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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Services
  • Resources
    • Research Resources
    • Getting Started with Genealogy
    • Organize Your Genealogy with Onenote
    • Organize Your Genealogy With Evernote
    • How do I make a Family History Site with Weebly.com?
    • How do I make screenshots & annotations?
    • Texas Genealogy
  • About
    • Welcome!
    • Where Else I Can Be Found Online
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
  • Connect

Find your family story.

I Spy...a Better Map on Ancestry

4/21/2015

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I don't covet much. Besides it being one of the big top 10 Thou Shall Nots (the listicle of all listicles for Christians), it's a waste of time to covet. Okay, there was that time when I was eight that I coveted my best friend Christie's above ground ivy-covered atomic bomb fallout shelter that she had in her backyard. That was SO cool in the late 1970s to play in. One day we were princesses locked in the tower by the mean old witch of a queen. Another, we were mad scientists. 

We played in that thing for hours upon hours until I had to go home for dinner at dark thirty. So, you can't blame me too much for coveting that, right?

Like I said, I don't covet much as an adult. [Hard to beat the fallout-shelter-then-playhouse.] However, I felt a twinge of yearning when I saw this new dynamic search map on Ancestry.

Most of you are probably aware (at least, I hope you are) of the handy dandy clickable search map on the Ancestry Search Page. It looks like this:
Ancestry Collections Search Map
Ancestry Collections Search Map (US)
You simply click on the map the state you want to search the database collections of (or the name of the state below the map) and you get the following.
Ancestry Collections for the US state of Texas (US version)
Ancestry collections list for Texas (US version)
Like I said, handy dandy. You can also click on the tabs above the map to select different countries. All very nice. But then I was on Twitter and saw the Ancestry UK Twitter account tweet this:

New dynamic maps allow you to explore by location with ease. Try it here: http://t.co/ryZc5o8VfE #Maps #Genealogy

— Ancestry UK (@AncestryUK) April 20, 2015
So I clicked on their link and then gasped! Take a look at this:
Ancestry Search Collections Dynamic Map (UK version)
Ancestry Collections Search Map (UK version)
You can zoom in and out with the roller ball on your mouse. Or, if on your iPad, you can use your fingers in what I like to call the pinch and anti-pinch moves to zoom in and out. Fancy schmancy. And then when you click (or tap) on the collections map marker, it tells you the number of collections Ancestry has for that state and then gives you this on another page on your computer:
Ancestry Collections List for Texas (UK version)
Ancestry Collections List for Texas (UK version)
And then it looks like this on the iPad:
Ancestry collections list for Texas on iPad (UK version)
Ancestry collections list for Texas on iPad (UK version)
I want that new Explore(r) Map like I wanted that ivy-covered fallout shelter playhouse in *my* backyard. 

Christie never taunted me like this.

Do you have it? Have you seen it?

~Caroline
4 Comments

Caroline Pointer Named a Social Media Maverick for 2014

2/25/2014

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Family Tree Magazine names 40 "Social Media Maverick" genealogists to follow for 2014

Social Media Mavericks: 40 to Follow via Family Tree Magazine #genealogy
Today Family Tree Magazine named their 40 Genealogy Social Media Mavericks to Follow for 2014, and I am very proud to announce my genealogy-related Pinterest Boards made the list! I am extremely honored to have been included in this list as a quick perusal will tell you I am in extremely excellent company! And congratulations to all those who made the list.

In the March/April 2014 issue of Family Tree Magazine, Lisa Louise Cooke, of the popular podcast Genealogy Gems, reviews a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube and suggests genealogy-related people to follow on those platforms.

For those wondering how can social media help with your genealogy and family history research journey, I strongly encourage you to read Lisa's helpful list and tips. Follow one, several, or all those who are mentioned on whichever platform you prefer. And, perhaps, try out a new platform. You never know what you'll find out there -- a clue, a cousin, a tip -- something that will make all the difference in the world to your research.

