Responses to the Accentuate the Positive 2024 Geneameme

 

I was blown away by the varied responses I received from the challenge that I posted last month. Now that the hubbub surrounding the holiday season has died down I am spending some time reading and absorbing the content shared by those who participated. 

Thanks all for your genearosity in supporting this activity at a busy time of the year. 

As I said last year "It warms my heart to see so many genies reflecting on their practice and realising that they have made progress during their geneayear. It is important to reflect/assess/evaluate our research and practices. "

I hope I haven't missed any contributions. If I have please let me know and I will add your link. If you fancy some reflection I'm always happy to receive new contributions as documents, in emails or in blog posts.

I learnt so much from reading the following. I hope you will too. 

Alex Daw https://familytreefrog.blogspot.com/2024/12/accentuate-positive-2024.html

Anne Young  https://anneyoungau.wordpress.com/2025/01/01/family-history-progress-in-2024/

Bobbie Edes  https://gsq-blog.gsq.org.au/accentuate-the-positive-27-jan-2025-atp-2024/

Campaspe Genealogy https://campaspegenealogy.blogspot.com/2024/12/accentuate-positive-geneameme.html

Carmel Galvin  https://earlieryears.blogspot.com/2024/12/accentuate-positive-2024.html

Jennifer Jones  https://trackingdownthefamily.substack.com/p/accentuate-the-positive-2024-geneameme?r=4aszx5

Karen Packard Rhodes  https://karenaboutgenealogy.blogspot.com/2025/01/accentuate-positive-2024.html

Lilian Magill https://researchbylily.blogspot.com/2024/12/accentuate-positive-2024-geneameme.html

Linda Stufflebean  https://emptybranchesonthefamilytree.com/2024/12/accentuate-the-positive-2024-geneameme/

Michele Nichols https://michellefnichols.blogspot.com/2024/12/accentuate-positive-2024-geneameme.html

Pauleen Cass  https://cassmobfamilyhistory.com/2025/01/23/accentuate-the-positive-2024/

Robyn Ford  https://robynandthegenies.blogspot.com/2024/12/accentuate-positive-2024-i-marie-kondod.html

Shauna Hicks  https://www.shaunahicks.com.au/accentuate-the-positive-geneameme

A last thought for you was included in Anne Young's response. 

Accentuate the Positive 2023 - Responses

Thanks to the wonderful genies who have supported this exercise. A shoutout to Jennifer Jones who was the first to submit a response for 2023 and to Bobbie Edes and Linda Stufflebean for enquiring if I would be running the challenge this year.

It warms my heart to see so many genies reflecting on their practice and realising that they have made progress during their geneayear. It is important to reflect/assess/evaluate our research and practices. 

I hope I haven't missed any contributions. If I have please let me know and I will add your link. If you fancy some reflection I'm always happy to receive new contributions as documents, in emails or in blog posts. 

Please enjoy these inspirational posts from our genimates:

Alex Daw  https://familytreefrog.blogspot.com/2023/12/accentuate-positive-geneameme-2023.html

Andrew Redfern https://andrewredfern.com/reflecting-on-my-family-history-journey-in-2023/

Anne Young  https://anneyoungau.wordpress.com/2023/12/15/2023-progress-on-my-family-history/

Bobbie Edes (on GSQ blog) https://gsq-blog.gsq.org.au/remembering-to-accentuate-the-positive-2023-jill-balls-yearly-challenge/

Carmel Galvin  https://earlieryears.blogspot.com/2023/12/accentuate-positive-2023.html

 

Jane https://janeologist.blogspot.com/2024/01/accentuate-positive-reflection-on-my.html

Jennifer Jones  https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2023/12/09/accentuate-the-positive-geneameme-2023/

Karen LeSueur Packard Rhodes  https://karenaboutgenealogy.blogspot.com/2023/12/accenting-positive-in-old-song-were.html

Lilian Magill  https://researchbylily.blogspot.com/2023/12/accentuate-positive-2023.html

Linda Stufflebean  https://emptybranchesonthefamilytree.com/2023/12/accentuate-the-positive-2023-edition/

Pauline Williams (on GSQ Blog) https://gsq-blog.gsq.org.au/accentuate-the-positive-2023/

Robyn  https://robynandthegenies.blogspot.com/2023/12/accentuate-positive-2023-lost-found-and.html

Samantha John  https://lyfelynes.com/accentuate-the-positive-2023-genealogical-year-in-review/

Shauna Hicks  https://www.shaunahicks.com.au/accentuate-the-positive-geneameme-2023/

Listed

 Thanks to genimate Nathan Dylan Goodwin on Twitter for alerting me to this list.

https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_blogs/

I was thrilled to find that among the Australian blogs on the list is this GeniAus blog which has scraped into the list at position 59 in spite of a dearth of posts in recent times. 

