www.Leazott.com

The "Down-Low" on "What's Up"!!                                              2015 09 01
Expanding Our Knowledge...                                                  Published Monthly



This Months Biggest News...

With the basic bone structure of the website in place, it's now time to enhance the features.
Meaning, to show as much supporting data as possible about the members in the family tree.

Without supporting data, how would you be sure a site is really showing you accurate information?

Having a family tree to show friends and relatives is fun... But getting correct information is tough.
Just because another website agree's with you, (or you copy their information) doesn't make it true.
Inaccuracies get copied all the time on the web because it's easy to copy/paste data to another tree.
Worse yet, many of todays software titles boast of making it easy to import entire trees!

So what's the "most common", common-denominator for all these errors?... Failure to verify.
The result can have family name and size errors, as well as huge mis-information of entire bloodlines.

The ability to verify with actual historic documents and show them is how a site differs from a page.
With this in mind, the next logical step is to show as many actual recorded documents as possible.

The most reliable and readily used types are census's, photographs, obituaries and tombstones.
These continue to be the most widely viewed help available other than your own tangible documents.
Be aware that there are informational and acuracy details of varying degrees within each of them.

There are many ways people can use these to their advantage in tracing their own or others heredity.
In fact, so many ways, that many books have been written on genealogy "How To".

There is no magic "One-Stop" website or any records room that will have all the answers for you.
That's what makes it so fun-It's the challenge of learning how to search and the mastering of it!
Finding clues that lead you to the discovery of new information can be both exciting and frustrating.
Never once have I been disapointed with the outcome though. So relax and enjoy the search!

When you're ready to add support and do your own verifying, purchase the census files on CD's.
Because verifying is the key to accuracy, and accuracy is what makes your tree valid.
Good luck, have fun and enjoy!



With that in mind, it leads us to the next phase of the newsletters future:
How To Help Readers With Their Genealogy Studies.



Genealogy 101  The Basics...

Genealogy: A line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor.

Whether a novice or expierienced, all of us need some direction and reminders from time to time.
And that's what this section is about... Simple reminders for us all about the basics.

For the most part, there is very little that can be done do to improve any original documents found.
What can be improved upon, is the knowledge of those who will leave the documents of the future.


Topic 001:
Start Now. And Create Backups Often!
The first reminder is this... Act quickly.

People always seem to feel there will be more time for this "someday". Simply put, it's not true.
Believe this or not, the information you want today may not be available for you next month!

This can happen in so many ways it's unimaginable.
Relatives pass on unexpectedly and take their memories with them, never to be heard by us again.
Many photo albums still exist without names, places or dates just because we know who they are!
It never occurs to us that we won't be able to explain them to someone who's interested one day.

Computer viruses, store room mice and divorces are but a few more ways losses can occur.
Repeated many times daily and worldwide, there starts to become a very real humanitarian loss.
It only takes one of these happenings to show you what kind of devastation this really is.

Nearly every 1890 United States Census was lost to TWO fires (1896 & 1921). More losses followed.
Many that survived the blaze were still hopelessly ruined by the resulting water and soot damages.
Thirteen years later, the Census Bureau purposely destroyed the surviving records during their move.
There are only a few specialized schedules such as war veteran records that remain from 1890.
At best, no one foresaw these things and had no warning, but some were sheer stupidity ...or worse.

During the 1500's (and earlier) things were even more invasive than that!
When a city was attacked, there would be many deliberate burnings of church records by conquerers.
This was done purposely with the intent of severing people from their past and creating a new loyalty.

Imagine this for a moment...
The written word was considered as so powerful, that it had to be destroyed from a subjects legacy.
Knowing who you are and where you come from shows very clearly to all that you belong there.
But in not knowing ones heritage, you may feel like a visitor, and be ruled by a country's conquerors.
Later generations disconnected from the truth have nothing to fight for, are then easier to rule over.

These things are recorded and documented as historical facts. They happened many times.
They continue to happen on some level every day somewhere in the world even as you read this.
The ongoing atrocities in Tibet are a testament that any legacy can still today become easily severed.

Many worldwide organizations are working hard to secure document images and index enumerations.
They're very aware that these tragedies will happen again and again in our personal and global future.
The rule of the pond is now, and always has been, "Big fish eat little fish".

The point here is this...
It doesn't matter how large or small the reason is, the result is always the same...
A loss for everyone that's involved, and a dead end for genealogists looking into the past.

The most important thing that you can do right now, is to go and talk to your family elders.
Pull out those old family photo albums with them, and ask who those people in them were!
BE SURE TO WRITE THE INFORMATION DIRECTLY ONTO THE PHOTOGRAPH BACKS!!

If you're using computer/electronic photo's, create folders labeled with full names and birthyears.
Because, believe it or not, someone will want to know about them even after you and I are gone.
In either case, don't use abreviations. Language use and slang will change somewhat over time.