And? Here's where you can find and connect with me on whatever social media platform you prefer:

  • Facebook Personal Profile
  • 4YourFamilyStory.com Facebook Page
  • Twitter @FamilyStories
  • Pinterest @FamilyStories
  • YouTube 4YourFamilyStory
  • Google+ Personal Profile
  • 4YourFamilyStory Google+ Page
  • Tech for Genealogy and Family History Google+ Community
  • Genealogy & Family History for Non-Professionals Google+ Community
  • LinkedIn
  • The 4YourFamilyStory Blog [In case you read the blog in a reader or on Facebook.]
  • Subscribe to the Genea-Tech Newsletter [Free Monthly email newsletter -- an extension of the blog.]
  • Power Your Genealogy Research with Technology Flipboard Magazine


Happy Researching!
~Caroline
© Copyright 2014 4YourFamilyStory.com -- All Rights Reserved.

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Listening to Genealogy and History Podcasts?

1/19/2014

13 Comments

 
Listening to Genealogy and History Podcasts? via 4YourFamilyStory.com. #genealogy #podcasts #history
Need something to listen to while commuting back and forth from work?

Need something to listen to while working out?

Don't have time to read all those posts from blogs you put in your RSS reader on that Saturday you told yourself you were gonna get on top of things?

Did you make a new year's resolution a couple of week's ago to be a better researcher? And to actually find the time to research?

Then perhaps it's time to start listening...listening to news, research tips, and history that will help you accomplish your goals.

I've been listening to podcasts and internet radio shows in many genres for a while now (especially business, marketing, etc.). They're great because I can do other stuff while listening and learning.

What is a podcast? A podcast is a series of (usually) audio or video "shows" delivered on the Internet that can be subscribed to via various means; they can be downloaded and listened to offline via a mobile device; or they can be listened to on the web on either your desktop, laptop, or mobile device.

What is Internet Radio? Internet radio is an audio show transmitted on the Internet and these tend to be episodic as well; a popular service that provides this service is BlogTalkRadio.

Learn More About Podcasts and Internet Radio:
  • How Podcasting Works from HowStuffWorks [Shows you how to listen to a podcast.]
  • Tips for Podcasting Fans from Apple iTunes for those with Apple devices. 
  • How to Listen to Podcasts from About.com.
  • Podcast Apps from Appadvice
  • Best Podcast Apps for iPhone and iPad from iMore
  • Top 10 Podcast Apps for Android from Heavy.com
  • Best Free Android Apps for Listening to Podcasts from whsv.com 
  • BlogTalkRadio: Listener Resources
  • Learn More about Radio On Demand from Stitcher.com [More than just a podcast listening app, it's a radio app, of sorts, available for both iOS and Android.]
  • Listen to All Your Favorite Shows with Stitcher Radio from Appstorm.net

Now, there are plenty of audio shows for you to choose from. Here are 27 active ones in no particular order I find interesting which fall into the genealogy, family history, and history categories with links to their websites:

  1. African Roots Podcast by Angela Walton-Raji
  2. The Genealogy Guys Podcast with George Morgan and Drew Smith
  3. Genealogy Gems Podcast: Your Family History Show with Lisa Louise Cooke
  4. Family Tree Magazine Podcasts
  5. EOGN Podcast by Dick Eastman
  6. Fieldstone Common by Marian Pierre-Louis 
  7. The Genealogy Professional Podcast by Marian Pierre-Louis
  8. Maple Stars and Stripes: Your French Genealogy Podcast by Sandra Goodwin
  9. My Society by the Federation of Genealogical Societies on BlogTalkRadio
  10. The Forget-Me-Not Hour with Jane E. Wilcox on BlogTalkRadio
  11. Research at the National Archives and Beyond by Bernice Bennett on BlogTalkRadio
  12. Anita Talks Genealogy by Anita Wills on BlogTalkRadio
  13. The Library of Congress Podcasts
  14. The National Archives [UK]
  15. National Archives of Australia Papers & Podcasts
  16. Library and Archives of Canada Podcasts
  17. Appalachian History by Dave Tabler
  18. Revolutions Podcast by Mike Duncan
  19. The History of England Podcast by David Crowther
  20. Dan Carlin's Hardcore History by Dan Carlin
  21. A History of WWII Podcast by Ray Harris, Jr.
  22. Witness Podcast from BBC
  23. Stuff You Missed in History Class from HowStuffWorks.com
  24. New York City History: The Bowery Brothers Podcast from Greg Young & Tom Meyers
  25. The British History Podcast by Jamie Jeffers
  26. Civil War Podcast by Richard Youngdahl
  27. The History of English Podcast from Kevin Stroud

