Eckstel: An Ancestral Blog

Geneabloggers - My Rooted Technology Meme 

I am going to give it a go on Geneabloggers My Rooted Technology Meme.

• The directions are as follows: 
• Technology you already use: bold face type 
• Technology you would like to use or learn more about: italicize (color optional) 
• Technology you don’t use, have no interest in using or no longer use: plain type 
• Explain or give opinions in brackets [ ] at the end of each bullet point 

1. I have a tablet computer such as an iPad that I use for genealogy [I have an iPad, but most of my genealogy research is on my Acer Laptop. I really only use my iPad for the Ancestry.com app to show off my tree(s). I do read Genealogy blogs on my iPad.] 
2. I have downloaded one or more apps to a Smart Phone or similar device. [The only apps I really use for Genealogy are Ancestry.com and the Blogger app. I am looking into the MyHeritage app, but have yet to download it. I use the obvious Facebook and Twitter apps, to follow other genealogist buffs. I do not consider myself a Genealogist, just a family history buff!] 
3. I belong to a genealogy society that uses social media. [I am still a rookie at this, so have yet to join any society. So far my trips include visits to the Philadelphia and New Jersey State Archives, along with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. I would like to get involved in a local genealogical society, "to get my feet wet"]. 
4. I use GEDCOM files and understand the various compatibility issues involved. [I use GEDCOM files, however haven't ran into many issues. This is probably because it is only using it for Ancestry, which in that case it is a .ftm not .ged. I understand GEDCOM files, but again, not their issues yet.] 
5. I have added metadata to some of my files and digital photos. [I always use metadata on my digital photos. Mainly to remember who is in there, where it was taken, and hopefully when it was taken.] 
6. I have utilized an API from a genealogy-related application or website. [If I think about this long enough, I will probably understand what it's asking me!!] 
7. I have taken a DNA test related to my genealogy research. [I would love to do this, but haven't found the time to really research it.] 
8. I have used the FamilySearch Research Wiki. [I have not used this yet, but use FamilySearch.org regularly. Thanks for the tip!] 
9. I have a Facebook account and use it regularly for genealogy.[I use Facebook for much more than genealogy, but have used it for so. I post my blogs on there, I search for family members and groups with my surnames. I also follow other genealogists facebook pages. I can be found at http://www.facebook.com/aeroeck.] 
10. I use tech tools to help me cite my sources in genealogy research. [This has been one of my biggest flaws in genealogy. I know where my research came from, I know each of my facts are multi-sourced. I make photocopies, print webpages, and store my own sources in my filing cabinet. I need to get better at sourcing on the web, sor the general public to see where it came from. Thanks for the tip on Zotero, Thomas MacEntee!] 
11. I have developed a genealogy-related app for a Smart Phone or similar device. [I think it would be "fun" to do so, but it would turn out awful, and not worthwhile for the general public. I think we have enough apps out there to help us in all our research for now.]. 
12. I use a genealogy database program (Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, RootsMagic etc.) [I currently use Family Tree maker 2012. I like it a lot, but my Ancestry.com trees is mainly where I do my research, especially with the new linking system on FTM.] 
13. I use cloud computer resources to store my genealogy data.[I have an account on DropBox, but have yet to use it and really understand it.] 
14. I have made one or more contributions to the FamilySearch Research Wiki. [Sounds like something I would enjoy to do.] 
15. I have attended a genealogy webinar. [I follow the Geneabloggers Blog talk Radio often, I watch the small webinars from Ancestry.com, and I try to watch as many YouTube videos from the pros as possible.] 
16. I have organized and administered a DNA testing group related to my genealogy. [Sure, why not, sounds interesting enough.] 
17. I use apps involving GPS and Geo-caching for my genealogy research. [I use BillionGraves when I am out and about at the cemeteries. I also use the Facebook Check-In feature when I am at places of interest regarding Genealogy.] 
18. I have a Google+ account and use it regularly for genealogy.[I am a HUGE Google fan, but I think Google dropped the ball on this. Google+ had so much potential, but it just can't compete with Facebook. I think it has the tools to compete, but they haven't made it interesting enough to the non-tech/geeky crowd to join in on the fun. I check my account periodically, at best.] 
19. I have created and published a family history e-book. [Can't wait to get on this. What has held me back the most is my everchanging research! I am constantly updating, and researching that when I bring one to print, a second edition will be needed that much quicker. I know I should just get started on one, and update on a yearly or bi-yearly basis]. 
20. I have create a wiki related to my genealogy research. [I have not, and may look into it in the future, but it is not a priority just yet.] 
21. I have conducted a genealogy webinar as a presenter. [I'm not the best in getting my points across, unless it's in writing. Writing things down I can go back and change things, re-read, re-write, etc. Actually conducting, I wouldn't do so well.] 
22. I read genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research. [I'm always following Genealogy Blogs. Some of my favorites come from Geneabloggers, 4YourFamilyStory, footnoteMaven, Dick Eastman's, among others] 
23. I have one or more genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research. [Sure do, and you can find it here.] 
24. I have a Twitter account and use it regularly for genealogy. [I use it more for following other genealogy buffs, and I can be found at http://www.twitter.com/aeroeck.] 
25. I have one or more genealogy-related websites which I run and administer. [If you count my blog, yes. But I would love to get involved in a local society's.] 
26. I have created a screencast or video related to genealogy and posted it at a video sharing site (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.). [Haven't gotten that techy....yet!] 
27. I use one or more digital tools to capture and record my family history. [I use picasa photo editor, and my scanner, and they seem to work pretty well! I am getting a hand held scanner, and plan to use that for ease.