Why I Blog

I put a significant amount of time and effort into this blog.  I try to post twice a week, although that doesn't always happen.  So why do I have this blog--and why do I continue to post?  There are several reasons.

Show It Can Be Done

I'd heard so many people saying that all of the Jewish records were destroyed in WWII.  By demonstrating the types of documents I have on my family, I hope that others see what may be out there.  I try to show that these documents do (in many cases) exist, and researching Jewish ancestors in Eastern Europe is possible.  Because I'm writing about my own family, most of whom were just simple non-famous people, it (I hope) shows people what is possible

The Tolchinsky Family in an 1882 Russian Empire Census--An Example of the Type of Documents Available

Relative Bait

Oftentimes, people google their name.  Especially if they have a relative uncommon surname, they may google that surname.  And if I posted about one of their ancestors, they may find it--and they may have information that I do not.

Photo of Meyer Leffand (courtesy of Marilyn Leffand Lehman)

Meyer Leffand was my great-great grandmother's brother.  Meyer's granddaughter found a post that I'd written and commented on my blog.  She had several photos that I'd never seen, including this one of Meyer.  Without my blog, we'd likely never have connected.

And just this past week, after I posted about my Garber family, I got a comment and an email from Harry Garber's granddaughter!

Relative Engagement

Believe it or not, most of my relatives aren't as genealogy-obsessed as I am.  (I know; I don't get it either.)  But when I blog, I put things in a short and concise article, and many of them actually read them.  And some of them comment or send me Facebook messages when it's about their part of the family.  These small bites allow some others to appreciate the research and the story behind that research without having to get fully invested.

Think Through Problems

When I write a blog post, I try to show all of the evidence I have.  Sometimes when I'm writing that up, it makes me think through a problem more and identifies gaps--which I can then fill.  Sometimes I know where the gap is already, but writing things out helps me to close that gap.  I had that happen just a few weeks ago.

Readers' Suggestions

Sometimes I have a puzzle which I just cannot figure out.  And often readers give suggestions of places to look that might help to solve that.  I so appreciate those readers (and commenters)!

Do you blog?  Do you have other reasons?  Are you thinking of getting started?  And for those of you who are regular readers, what brings you back?

Note:  I'm on Twitter.  Feel free to follow me (@larasgenealogy).

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