Genealife in Lockdown - Empty Pages.

Genimate Alex Daw over at the Family Tree Frog blog has challenged fellow geneabloggers to write about their lockdown experiences in a series of blog posts on Sundays during National Family History Month in Australia.

See what Alex has to say about the challenge here: 

https://familytreefrog.blogspot.com/2021/07/genealife-in-lockdown-nfhm-blogging.html 

As someone who is always up for a challenge I will try to post on the topic Genealife on Lockdown each Sunday in August. Following is my second post of five.

Twelve years and smiling

Twelve years ago I was recovering at home from ankle surgery and on the verge of retirement. I had been blogging for work and wanted to keep up the blogging habit once I retired but I needed a focus for my blogging efforts.

Twelve year old Jill

I chose to blog about genealogy in which I had an interest. In the twelve years since I started this blog my interest has become a passion which Mr GeniAus would call an obsession. When I started this blog I was like the twelve year old Jill who was setting off for secondary school in her hat and white gloves and carrying her precious new briefcase. I did not know what lay ahead of me.

Over the years I have started several blogs for myself and for organisations with which I am involved. I have given up on some of my blogs. Others I set up for organisations  have languished in the hands of their new keepers. Although my posting schedule has been erratic at times I have nurtured this GeniAus blog for twelve years and am committed to seeing it through its teenage years.

The GeniAus blog has opened many doors for me. It was through my early blogging efforts that I was invited to be an official blogger for the first Rootstech Conference and I have served as an Official Blogger or Ambassador for each Rootstech event. The blog also has brought me invitations to speak at many events and to join genealogy boards and committees. I am a committed Lifelong Learner!

What I treasure most about the bounty the GeniAus blog has delivered are the friendships with a collection of dear Genimates. Mr GeniAus and I have made  friends around the world through my involvement in geneablogging and social media. 

Initially my blogging focus was news and resources, while I still share some of these items on my blogs I now use my Facebook GeniAusPage to share topical news and events and use the blog more for reflections and family stories.

In my very first post I said "I thought I would like a place to share progress, reflections and resources as I solve my genealogical jigsaw so here goes - another blog is born."  One thing I omitted is that now an important part of my purpose is to preserve the stories of my ancestors and my living family for future generations. The importance of this element was brought home to me when I received the following comment on my blog in 2012.

I accepted that invitation which reminded me of the importance of recording our social and family history in Australia. I am honoured that, as a result, the posts I write will be preserved for the future in what is now called The Australian Web Archive at Trove Australia, https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/collection. 

As I reflect on the GeniAus blog and my other blogging activities I have a smile as broad as that of the 12 year old Jill soaking up the Australian sunshine in her new swimsuit. 

 

Twelve year old Jill 

It's not a Genealogy Blog

This week I stumbled across a blog from a chap I worked with eons ago at a school in Burwood. I didn't know that he was a blogger who has been at it since 2013.

In his blog "So this weekend we..." John shares some photos from the outings he and his wife take each weekend. John explains why on this page: "This little project, to do something together each week, came about when we realised just how busy our lives are and how we could go for more than a week at a time without really doing anything together. So we decided to do something together each week under the umbrella of a theme, and that theme would change each year."

John's theme for 2018 is particularly relevant to we ancestor chasers, John and Robyn are  remembering members of their family both living and deceased by visiting Sydney streets bearing their first names. You can see the posts in this category here:  https://sothisweekendwe.com/category/sydney-streets/. We Genies could borrow this category for a blogging theme!

As well as introducing us to their family John's posts have showcased Sydney as he and Robyn walk, cycle or travel to all corners of the city.

John probably isn't into genealogy but. through this blog. he is creating a legacy for his future descendants who may want to know about the lives of their ancestors.