Create backups to your work. Like anything else, it's not important until it's important!
Loss comes unexpectedly, and with no recovery from flood damage, fire, deleted or infected files.
Backups are sometimes the only thing standing between "a secured future" and "lost forever" .
Twice I've lost over a thousand photos to adversities. Neither of which were very well prepared for.

Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!



This Months L-Page...

This months subject: Louis Lizotte-1793-1877-Mother Monty-Wife Eleanor.
Wondering who that is? You'll need to join first, then read here.

L-Page characters are chosen each month in connection with others being added to the family tree.
This way, we see how the family relationships grew, and the roles they played within their families.
As a bonus, the family tree flow-chart grows each month without having any gaps or "orphan pages".

If you haven't gotten it already, Download The Family Tree Software In The Geneology Section.
Follow along every month for new stories, and add the subjects to your tree!



The Newest L-Games...

Here's a fun way to learn bits and pieces of information that would otherwise slip by.
Play online if you've already joined. If not, just print the PDF's for crayons & highlighters.
Youngsters too small for computers can still learn about their family history tree!

Plans are to have various topics relating to learning the family tree and it's information.
If possible, each month a new variation of one of the games to the website.
There's already word search, with plans for crosswords and quiz's still to come!!
Links to previous games will be left for all as long as webspace allows.

Be sure to leave some feedback about it for creating ones with more difficulty or easier needs.



Software Downloads List...

Each month, another good piece (or pieces) of usable software will be highlighted.
They may be related to genealogy, computers, websites, or for just plain fun!
Click here for a brief rundown on each of the highlighted selections!
If you've a particular need or interest, make a suggestion in the guestbook!






Improving The Website...

Every month, many new features are added to the website and older ones improved upon.
This section is a chance to brag a little bit about the past months accomplishments.
It's just a way to make sure all the hard work doesn't get forgotten or go un-noticed!

Sometimes, it may take days and days just to make a very small item work properly on the web.
Although users may not notice at all, it's a real sense of accomplishment to overcome these obstacles.
So this is the section where they get to shine!


New Page Added...

A new set of pages dubbed "Mystery Photos" have been added to the Research Help Links section.
Scans of pictures without names, places or dates will be added so that readers may be able to help!
It would be such a shame to let so much genealogy and history go to waste.

Readers with photos of unknown names, places, dates, etc, are urged to send them in for posting!
Include anything you know about them, and where you got them. Any info at all will help!

Also on the same page, a reminder for whoever inherits old family tree photos and genealogy items.
Sometimes they're not interested in the project, or elders die in nursing homes without relatives.
This site is an excellent way to help their memory live on! See the link for what to do next!


Monthly Newsletter Link Added To Every Page Header...

A lot of readers are finding the site, but many are reading the front page or news & info only.
It seems they miss the newsletter without knowing, so a more obvious link has been added.
The upper left of every page now holds a quicklink to the current newsletter.

Also, as a side note...
While adding the link, it became clear to keep the left side for readers, and the right for members.
Just a simple way to keep links together that are accessible for all instead of random placements.


Family Tree Report...

Family Tree individuals total 3671 combining directly and indirectly related (Inc basic members).
Current tree-members include 609 family surnames (Our variations plus those married into or from).

The above numbers are only a basic reference to what people usually want to know.
Click the Database Links to go to the "Report Page" and starting links to the tree and calendar.
There you'll find a clearer description and breakdown of what the numbers actually mean to you.
Also, some explanations about work the that's been done and the direction we're heading in.

Starting next month the numbers will be posted only on the Report Page.
This is so it will be easier to maintain and not confuse people if one doesn't get updated.


Census Report...

More census files are made available for purchase each month.
Available on CD, with option for "Thumbdrives" at an added cost.

Lists of information about census year, state, size, quantity, etc can be a bit lengthy for this page.
The Census Page gives you an idea of just how many there really are and which ones are available.


Demo Links...

The Demo-Links-Page is now available for online viewing!
So far there are links for Census photo, Family Tree, Maps, and Email Control Panel demo's!
Take a look at the one's already posted, and the list of what will soon be available as well.

Click the link above, use the header dropdown menu tabs "Join Us/Demos" or the icon at the right.
Some demo's have already been linked though unfinished, while others have yet to be added entirely.
If there are certain sections you'd like to see, pease feel free to suggest them in the guestbook.

Demo Link pages had been tabled for awhile in order to formulate a more concentrated plan.
The idea became that we should have just one main "Demo Page" to link all new demo's from.
Not only does this simplifies the work, but also has the benefit of showing all items in one glance.


Please Help Donation Buttons...

Don't feel pressured, and if you can't afford to contribute, don't sweat it...
There's a lot that goes into the maintaining and improving a genealogy site.
Any and all help is truely appreciated!


Homepage Design...