So, are you already listening to genealogy and history podcasts? If so, which ones? And what app are you using? If you're not listening already, do you plan to? Which ones? Let every one know in comments below!


Happy Researching!
~Caroline
© Copyright 2014 4YourFamilyStory.com -- All Rights Reserved.

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39 iPad Productivity Apps for Genealogy

12/31/2013

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39 Productivity Apps for #Genealogy via 4YourFamilyStory.com
Ah. To be more productive and find more time for genealogy in 2014!!

Did you receive an iPad for the holidays? Here are some productivity apps I have on my iPad -- some I use and some I've been, um, playing with. In my spare time. [Heh.] Admittedly, there are many overlaps in the following apps. But? How else can I suggest something to people and their needs if I haven't tried multiple but similar apps? 

Yes, that's my justification for my iPad app obsession. ;) And? People [individuals and professionals] actually hire me to show them the best apps and technology to use for them specifically and how to incorporate it into their workflow. And how to use the apps and technology. Perfect for those who don't have the time to try and find the best apps for them, but need or want to.

Without further ado, here are 39 iPad Productivity Apps for Genealogy:

  1. Calendars 5 by Readdle [I have some challenges when it comes to calendars and to-dos. I prefer Google Calendar. It's powerful, it can handle multiple calendars, and it's the calendar used by many organizations that I'm affiliated with. However, it's ugly on my mobile devices. I try not to "do" ugly on my devices. I'm also firmly in the Apple app ecosystem with my iPad and firmly in the Android app ecosystem with my Samsung Note 2 smartphone. And I use a Win8 laptop at my desk. Luckily, there are plenty of 3rd party apps that can sync with Google Calendars. Calendars 5 on my iPad is pretty, very functional, syncs back and forth with my Google Calendars -- all of them, and thus works with CalenGoo on my Note 2 because it, too, syncs with all my Google Calendars. CalenGoo is available for iPad, but, alas! It's not as pretty as Calendars 5. So now everything's prettily in-sync for me as 2014 rapidly approaches. But if I can find something prettier for my Note 2, I might change. I'm finicky like that.]
  2. OneNote [I love and use OneNote. I've even done 3 videos on how to use it for genealogy. I've also reviewed the iOS app here.]
  3. Cubetto Flow [It's complicated and powerful -- in a good way. So if you're looking for that in a flowchart/mindmapping app for your iPad -- and some are -- then you need to look into this one.]
  4. iThoughts HD [So simple to use for mindmapping on an iPad. Very intuitive. I like using it to quickly brainstorm or explain something to someone else visually.]
  5. Trello [Great for project management on all my devices -- Windows, iPad, and my Android Samsung Note 2. I'm currently using it for laying out my projects for the Texas State Genealogical Society. It would work well for research plans too, I think. Look for a video tutorial from me in 2014 on it.]
  6. Index Card [I use this for storyboarding my genealogy video tutorials.]
  7. GoodReader [Here's a review of this app.]
  8. Genius Scan+ [And I reviewed this app with the GoodReader app here.]
  9. QuickOffice [I really like QuickOffice especially since Google acquired them. Integrates nicely with GoogleDrive and makes editing and reading MSOffice documents on my iPad easy peasy.]
  10. Dragon Dictation [I use this for transcribing documents and recently on some writing/brainstorming projects. Why type when you can speak?]
  11. PDF Max
  12. iAnnotate PDF
  13. DocAS PDF [I keep trying out new PDF apps. I did a review of DocAS PDF app though. Look for a comparison review from me in 2014 of all of the ones I have. There aren't a whole lot of differences, more like preferences. Usually.]