So this weekend we... is enhanced by a slick design and fab photos. Why don't you drop in and take a look. Tell John that Jill sent you.

Trove Tuesday - Family History Blogs

I have been thinking about blogs and blogging this week so I thought I'd take a look at Trove and see what Family History Blogs I could find. I am always on the prowl for new to me Australian genealogy blogs to follow.

Firstly I restricted my search to "Archived websites (1996 – now)"  and entered the following in the search box.

I was rewarded with "at least 3,058 sites containing 2,058,694 page versions". On the first page of hits I saw many blogs and websites that I recognised.

I then selected "Blogs" from the narrow by keywords option on the left of the page. My list of hits was reduced to:" at least 553 sites containing 224,899 page versions."

Did I find anything new to me? I knew all the blogs on the first list of twenty including some that are dormant. Isn't it good that their content is preserved on Trove.

On the second page I started seeing blogs that I wasn't familiar with. One was weird, one from a writer and one about hair loss and other random stuff. I kept going...

The first gem I found was Great War Nurses from the Hunter  , although dormant this blog has many interesting articles.

Are you my father? How I spent my life searching for truth diarises a woman's search for her biological father. This blog hooked me in with well written and riveting story that I spent over  two hours reading each and every post.

I was thrilled to find Camden History Notes as my convict ancestors Patrick Curry and Ellen Moore were there from 1828.There were lots of articles on the Camden area.

Scrolling thhrough15 pages of hits I found lots of blogs that I know including three of mine but little else of interest. I need to use some other search terms to find more genealogy blogs.

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 23 June 2017

It's been a frustrating week for reading and writing blog posts. The phone line has been down for a week at our city pad and the internet is moving at snail's pace. I spent five days at our lake house and  have nearly chewed up the 40gig of data I have per month on my phone plan so my online activities have been seriously curtailed.

In selecting posts for this week's Gems I was forced to skim read and ignore posts with titles that didn't pique my curiosity.Here goes with my selections for the week past.

1. Great to see Fran (and Carel last week) mentioned on the GeneabloggersTRIBE site (have you listed your blog there?)
http://geneabloggerstribe.com/travelgenee-joins-the-geneabloggertribe/

2. A few short tips for Intelligent Searches.
http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/intelligent-searching.html

3. Jane describes how she looks after her data.
http://www.taubman.org.uk/family/wp/2017/06/18/backups-and-ransomware/

4. Anne has reached a milestone.
http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/250-posts-later.html

5. Help for the DNA Challenged.
http://dnaandfamilytreeresearch.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/wdytya-2017-videos-going-online.html

6. A researcher needs our input.
http://www.irishgenealogynews.com/2017/06/views-of-genealogists-sought-by.html

7. Chez researches an Aussie icon.
http://linksinachain.blogspot.com/2017/06/trove-tuesday-biscuits.html

8. I haven't read this yet. Have you?
http://ancestryauthor.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/dying-games-is-out-what-do-you-think.html

9. Trove comes up Trumps again.
https://ancestorchaser.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/david-adams-breakthrough-i-hope.html

10. Reflecting on an ancestor's life.
https://gsq-blog.gsq.org.au/life-pioneering-woman/

11. This title fascinated me.
http://earlieryears.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/the-rams-head-and-rock-playground.html

12. And here are a few responses to the Cemetery Day Challenge Alona posted last week. A great theme that elicited some interesting responses.
http://robynandthegenies.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/celebrating-cemeteries.html
http://michellefnichols.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/remembering-cemetery-day.html
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/06/cemetery-day-18-june-2017/
https://campaspegenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/cemetery-day.html
http://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/my-cemetree.html

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 16 June 2017

Once again I have decided to be patriotic and offer selections from Australian bloggers in this week's post. I think again this week that the cool weather has driven the bloggers indoors. I see a few blogging who have been absent for a while.