The homepage had been in need of a more flowing way to convey information.
Although not perfected, it's much better for illustrating what the sites intentions are.
Hopefully those that find it take the time to read and further their understanding.
Quicklinks were also added for convience. Other things will be added as necessary.




Site Feature Reminders...


Census Records-An Ongoing Mission!!

Concentrating on the oldest first (1790), and moving systematically toward the newer ones.
Many scattered ones have also been saved to disc as well due to family tree building.
Having your own set is always the best way to verify your finds.

Zipped folders categorized by state and year with single page document browsing are being used.
Since pages are viewed one at a time, the entire census doesn't have to be loaded into memory.
This might be a bit slower to find what you want, but will lessen the computer resouces needed.
They have excellent clarity for enlargements that are sometimes necessary to decipher penmanship.

Their size would be far too much for this website to hold, and so are offered only on media for now.
CD's, Thumb/Flash Drives, and SD Memory Cards are the methods used for mailing your orders.



Website Software At The Download Section!!

Several primary software downloads used for this site are available in the download section.
With these you can build your own family tree for viewing either at home or your own website.

Each month, other new software will be in the spotlight as a free member download.
Topics vary according to the website, computer and other necessary needs.
If anyone is interested in a specific category, just make it known!



A Newsletter Signup Page Has Been Added!!

Use this link for easy signup, and to opt out if you should ever decide that also.
The page continues to be available here, but sometimes an email reminder is handy too.

Newsletters are emailed only to those that have joined this site.
Emails take up server resources, which consume a significant amount of cash flow.
Those electing not to join can still read current newsletters by visiting this page directly.

While I'm thrilled that others might like to read about our stories and progress, it costs money.
Those interested enough to join should be the ones to benefit from their support (Thank You!).



Visitor Survey Page

The survey page is placed in the "News & Info" tabs, and open to visitors for responses.
Basic one-click yes/no answer format with an optional block for things to add if you desire.
Visitors can help decide what's important enough to put on the website-Even what questions to add!
Please take a look, it's very fast and big help for us all.



Send Comments Through The Guestbook!!

Your help and suggestions are very much appreciated, and this should help make it easy for you!
It'll be added to the upper right of most pages for easy access whenever you're reading articles.
Use it often!



The Search Engine Feature Has Been Added!!

The feature will become more and more useful as L-Pages and family history items are added.
The Family Tree section has it's own separate search/sort features.

The software manual says that it has the ability to remember searches and get faster (AI).
So when adding family history stories, remember to use words that others might search for.
Your message or photo can't be seen if it can't be found. Img0012578 isn't likely to be searched for.
This is a nice add-on to make things easier in the future, and found at the top of each page.



The "Share-This" Icons Are On Every Page!!

While you're viewing these pages, you can share them with more family members.
You can share any page to any social network, or email the page straight from the left-side links.
Give them a try and help spread the word!!









Here's What's Been Planned For The Future...



This list will stay on the newsletter, and be added to or subtracted from as needed.
Mostly as a "To Do" list, and something to be accountable to for making progress!
They're listed in no particular order of importance or lineup.
As the ideas or needs came into focus, they were written in...
Of course, with effort later to add new ones near related ones for train of thought.

Some items may be quick to get accomplished, while others may take longer...
Many may not even work out at all.
But we'll cross those bridges when we come to them.


Email Address Purchase Page Needs Updating...
It needs to tell more about the product details, and payment links.
It works fine as it is, go ahead and use the checkout.
But we all like for things to be simple and easy, don't we?
As time goes by, it'll get there.


Some Page Menu Changes Are Planned...
Probably a re-ordering of pagelinks in the menu column will be the result.
This should make it very easy to look at, email & share pages with each other.
One step at a time... Some have already started...


The "Events" section could use a good calendar...
Searching for some online for an entire day yielded nothing but "snooper programs"...
Many were loaded & installed only to find they were the 30 day, monthly fee or other junk types.
If anyone knows of a good event calendar that can be used for websites, please speak up!
Thanks.

Update:
The Family Tree Calendar "might" be able to fill a second use-Uncertain results yet.
If it becomes a popular enough to become a priority, more time will be allocated to it.
Any results will be posted in the "What's been done section"...


Possibly a higher quality blog may be created so users can better interact...
Somewhere down the line possibly... Does anyone know of a good software program?
One with file attachment and other capabilities that users might want.
File uploading for picture sharing, email responses to their posts, etc.... Something fun!
If you know of a good software for this, send an email or post it on the guestbook!


As ideas and knowledge grow, so will the site-Let's have some input!

All I can do is implement the ideas....
You are the ones that can help guide the site where you want to go!

So many needs...
And so little webspace...


Please join in and help us all to find our heritage.
It belongs to all of us.
It belongs here.

So that's the down-low on what's-up!
Thanks for reading,


Massachusetts

Our family. Our website.
Leazott.com