  14. PDF Expert [I've had the 4.7.2 version and it can be used on the iPad but is not optimized for it. A review of PDF Expert 5 and Scanner Pro by Readdle is forthcoming as well as one for PDF Reader Pro Edition for the iPad. So stay tuned. Readdle makes very functional and very pretty stuff. I might have mentioned those being 2 of my very favorite things.]
  15. ABBYY TextGrabber+Translator App [I have a review of this app here. Handy.]
  16. Pages [I really like writing on my iPad with the Pages app and my Bluetooth keyboard. I write better using it, I think, for some reason.]
  17. Numbers [Love it. Easy peasy to use. I also have Keynote, but I have that with all my other Presentation iPad Apps, a list that will be blogged about soon. And if you received or purchased an iPad Air recently, it came with Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. Lucky you.]
  18. LiveBinder [A clever virtual and collaborative note binder system. Not for everyone, but what is? You won't know if it's for you until you have a look at it.]
  19. GoodNotes
  20. Moleskine
  21. Paper53 [Artsy. And fun. And I've used it to draw stuff I've needed for presentations as well as drawing elements I've needed for videos. Like the arrow and check mark boxes in the What's Up Genealogy? videos and hangouts. And, no, I haven't forgotten about What's Up Genealogy? And, yes, it'll be back. Just let me get used to the all these other things I'm juggling and I'll add it back in. Sooner than later.]
  22. MagicalPad HD [I've started playing with this one. It incorporates a lot of stuff I like to do on my iPad. And I really, really like it so far.]
  23. Notability [My current favorite note-taking app. But I'm still comparing since I use both Apple and Android. Did I mention I'm finicky?]
  24. Brushes [I love the idea of Visual Notetaking. I think I first learned it from my Dad who used to draw up business ideas on the back of napkins in restaurants. And on the back of the paper menus at Milano's Italian Restaurant in my hometown. Hence, all the note-taking and artsy apps on my iPad. I've got lots of ideas, folks.]
  25. Diigo [This is a web-based bookmarking app that I use on the desktop mainly, but when I'm on-the-go, I use their app.]
  26. Diigo Browser [Combines the Chrome Browser and Diigo's annotation capabilities.]
  27. GoTo Meeting
  28. Hangouts [Facilitates my Google+ private instant messaging.]
  29. Evernote [Here's how to use Evernote to organize your genealogy. Plus, if you're in the Austin, Texas area, I'll be presenting, "Get Your Genealogy Digitally Organized with Evernote!" to the Austin Genealogical Society in March 2014. And if your organization is interested in hiring me for a presentation or workshop, contact me. Also, take a look at my current presentation offerings.]
  30. EverClip HD [Facilitates the clipping into Evernote.]
  31. Hop.in [Evernote browser. Perfect for when I'm gathering and clipping info from the web into Evernote on my iPad. Just makes it easier.]
  32. KustomNote [I reviewed KustomNote on multiple devices here.]
  33. Skitch [One of my most-used apps on all my devices to annotate screenshots for how-to blog posts and social media shares.]
  34. Penultimate [A handwriting app that I don't use very much unless I'm handwriting something I want to save in Evernote, but it just depends on how you use Evernote. I use this app for specific things.]
  35. Bubble Browser [Fun and interesting to see what I have the most of in Evernote.]
  36. EleEditor [Takes notetaking to a new artform in Evernote.]
  37. NoteLedge [Similar to EleEditor. I'm comparing them. Look for a comparison review blog post on them from me in 2014.]
  38. Printer Pro [Another app from Readdle. Easily -- and prettily -- facilitates printing wirelessly from my iPad.]
  39. Documents [This one is made by Readdle like PDF Expert, Calendars 5, Scanner Pro and Printer Pro. It allows me to view and edit documents as well as manage my files on my iPad. And it has a media player too. I personally think Documents beats QuickOffice in the "clean" design department for sure.]