First up I mention a post that came through from Alona this morning. How about we all put our fingers to the keyboard and craft a cemetery post for Sunday, then tweet it using the hashtag #CemeteryDay.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/06/introducing-cemeteryday/

Robyn reports on her DNA progress.
http://robynandthegenies.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/dna-12-months-down-track.html

DNA helped in this case.
https://historybylarzus.wordpress.com/2017/06/13/the-mystery-of-jane-leahy/

How did I miss Kerryn's discovery last week. Had to break my cutoff rules and share.
http://ancestorchaser.blogspot.com/2017/06/our-amazing-new-family-dna-discovery.html

A spot of local history for Sydneysiders.
https://anmm.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/midget-submarine-attack-on-sydney-31-may-1-june-1942/

James visited another Sydney icon.
https://jamesobrien.id.au/2017/06/10/mortuary-station/

A new resource that add background to your stories.
http://caseycardinialinkstoourpast.blogspot.com/2017/06/year-book-australia.html

More suggestions for your reading list.
http://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/five-faves-geneameme-responses.html

These titles may also be of interest.
http://ypgenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/new-books-for-family-history-research.html

Chez sends us down a rabbit hole with another online resource.
http://linksinachain.blogspot.com/2017/06/trove-tuesday-never-ceases-to-surprise.html

A Geneajourney for our GenX girl.
http://genxalogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/why-is-it-always-you-jimmy.html

TRIBE leader Caitlyn
http://genealogically-speaking.blogspot.com/2017/06/geneabloggerstribe.html

Have you joined the TRIBE? Jo Ann has.
http://ofmyfleshandblood.blogspot.com/2017/06/blogging-badge-for-geneabloggers-tribe.html


New to me blogs
The Keeper of Stories
https://tpr76797.wordpress.com/

Luddite Bicentenary (not Australian but has some Australian content
http://ludditebicentenary.blogspot.com/

Oops
Just realised that this blog was missing from my RSS feeds
http://blog.gsv.org.au/

Comfortable outside the Comfort Zone

 It's now two weeks since I moved out of my comfort zone in Genealand and presented a talk on The Joys of History Blogging to a group of Australian History enthusiasts at a local U3A Group.

I was made most welcome by the Group's leaders and as the presentation was in a venue at Hornsby Library with which I am most familiar my nerves flew out the door prior to the presentation.

U3A presentation at Hornsby Library

Many of the 50+ people at the gig had little or now knowledge of blogs and what a useful resource they could be for the reader, researcher and writer. It was pleasing to see how well the talk was received but it was also a little disappointing that, until now, so many people did not have any idea of useful blogs could be in their study of Australian History.

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 9 June 2017

This week's post is a Saturday Special. As I was involved with family yesterday I didn't not have sufficient time to complete and  publish my post.

It has been a blog-filled week for me. As part of my responsibilities for the GeneabloggersTRIBE I visited over 600 genealogy of the blogs on their Members List. I was struck by the depth and diversity of content I found there in genealogy blogs. It was sad to see so many inactive blogs but it was heartening that, although they are inactive, the stories they tell live on at sites like Blogger and Wordpress.

I also have self-diagnosed Bloggerhoea this week having penned (some scheduled for later) around a dozen posts for the various blogs I curate. I wonder if you sometimes have an attack of this affliction.

In this week's selection I am concentrating on Australian blogs just because I feel like promoting geneablogs from downunder. I am rather fortunate that many of my genimates have blogged this week (was it the chilly weather?).

My first few selections are from libraries' local studies collections. Our libraries downunder do a great job sharing and preserving stories of people and places from the past.

From Sutherland, NSW.
Local History, Local Stories: WWI Field Gun

From John Oxley, Library, Queensland.
http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/2017/06/07/watson-estate-booval-boovaleast-ipswich-1911/

From Parramatta, NSW.
http://arc.parracity.nsw.gov.au/blog/2017/06/05/world-war-one-parramatta-soldiers-francis-william-owens/

From Casey/Cardinia, Victoria

http://caseycardinialinkstoourpast.blogspot.com/2017/06/hallam-hotel.html

From Tea Tree Gully, South Australia
https://ttglibrary.com/2017/06/07/way-back-when-wednesdays-23/

From Wagga Wagga, NSW.
http://memoriesofwagga.blogspot.com/2017/05/new-to-local-studies-three-family.html

Quite a few librarians including Ellen and Michelle blog too.
http://readplayparticipate.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/where-photographs-end-up-part-2.html
http://michellefnichols.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/a-carter-and-his-sister-in-law-trove.html

Some of my genimates are excited about #Congress_2018.
https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2017/06/06/congress_-2018-sydney/ 

https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/genea-conference-excitement/ 

http://twigsofyore.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/the-early-bird-gets-conference-ticket.html

