Seven years ago today, I published my first post on this blog. It was called My quest to learn more about my family history. In seven years, it’s been viewed a grand total of 62 times. (By contrast, Wednesday’s post on organizing learning resources has been viewed more than 800 times in two days.)
When I started the blog, I had no idea what would become of it. I knew I had the discipline and skill to blog, because I’d had an organizing blog for six years by then. I sensed that blogging about genealogy organizing would help me figure out how to integrate genealogy with my organizing business and would give me some accountability so that I would spend more on time on genealogy. I loved doing the research, I just always found things that seemed more important to do.
This blog has become than I ever imagined and I’m so grateful. Today seems like a good day to take stock of the many things I’m grateful to Organize Your Family History for bringing me.
How this blog has enhanced my life:
- I’ve learned so much from my readers! I’ve been fortunate to have such engaged readers who provide lots of great advice and input in the comments. And everyone is so kind. Thank you!
- Some readers have become in-person friends. I’ve done so meet ups at genealogy conferences and that’s always a treat.
- I research more often. I’m confident that without this blog I would not research as much. My 30 x 30 challenges, in particular, really keep focused on the research.
- I’m a better researcher. Because I’m researching more often, attending conferences, and benefiting from the wisdom of my readers, I’m most assuredly a better researcher than I was seven years ago and probably a better one than I would be today without the blog.
- I’ve become acquainted with some well-known genealogists, which is always a treat. Through my How They Do It series, as well as Family Tree University webinars and just attending conferences, I’ve gotten to know some folks I admire
- I’ve even made some money! I sell my Orderly Roots Guides and The Paperless Genealogy Guide (with Brooks Duncan) and I’ve earned some money through speaking, writing and consulting. I feel so fortunate for that!
I want to thank you, my readers, for coming along on this seven-year ride and for being such a big part of it. I can’t wait to find out what the upcoming year brings!
Happy Blogiversary!!!! You have inspired me more than you will ever know.
-trisha
Thank you, Trisha! That warms my heart.
Congratulations on your 30 year blogiversary. I am really happy I found your blog. I have learned a lot from your blog and it has helped me stay focused. I really like your 30 X 30 challenges. Hope someday our paths cross at a genealogy conference.
I hope our paths cross too, Jerry. And I’m so glad the blog has helped you.
Happy birthday to your blog Janine, I learn so much from you so here’s to the next 7 years
Thank you! Yes, here’s the next 7 years. I’m sure they’ll fly by.
Congratulations and Happy 7th Blogiversary, Janine.
Thanks so much, Cathy!
Happy 7th blogiversary – I really enjoy your posts. Congratulations.
Thanks, Linda! You’re one of the readers I’ve been glad to meet in person!
Happy Day for you! (and for me as I love reading your posts!) Any chance you will be going to FGS in Washington DC in August? I’d love to be come one of your readers who gets to become an IRL friend! LOL!
I’d love for you to become one of those readers, too, Melissa! Unfortunately, I’m not going to FGS, though I am going to Midwestern Roots in Indianapolis in July and I’ll probably go to RootsTech. (I’ll definitely go if my speaker application is accepted!) Thanks so much fo your kind note.
I’d love for you to become one of those readers, too, Melissa! Unfortunately, I’m not going to FGS, though I am going to Midwestern Roots in Indianapolis in July and I’ll probably go to RootsTech. (I’ll definitely go if my speaker application is accepted!) Thanks so much for your kind note.
Happy 7th blogivrsary! Blogging has taught me a great deal too