I mentioned in a comment last week Judy Webster has listed some very useful tips in her blog "Top 3 Things to Do before a Genealogy Conference" and although I did read this blog quite thoroughly several times, I wish I had paid more attention to it when the time came.
I refer specifically to my contact cards (ordered through Vistaprint - if you use this link Judy donates the commission to a wonderful group KIVA 'Genealogists for Families'.
I admit when I ordered them I was in a hurry and a little distracted, what a difference a few extra minutes would have made. At present they show the bare minimum and I am a little disappointed, It's okay though as I am a solver and I have found a work around.
Judy's suggestions are very clear as to what sort of information to include, somehow I missed most of it. Here is what I ended up with:
I opted not to list this blogspot as I am very much a beginner and haven't really published much at all - in hindsight I wish I had; I also wish that I had listed my public on-line tree & a link to KIVA . I am not overly concerned about my Facebook profile as this is more for personal posts. I was tripped up on 2 other items - my title - I rather like "Family Historian" though I think this sounds like I am a professional which I am not, even though essentially that is what we are doing telling the history of our families. "Genealogy Enthusiast" - hmm, maybe.. In the end I left a title off altogether and somehow I feel kind of bare & non de-script.
Then we come to the "short" list of surnames being researched HAHAHAHA short? really? How do you pick which ones make the grade? I chose my main lines - maternal, paternal (1), paternal (2) and also that of my late husband. I am happy with this list, I only wish there was more room to give a run-down of places/times. Having said that, at least they are listed and I am contactable by email should anyone have an enquiry.
My resolve for the issues above: Address labels! Yes, so simple. I did not wish to spend more money and order another batch, so I went looking for a fix and discovered the A4 sheets of address labels fit perfectly on the rear of the card. I can add additional information here, print out sheets of them and stick to the back of the card. :)
Next problem: Research Register and how to list the names/locations/period.
This always trips me up. It' s difficult to list this information in an abbreviated format, particularly when one also has to list alternative spellings etc. I checked what others had done and this is how my entry shows:
VERY IMPORTANT: Do take the time to check this list, 6 degrees of separation and with so many people attending Congress there is bound to be someone somewhere with a link or information to your research interest.
I have found the link to Sue Maxells preparation guide very helpful with simple suggestions that I would not have otherwise thought of. I particularly like the bag on wheels.
My own little tip: I primarily use Legacy Family Tree from which I have printed a list of all names in my database along with sex, birth, death and burial info. To conserve paper and space I have created a double side booklet with 2 pages per side. Although I will be taking my IPAD with me to Congress, if I find someone with a similar interest I have a very quick way to access the bare necessities. Brilliant idea I say!!