I have more iPad apps that could/should fall under "Productivity" but I have them organized differently on my iPad. [Like my apps for scanning and cloud services and Google and such.] This list, though, should get you started on thinking about being more productive in 2014 with your iPad! It has certainly made it easy for me to see what I need to review and blog about. Thus, making me potentially more productive in 2014. Time will only tell. =)

Happy Researching!
~Caroline

Other iPad App Blog List Posts:

  • 15 iPad Apps for Genealogy & Family History
  • 9 Family Tree iPad Apps
  • 20 Photo-Related iPad Apps
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How Has Findagrave.com Profoundly Affected Your Genealogy Research?

10/28/2013

10 Comments

 
How Has Findagrave.com Profoundly Affected Your Genealogy Research? via 4YourFamilyStory.com #genealogyFindagrave.com
I had an awesome time last Saturday presenting "Digging Up Family Stories on Findagrave.com" to the Chaparral Genealogical Society and Library in Tomball, Texas. 

One of the things we concentrated on was the fact that people from all over the world use it for various reasons and that we have to consider why someone is putting the information on there in the first place. Knowing that helps to understand what we're looking at as family history researchers.

For example, there are some people who only do Findagrave.com photo uploads, some who only post obituaries or transcriptions, and then there are those who are linking memorials to each other because, for them, that is their family tree {of sorts}. And many aren't even doing genealogy and this might be their form of "family history" or they might not be doing family history at all. Maybe they're just "gravers."

Which reminds me of a roommate I had in college who liked to read obituaries in the Sunday newspaper and guess how the person died based on the clues revealed in the obituaries. She said her mom and her used to do it together and so my roommate got me addicted to doing it as well. {Genealogist-in-training and I didn't even realize it.} And I've always liked reading the wedding and engagements announcements and pondering if their lives were as perfect as they seemed in the announcements. {And now I have the skills and resources to follow up on those ponderings, but I digress.}

At Saturday's presentation we also went over carefully analyzing uploaders' profiles to not only understand why they might be uploading and creating memorials but also see if we're related to them based on their statistics and other memorials listed on their profile. And we went over some examples with some live searching since we had WiFi at the meeting. {That was very nice because it can be really boring and tedious presenting a search-based website with screenshots. It's much, much better for the audience to see searching done live.}

I also shared some personal researching and family stories that I have uncovered with the help from generous contributors on Findagrave.com including a sad family story that was uncovered due to me connecting with a 4th cousin via Findagrave.com and using its collaboration features. Who knew adding an image of my grandmother's brother to an existing memorial would lead to connecting with a cousin who had known him before and after the fire that killed my grandmother's brother and his 4 kids? He knew the town rumors and the family secrets surrounding their murders in that small, small town in Johnson County, Illinois. {And it turns out a member in the Chaparral Society has kinfolk from Johnson County, Illinois. So we'll be trading notes later.}

This is why Findagrave.com is such a wonderful collaboration tool. It facilitates contacting a possible relation, and while there are some in the community who don't play well with others, that's true of any community, unfortunately. But in this case the many things a researcher can do and learn on a free resource like Findagrave.com far, far outweighs the bad, in my opinion. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It takes a village to make a family history. And Findagrave.com is an awesome tool that helps us do just that.

So. For those who have been using Findagrave.com share some of your "finds" in comments below to help encourage people to use this resource to its fullest capacity. What have you found there? Have you connected and collaborated with a distant cousin? Have you broken through a research brick wall? What have you done or found on Findagrave.com that has profoundly affected your research and led to unearthing a family story? Let everyone know in comments below. And if you're not using Findagrave.com, why not?