Some bloggers have been learning and sharing

http://researchbylily.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-lost-weekend-well-not-really.html

https://njsneddon.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/comparing-dna-testing-companies-ethnicity-estimates/
http://twigsofyore.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/reconstituting-allsops-of.html
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2016/07/14/applying-a-lesson/

And one has returned after taking a sabbatical. Welcome back.
https://familyfractals.wordpress.com/2017/06/08/where-have-you-been-stranger/

I think a post of mine prompted this post about an atypical Troveite. Isn't that grand
http://linksinachain.blogspot.com/2017/06/trove-tuesday.html

A few Newtome blogs were found this week.
https://clogsandclippers.blogspot.com.au/
https://tpr76797.wordpress.com/
http://georgiesgenealogy.blogspot.com.au/

Oops - I've gone over my self imposed limit of a dozen blogs this week just because....I can.

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 2 June 2017

Well the great news of the week that has kept me occupied is with the GeneabloggersTRIBE Leadership Team.  There has been much geneacommunication across the Pacific and beyond as our Team Leaders worked to get the Website and other social media assets set up for the launch.

1. The announcement from Thomas MacEntee that he is handing over certain assets to the GeneabloggersTRIBE.
http://www.geneabloggers.com/announcing-new-initiative-geneabloggerstribe-com/

2. The new GeneabloggersTRIBE website.
http://geneabloggerstribe.com/

3. There are two Aussies on the leadership team. (Shameless self-promotion)
http://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/geneabloggerstribe.html

4. Pauleen shares her excitement about past and future events.
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/genea-conference-excitement/

5. Little Wandering Wren is settling down in Thailand.
http://littlewanderingwren.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/in-hot-land-far-away.html

6. Victoria is also on the move.
https://campaspegenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/moving-house-and-finding-more-treasures.html

7. I'd say they are pretty good Jen.
https://jengenie.wordpress.com/2017/06/01/what-are-the-chances/

8. Cousin Bate
https://diaryofayounggenealogist.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/edward-bate/

9. Radicals in the Hawkesbury.
http://hawkesburyheritage.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/the-nineteen-radicals.html

10. Roots and branches in Sydney.
http://paulineconolly.com/2017/the-fabulous-fig-trees-of-sydney/

11. A new blogger on the GSQ team. G'day Joan.
https://gsq-blog.gsq.org.au/think-outside-box/

12. And so it should Alona.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/05/yes-folks-genealogy-does-cost-money/

GAGs- GeniAus' Gems - 26 May 2017

My mind has been on other things this week, ie #Congress_2018, I also spent this morning meeting some of my new neighbours at a local Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. I have still managed to fit in a bit of blog reading. Hopefully you will enjoy some of what I have selected.

1. My answer is NO.

http://researchbylily.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/do-we-own-our-ancestors.html

2. Michelle blogged about Jenny's ancestor.

http://hawkesburyheritage.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/the-wilberforce-sundial.htmlhttp://hawkesburyheritage.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/the-wilberforce-sundial.html

3. Shauna reports on what we missed out on.

http://www.shaunahicks.com.au/footsteps-in-time-family-local-history-conference-review-may-2017/

4. Congratulations to Jennie on the 50th post in this series.

http://edenborough.info/2017/05/20/jim-and-elsies-1978-tour-day-50/

5. Another interesting post from an a blogger I cannot identify.

http://exploringmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/nurses-during-world-war-i.htm

6. Nifty changing graphic in this post.

http://blog.library.ipswich.qld.gov.au/lh/2017/05/25/were-you-a-fan/

7. Emily ponders on a question.

https://diaryofayounggenealogist.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/who-am-i-doing-this-for/

8. Fancy a sdrop of Earl Grey/

http://blog.perthmint.com.au/2017/05/23/historic-medal-captures-earl-grey-to-a-t/

9. A Manly pharmacist.

http://manlylocalstudies.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/manlys-enterprising-chemist.html

10. Thanks for the memories Pauline.

http://paulineconolly.com/2017/empire-day-lollies-and-crackers/

11. New items at SLQ.

http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/2017/05/22/new-accession-patricia-ward-nee-meadows-papers-1942-1986/

12. I remember that visit in 1954.

https://canadabayconnections.wordpress.com/2017/05/22/a-park-fit-for-a-queen/

BTW. If you want to know about #Congress_2018 join our Facebook Group Genimates at #Congress_2018.

