Beyond Fiction

Lately I have been pondering what we call “The Information Age”. Supposedly we are in the age of information right at our fingertips and we should be able to stay in touch so easily with all of the wonderful technologies available. But is that really what is happening?

I’ve been working on ways to not only communicate more with my family but also ways to actually get them involved in my research more. What better way than the Internet? Alas, I have discovered that this is not meant to be.

Yes, there are so many wonderful tools out there that can and are being used by many families as communication tools. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Message Boards and so much more. Why, we should be able to know, almost in real time, when events occur. Strangely, that is not the case.

I have discovered in my time of researching (9 short years) that the best form of communication with my family is old fashioned. A telephone call or a letter are usually more easily accepted than an email or a tweet! A newsletter is more accepted than a blog!

Why is this? Well, the simple fact is that there are many reasons for this. Far too many to list them all here but I will try to list a few:

1. Not everyone is connected! Contrary to popular opinion, there are many people who have not yet jumped in to the age of the Internet. For some it is just a matter of no interest and for some it is a matter of liking the old ways better.

2. A lot of people would rather hear your voice than see your avatar! Many people like that human aspect of communication, rather than the cold, empty conversations via instant messaging.

3. Fact is that people are just busy with their own lives! Yes, they would love to be able to know more about their family history but they are so busy with their own family. They have school, sports, family time, church, volunteer activities and so much more that they just don’t have time to sit down and fill out that Family Group Sheet.

So, just what is the point of this blog? Well, the simple fact is that we sometimes have to realize that not everyone will share our zeal for our research. Instead of getting upset with them we need to respect their situations and just do our best to make the information available for them. Someday they will find time and when that happens you want to make sure that they know how to reach you.

Just because we are in the information age doesn’t mean we don’t go on with life as normal. That’s why this blog is not always active. I have a wife, children, a full-time job and now a daughter-in-law and grandson! Yes, life can be very hectic at times and I want to make sure that if I don’t do anything I at least take the time to enjoy my family. I know it will be worth it all in the end. The website and the blog are just extensions of research which is a hobby for me! It’s not my entire life.

My family is my life and that is the way it should be.

Don’t let the lack of participation from your family discourage you. They may eventually come around but if not just take the time to enjoy what you do have. Research when you have time and record what you find but don’t let it take over your life.

Take time to enjoy your family!

Have a great week everyone.

Ken