Happy Researching!
~Caroline

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9 Family Tree Apps for Your iPad

10/14/2013

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9 Family Tree Apps for Your iPad via 4YourFamilyStory.com #genealogy #familytreeScreenshot of the pedigree view in the Heredis iPad App
The iPad is so fun and easy to use, I'm not surprised that I'm asked all the time, "What family tree app do you recommend for my new iPad?" With its drag, drop, and tap interface, the iPad is such a great device for creating your family tree on-the-go or in your favorite easy chair as you're watching your favorite sport on T.V. on the weekends. So I compiled a list below of some genealogy and family tree apps you can use on your iPad with a quick overview of some of their distinguishing features.

  1. GedViewer ~ More than just a viewer, you can import your GEDCOM file, make updates to your database as you research, and if you want you can export your updated GEDCOM or just the updates via iTunes, email, or Wifi network. Because the family tree is stored on the iPad, you can input information while offline, and the app does not require companion desktop software. {Note: When using an iPad-only family tree app, you'll want to periodically export your GEDCOM to save it or back it up just in case the unthinkable happens to your iPad.} Take a look at the GedViewer website for all the features and specifications. GedViewer is available in the Apple iTunes store for $3.99.
  2. Mobile Family Tree 7 ~ Boasting a "fully-fledged mobile genealogy app" for iOS, Mobile Family Tree 7 has an attractive interface, GEDCOM import/export, can be used independent of a PC or Mac, syncs between iOS devices and Mac Family Tree {not necessary} via iCloud exclusively, allows searching of the FamilySearch online archive, and includes charting and printing features. Take a look at the Mobile Family Tree 7 website as well as their Facebook Page for all the features, specifications, and user feedback. Mobile Family Tree 7 is available in the Apple iTunes store for $14.99.
  3. Families ~ If you're already using Legacy Family Tree Software and want to be able to take your tree on-the-go and update while researching on-site, then the recommended app is Families. Files can be transferred via Wifi network or via iTunes with a USB connection. It is not a standalone application as it requires its companion software, Legacy Family Tree, on the PC. Take a look at the Families app website, Families Support Forum, Legacy Family Tree Software website, the Legacy Family Tree Facebook Page, and the independent Legacy Virtual Users Group on Google+ for more information, specifications, and user feedback on both the app and the companion software. Families is available in the Apple iTunes store for $14.99.
  4. MyHeritage ~ If you already have your family tree started on MyHeritage.com, then you'll want to consider using their iPad app. It touts viewing and editing features within the app for your on-the-go and on-site researching needs. It syncs your data between your iPad and your family site on MyHeritage.com and allows you to research their online records via the app outside of your family tree which is very handy. And with today's major announcement of the strategic partnership between MyHeritage and FamilySearch.org where MyHeritage users will have access to FamilySearch.org's more than 2 billion historical records via MyHeritage's SuperSearch, it will be interesting to see how it will be {or if it will be} integrated into their mobile app. Take a look at the MyHeritage.com website, the MyHeritage Support Forums, and the MyHeritage Facebook Page for more information, specifications, and user feedback. The MyHeritage app is available in the Apple iTunes store for Free.
  5. FamViewer ~ Similar to GedViewer, FamViewer does not require a particular genealogy desktop software to function. However, it offers a view-only of your family tree which is perfect for referencing while doing research on-the-go, but no edits can be made on it. It allows the user to import their family tree GEDCOM via iTunes, uploaded to FamViewer with a web browser on a desktop computer, or downloaded to FamViewer from any web site or web server via WiFi. Notably <grin>, it has a note function within the app allowing you to create notes while researching and email the notes to yourself. Take a look at the FamViewer website for more information and specifications. The FamViewer app is available in the Apple iTunes store for $9.99.