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 19 May 2017

It's dilemma time. This week has delivered a rich collection of blog posts to my RSS Feed. My issue is - do I add them all to this post or will I be selective?

I have decided to go down Ruthless Road. When I started this series of posts I planned to share 10-12 posts each week so, although I have read much of value this week, I will stick to my guns.. It would be easy to share a long list but I will go through what I have saved and select those Gems that shone most brightly for me.  

1. I have to start with Alex's rallying post which resonated with a large number of commenters.
https://familytreefrog.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/bloggers-united-we-never-be-defeated.html

2. Grave advice from Amy.
http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/5-photos-you-should-take-at-the-cemetery/

3. I always took our wireless for granted.
https://sydney-city.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/glebe-wireless-house.html

4. News of a valuable resource from Pauleen.
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/red-cross-cards-and-vatican-archives-wwii/

5. An admission from Alona.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/05/yes-im-a-collector/

6. I admire Shelly's patience and skill.
https://whoisshelly.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/colouring-old-photos/

7. Sharon had a catchy headline.
https://shazlex.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/she-had-light-of-battle-glimmering-in.html

8. Barb raises a grave issue.
http://barbs01.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/is-find-grave-accurate-source.html

9. Carmel generously shares her slides.
http://librarycurrants.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/introduction-to-family-history.html

10. A geneajaunt for tweedheadsgirl.
http://utfp.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/americanisation-or-anglicisation.html

11. He wanted to be first!
https://thedustybox.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/jonas-and-the-whale/

12. Facebook's plans.
http://www.socialmediatoday.com/social-networks/inside-facebooks-10-year-master-plan-infographic

PS I am always on the lookout for words for the geneadictionary like this one from Andrew.
https://geneadictionary.wordpress.com/2017/05/11/gymnealogy/

I'm also excited to be presenting a blogging session at #congress_2018

DNA Blogs

As I try to get serious about DNA I realise that, as well as keeping up with news that is shared via social media channels, I must read more in-depth articles.

I find a lot of helpful tidbits and interesting conversations in the few DNA groups I have joined on Facebook.I can read monographs and journals but I want to keep up with the latest findings. The best place to find more current detailed information and opinions are in the blogs written by leading genetic genealogists.

A search on the ISOGG wiki (another beaut resource) returns a long list of genetic genealogy blogs but which should a DNA beginner from downunder follow?

I have created a DNA folder in my RSS reader Inoreader. Listed in the image below are the blogs I am currently following.

Do you see any glaring omissions?

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

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 29 April 2017

The focus in Australia and New Zealand this week has been on remembering the commitment and sacrifice of the men and women in our armed forces. As there has been no Trans-Tasman ANZAC Day Challenge this year I have decided to make this issue a compilation of blog posts with an ANZAC Day theme.

I am including all of the posts I have read but apologise if I have missed any. Please let me know of any I may have overlooked and I will add them.

The Ancestor Digger Honouring the WWI ANZACS in our family, and the 10 who lost their lives serving - "Lest We Forget"

AncestorChasing: A story of Anzac by Allan FLEMING 

Anne's Family History: Anzac biscuits

Anne's Family History: U is for Unibic biscuit tin

Australian Geographic: The evolution of Anzac Day from 1915 until today

Canada Bay Connections: Remembering the Fallen

Behind the Lines:  Captain Frederick Reidy Jolley

Diary of a Young Genealogist: ANZAC Day 2017 (Part One)

Diary of a Young Genealogist: Anzac Day 2017 (Part 2)

The Empire Called and I Answered: The Reluctant Soldier

Experts in Genealogy: John Francis Walsh - Gallipoli 100 Years on.

Exploring Military History: ANZAC Day 2017

Exploring Military History: ANZAC Day 2017 Part 2

Fairfield City Library Local Studies: Lest we forget

Family History Across the Seas: A family ANZAC: Pte Hugh Moran (Part I)

Family History Across the Seas: A family ANZAC: Pte Hugh Moran Part II

GeniAus: Trove Tuesday - 2/7 Australian Field Regiment

Headlines of Old: Trove Tuesday 25th April, 2017- The war that went to the dogs

iwiKiwi: A penny for them ~ Anzac Day

Jenealogy Scrapbook: Websites I Use for Military Research

Killion and Nott Family History: A broken promise

Little Wandering Wren: ANZAC Day: Lest we forget.

