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For our final Guest Blog in our ‘Meet the Presenter’ series, we have a piece by genealogy
Jedi Thomas MacEntee. Here’s what he has to say:

Welcome to the Fall 2012 Virtual Genealogy Conference at Family Tree University. Once
again, I’m pleased to be a part of this unique, on-line event that provides important
educational content to the genealogy community.

What’s So Great about a Virtual Genealogy Conference?

A virtual genealogy conference is just like a conference you attend in-person but
with more flexibility and just as many opportunities to network with other genealogy
researchers. At the Fall Virtual Genealogy Conference you’ll find pre-recorded webinars
(a total of 15!), scheduled chats where you can ask the experts various questions,
a message board and even a virtual gift bag filled with genealogy goodies!

The upcoming conference is a great alternative for busy genealogists as well as those
that can’t travel long distances to attend genealogy conferences.

Why Technology Should Matter To Genealogists

I’m of an age where I remember the introduction of the personal computer and its impact
on not just genealogy, but life in general. I don’t consider myself a “techie” especially
since my academic background is more in the arts, language and literature. However,
I’ve come to realize that if I don’t keep on top of technology that I risk being left
behind. So even though it can be similar to “homework” in school, I make it a point
to stay informed and to try out different apps, websites and other technologies. I
may not incorporate them as part of my genealogy research, but knowing is better than
not knowing.

That’s why I try to ensure that several of my presentations focus on how genealogists
can use specific technologies to advance their own research. My goal is to present
these new sites and apps in an easy-to-learn atmosphere where you’ll feel comfortable
asking questions and making your own decisions as to what technology is best for your
own situation.

My Presentations and Chats

During the conference I’ll be offering three new presentations covering tips for working
with search engines, how to get what you want from the FamilySearch website, and easy
ways to use a research log for your genealogy. In addition, there will be a live,
on-line chat session covering cloud computing and genealogy where you’ll get to “pick
my brain” on various programs and which program is best for you.

Power Up Your Web Searches: Feel like your Google and website searches
are going nowhere? Learn to pull those elusive ancestors out from the depths of search
engines and genealogy websites with this session on how to sharpen your search skills.
We’ll cover Google’s Search Tools and specialty search engines including Mocavo and
others. (Recorded session)

Tips for Using FamilySearch.org: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints’ free genealogy website offers a plethora of searchable family trees, historical
records and resources—but how do you find what you’re looking for? This class will
show you how to become a seasoned and savvy FamilySearch navigator. (Recorded session)

Research Logs for the Rest of Us: From Captain Cook to Christopher
Columbus, numerous noteworthy explorers kept comprehensive journals to document their
adventures, so why should your genealogical expedition be any different? In this class,
you’ll learn why you need a research log and how it can help you make genealogical
discoveries more effectively and efficiently. (Recorded session)

Choosing a Cloud Genealogy Program: Working in the “cloud” can be
confusing and the concept of working with data stored on a remote server is just catching
on with the genealogy community. If you are tired of keeping your genealogy research
data on multiple CDs, DVDs, flash drives, hard drives and in different locations then
you owe it to yourself to learn more about cloud computing. During this chat you’ll
learn not only how cloud computing works, but also the latest cloud programs and how
to keep your data secure and private. (Live on-line chat session)

Stay In Touch

For me, the best part of any conference is making new genealogy friends and staying
in touch with them. Sometimes we meet up again in person, or we stay in touch on-line.
Either way, it always helps to network with other genealogists. Feel free to keep
tabs on what I’m up to by following my websites GeneaBloggers and High-Definition
Genealogy , or email me at hidefgen@gmail.com.

The conference starts TOMORROW! But there is still time to register–click
here and use the code FRIENDSOFTHOMAS at checkout to save $40.