Networking—making contact with other people who share similar
interests—can save you much time and energy in accomplishing your
research goals. Have a research question? Try networking. At a crossroads
and not sure in which direction to turn? Try networking. Need someone to
talk to about your successes? Again, try networking.
Networking can take place in the form of classroom participation,
attendance at conferences, or society membership. Genealogists are
generally positive and energetic, and most are ready to share their
findings or research experience with anyone they can help. This
camaraderie and interest in exchange results in a vast system of
societies, projects, and communication. The sooner you become part of
this network, the sooner you will be drawn into a very special group.
Knowledge of the genealogical community will place you in the midst of
much activity, increase your productivity, and alert you to the importance
of research standards and etiquette.