Lois Willis – Genealogy and Family History: William Claude Whimpey

Lost Medals Australia: An ANZAC Day find.

Lonetester: “Dead” Soldier Returns

L W Reid:  ANZAC Day 2017

Mcollierheritage: ANZAC Day 2017 - Additional Family Military Personnel

Noel Turnbull: ANZAC Day 2017 at Port Melbourne

Nola Mackey - Family History: Family Heirloom- Dead Man’s Penny for James Joseph Stapleton

On Record:  "Steel your Heart" ANZAC Letters

Outback Family History: Kanownas Anzac Story – by Robert Baugh

Parramatta Heritage Centre: World War One – Parramatta Soldiers – Archie McWilliam

Pastlinks: Bougainville 1945

SA Community History: ANZAC Bites

Shaking the Tree: “They shall grow not old …”

Strong Foundations: Remembering Roy

Stumbling through the Past: Review: The Anzacs by Patsy Adam-Smith

Sydney - City and Suburbs: Anzac Bridge, Anzac Memorial, Anzac Day

Thames (NZ): ANZAC DAY at the Thames 2017

Travelgenee: #AtoZChallenge U for Uniform - Lest we forget.   

Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society: ANZAC DAY Wagga 1952

Blogiversary

Congratulations to James who has been blogging for 15 years

https://jamesobrien.id.au/2017/04/27/fifteen-years-blogging/

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 23 April 2017

Friday when I usually post my GeniAus' Gems flew by as did Saturday. Now on Sunday morning I have found some time to share some  blog posts that resonated with me up to Friday 21 April. This week I found several posts where bloggers' stories contained shared tips/reminders for researchers and also I learnt about people and places from other stories.

1. Two posts of most interest to we who blog came from my genimates James and Julie.
http://genealogysstar.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/are-we-nearing-end-of-genealogy-blogging.html
http://genealogy.julietarr.com/blog/what-happened-to-genealogy-blogging/

2. A different perspective on digging up the ancestors.
http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/archaeology-dig.html

3. Remembering Henry at Canada Bay.
https://canadabayconnections.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/henry-lawson-remembered/

4. Chris reminiscences on Easter.
https://urungamaiden.wordpress.com/2017/04/15/following-the-trail-at-easter/

5. Learning from the challenge.
http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/learning-little-more-about-blogging.html

6. Another treasure from Alona's chest.
http://www.memorabiliahouse.com/2017/04/licence-plate-number-21-419/

7. Kylie revisits the records.
http://blog.kyliesgenes.com/2017/04/mary-plunkett-read-carefully/

8. A Kiwi genie visits Canberra.
http://kiwichoccie.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/canberra-planned-city-but-is-it-part-of.html

9. Neville's missus.
http://headlinesofold.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/trove-tuesday-18th-april-2017-whats-in.html

10. Witnessing a gruesome scene.
http://cicadasbeesandbargepoles.com/edward-winter-witnesses-the-hanging-of-three-bushrangers/

11. Jen checks the facts.
http://conversationswithgrandma.com.au/2017/04/18/early-postmaster/

12. Pauleen returns to blogging with two bumper posts.
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/04/18/the-reddans-from-gortnaglogh-part-i/

New to Me Blogs

From Emily in Sydney https://diaryofayounggenealogist.wordpress.com/

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 14 April 2017

I'm taking an hour off from packing boxes of books and geneastuff to indulge in a little blog business. I hope that the posts I am sharing today will do one of these three things,  Educate, Enthuse or Entertain, that Michelle Patient mentioned in a recent podcast.

I've caught up on reading my overseas blog subs this week so have a couple of international posts to share as well as local items.

