GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 5 May 2017

Congratulations to my genimates who completed the 2017 A to Z Blogging Challenge. You have helped raise the profile of Australian Geneablogging.

The big news on the geneablogging scene this week was Thomas MacEntee's announcement that he will no longer be maintaining the Geneabloggers site. There has been some lively discussion on Thomas' decision on Facebook and other social media. I see this as a commercial decision on Thomas' part. Thomas has done a great job in bringing the geneablogging community together over the past eight years but, as a professional who needs to make a living, Thomas must do what is best for him.

The Geneabloggers brand has allowed Thomas to build up a reputation and following in the geneaworld. He probably realises that, for him, devoting time to Geneabloggers will not grow his business. He is now turning his attention to other areas including DNA - an area that is growing and may provide more commercial opportunities for him. I don't think Facebook and other social media will replace geneablogging but I do feel there will be less growth in the blogging arena as people become more comfortable in using other forms of social media for communication. 

For me blogging is a convenient, dynamic platform for sharing news, opinions and stories. I'm with James Tanner on this one. 

Long live geneablogging.

Following for your enjoyment are some of the blog posts that resonated with me this week.

The 116th story in Philip's amazing Great War series.
https://shireatwar.com/2017/05/04/116-w-s-filmer/

Thanks for the reminder Shauna.
http://www.shaunahicks.com.au/trove-tuesday-why-you-should-repeat-trove-searches/

Great to see Brett returning to research.
http://aussiebornirishblood.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/40-post-delay-back-to-it-stories-stored.html

A common problem.
http://maryboroughfamilies.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/what-mess-to-sort.html

Kylie speaks out for cemeteries.
http://blog.kyliesgenes.com/2017/05/protect-our-cemeteries/

Victorian esources.
http://caseycardinialinkstoourpast.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/historic-melbourne-and-victoria-on.html

A book review from Liz aka Infolass.
https://infolass.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/book-review-see-what-i-have-done-by-sarah-schmidt/

Irish woes.
https://diaryofayounggenealogist.wordpress.com/2017/04/29/difficult-irish-ancestors/

Dudes.
https://thedustybox.wordpress.com/2017/05/05/the-dude/

Some Gedmatch tips.
http://youngandsavvygenealogists.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/10-tips-for-making-most-of-gedmatchcom.html

I almost thought I was there, thanks Debbie.
https://cruwys.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/who-do-you-think-you-are-live-2017.html