By: Jill

Jill — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:25:49 +0000

Great job on this series. I think it’s important to provide a separate location for the business-minded among us (not me, I’m a hobbyist–say it loud, say it proud!). It’s what I’d want if I were in that category.

My observation is that there IS an Us and a Them. It’s healthy for the industry to recognize different segments. It just shouldn’t be “versus” each other. Us + Them can equal We. (Unfortunately some people will always try to raise themselves by lowering others. I just pity those people and try to ignore them when they get nasty.)

By: Tess White

Tess White — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 08:11:18 +0000

I give you a standing ovation for your boldness and honesty in your thoughts on the subject you have written on this week. I don’t believe anyone else could have said it any better and these issues needed to be addressed. I would be highly interested in your “pro” site that you mentioned. I have never done this per say as a job or career but I am highly interested in doing so. Pulls out a pen and notepad and begins to write you a book on my thoughts. Wow! I am looking at a mirror image of your thoughts! Trashes the notes and awaits with pen in hand to learn even more from you!!! Keep up the great work!!! Bravo!