1. Lorine shares some exciting news for those with ancestors who may be buried in Highgate.
http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/burials-at-highgate-cemetery-london-uk.html

2. Libraries we love from my mates at Librarything.
http://blog.librarything.com/main/2017/04/national-lib-week-2017/

3. Can you help James?
https://jamesobrien.id.au/2017/04/12/wanted-american-soldier-and-war-bride/

4. I don't think I can declutter to this level.
http://mycrazypaving.blogspot.com/2017/04/100-essentials.html

5. Susan's letters.
http://susansfamilytales.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/a-lady-of-letters.html

6. Genies in Geraldton reflect on their history.
https://geraldtonfhs.wordpress.com/2017/04/06/early-meeting-memories/

7. A roadworthy story from Moya.
http://www.outbackfamilyhistoryblog.com/2017/04/10/cobbled-road-near-poison-creek/

8. I'm ignorant in matters of music so found this educative.
http://boobookbacktracks.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/london-school-of-music.html

9. A few suggestions for inclusion in your vocabulary.
http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2017/04/oxford-dictionary-new-words/

10. Thanks to Linda I have a story for my CurryAus Surname Study. https://argonautsite.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/j-is-for-john-curry/

11. What would Sydney be without the Royal Easter Show? Thanks fro the update, Pauline.
http://paulineconolly.com/2017/social-history-sydneys-easter-show/

12. Something old is new again.
https://suzysu.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/some-random-musings-on-sharing-our-social-lives/

Congratulations

6th Blogiversary for Western Districts Families
https://westerndistrictfamilies.com/2017/04/12/a-box-of-chocolates/

Pauline Connolly has clocked up 100,000 visits
http://paulineconolly.com/2017/a-website-is-a-wonderful-thing/

Let's not forget the stalwarts who are participating in the #AtoZChallenge:

Alex http://familytreefrog.blogspot.com.au

Anne  http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com.au/

Carmel  http://earlieryears.blogspot.com.au 

Fran  http://travelgenee.com/

Jennifer  https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com

Jill  https://ballau.blogspot.com.au

Linda https://argonautsite.wordpress.com 

Sandra  http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com.au

GAGs- GeniAus' Gems - 7 April 2017

I have realy enjoyed my blog reading this week although I have concentrated on blogs from below the equator. Some weeks there are so many posts that resonate with me while in other weeks there are slimmer pickings, this was a bumper week.

1. Please help Jenny find her soldier.

http://jennyalogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/he-wants-to-be-found.html

2. No doubt there will be a flurry of posts on this topic. This was the first I read.

https://whoisshelly.wordpress.com/2017/04/05/familytreednas-new-origins-estimates/

3. As I am in the throes of moving house this post from Diane struck a chord.
https://diane-adventurebeforedementia.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/new-home-new-car-new-life.html

4. Manly Local Studies do a great job highlighting past citizens.
http://manlylocalstudies.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/john-leplaw-manly-policeman.html

5. Third instalment in a charming series from Jennie. Read them all.

http://edenborough.info/2017/04/01/jim-and-elsies-1978-tour-3/

6. A new source of images for bloggers.

http://mymodernmet.com/metropolitan-museum-of-art-open-access/

7. I loved the ovie, looks like I'll be reaing the book, thanks Alex.

http://luvviesmusings.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/lion-or-long-way-home-by-saroo-brierley.html

8. Jess shares the tale of a skeleton.

https://thedustybox.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/the-ginger-haired-skeleton/

9. Alona reminds us that boys will be boys.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/04/hoon-and-youll-be-fined-even-in-the-1840s/

10. It's time to get a new app under my belt.
https://www.theedublogger.com/2017/03/29/picmonkey/

I have found that several of my genimates (and I) downunder are participating in the 2017 A to Z blogging challenge. Please give your support. Here are links to some maiden posts (where are the boys!).

Alex http://familytreefrog.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/a-zchallenge-is-for-acquisition-atlas.html

Anne  http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/a-is-for-letter-from-anzac.html

Carmel  http://earlieryears.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/apricots-and-almondsall-whistle-now.html

Fran  http://travelgenee.com/ancestor-jane-gibson/

Jennifer  https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2017/03/31/a-z-challenge-a-anderson/

Jill  https://ballau.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/windows-on-world-is-for-alesunds-art.html

Linda https://argonautsite.wordpress.com/2017/03/31/a-is-for-argyle-cut/

Sandra  http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/a-to-z-challenge-is-for-addresses.html

Have I missed anyone?

Finally congratulations to Chris who is celebrating her 1,000th post on her As they were blog.