My, My, My!
Mar 25th, 2008 by kenopoly
What will they think of next? Lisa Cook at Genealogy Gems has posted a blog about a news reporter in Arizona who wanted to talk about “genealogy ripoffs”!
Well, if you go to Lisa’s and read the story then you will see that folks who don’t know anything about genealogy shouldn’t be doing a consumer report on “ripoffs”. I’m sure there are a lot of places that would try to take your money in a shady way. However, in my 8 years of genealogy I have had very few, if any, problems with this. Yes, genealogy does cost you something, but the rewards are so great. I feel so much better being able to pass on a legacy to my children and to be able to tell about where I come from.
I just don’t understand why a news reporter would feel the need to try to tell folks that they have to watch getting ripped off. If you were to follow her story then you would be paying out the wazzoo anyway! Traveling to Salt Lake City, Indiana and Washington, D.C. would cost an arm and a leg. I’ve never been to any other states to research but I have lots of information because of the many volunteers who will help you. I have, in turn, become a volunteer myself to help others.
Anyone interested in genealogy should understand that birth records, death records and marriage records do cost something! Just the other day I looked up 9 marriage records and paid $16 for them. Even at a dollar a copy, if you want the back side of the license (which has birth info and addresses) then you will be paying $2 a piece. I’ve paid $13 for certified copies of death certificates but they are so worth it!
Family history and genealogy research is just like any other hobby. It costs money! You just have to use your noggin and learn where to spend and how to spend and budget your hobby just like my dad did with his stock car racing!
Anyways, I’m stepping off my soapbox. Sorry if I offended anyone!