  6. Reunion ~ If you're already a Reunion for Mac user, then the companion iPad app, Reunion, is a natural choice. It offers on-the-go viewing, navigating, searching, and editing features. Files are transferred back and forth via a wireless sync between the iPad and your Mac. Take a look at the Reunion for iPad webpage, Reunion for Mac website, and the Reunion Talk Forums for more information, specifications, and user feedback. The Reunion for iPad app is available in the Apple iTunes store for $14.99.
  7. Rootsmagic ~ If you're already a Rootsmagic for PC user, then their companion iPad app is the one for you if all you need from your family tree on your iPad is a reference while researching on-site at courthouses and libraries. It does boast several views, lists, and common researching tools for the on-site researcher. A user needs to already have Rootsmagic {free version available} on their PC to use this app, and files are transferred via iTunes or Dropbox. Take a look at the Rootsmagic for iOS webpage, the Rootsmagic website, the Rootsmagic Community, the Rootsmagic Facebook Page, and the Rootsmagic Users Google+ Community for more information, specifications, and user feedback. The Rootsmagic app is available in the Apple iTunes store for Free. 
  8. Ancestry ~ If you already have a tree started on Ancestry.com or would like to start one there via your iPad and syncing, then the Ancestry for iPad app will be what you're looking for. It has dynamic family tree views, shaky leaf hints, record merging, access to multiple trees you've started or that have been shared with you on Ancestry.com, and you can view photos and records attached to your tree(s). While Ancestry.com does have companion software, Family Tree Maker, it's not necessary that the iPad app user have it or use it. However, if they do and they choose to sync their Family Tree Maker tree with their Ancestry.com tree, then the tree can be synced on all 3 platforms. Take a look at the Ancestry app for iPad webpage, the Ancestry.com website, the Family Tree Make website, the Ancestry Support Community, and the Ancestry Facebook Page for more information, specifications, and user feedback. The Ancestry app for iPad is available in the Apple iTunes store for Free.
  9. Heredis ~ With the Heredis iOS app you get a hybrid/companion app where you're able to begin a family tree on the iPad in Heredis, or it can be started in the companion Heredis desktop {Windows and Mac} software. It boasts a beautiful and intuitive interface with full editing features, record and photo linking, records added via dictation and Siri, and beautiful dynamic tree charts that can be shared by email or be printed out. Data is synced/transferred via a Wifi network or iTunes between the iPad and the desktop software. The software and syncing are not required to use the app, but if something were to happen to your iPad, you'd want all your work backed up somewhere. Take a look at the Heredis for iPad webpage, the Heredis Learning Center, the Heredis Website, the Heredis User Forums, and the Heredis Facebook Page for more information, specifications, and user feedback. Heredis for iOS is available in the Apple iTunes store for free.
So. Did I miss one that you use on your iPad? Let me and everyone else know in comments below. And? Let us know why you like it so much. =)
~Caroline
© Copyright 2013 4YourFamilyStory.com -- All rights reserved.

Note: If you are interested in republishing all or part of this blog post in a genealogical society's or genealogy organization's newsletter or journal for free, please contact me to make arrangements.

Other articles you might find helpful:
  • The 20 Photo-Related Apps On My iPad
  • 15 iPad Apps I Use for Genealogy
  • Using DocAS on the iPad for Genealogy
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Does Your Genealogical Society Need Newsletter Content?

8/22/2013

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Does Your Genealogy Society Newsletter Need Content?
Does your genealogical society have a newsletter or journal that is always looking for content? Do you always seem to be scrambling around at deadline for something new, useful, and free for your subscribers and members? 

Then you're in luck.

Blog posts on 4YourFamilyStory.com as well as on my sister site, BloggingGenealogy.com, are available for free republication in society newsletters or journals with my written permission and prior arrangement. In some cases, the blog posts will need to be cut down due to space concerns in your publication, but that can be arranged.

For more information, contact me today for details and permission for this free service and never be scrambling for new content at deadline time. If you'd rather have an original and made-for-you article, that can be arranged as well, but not at the last minute. Contact me with at least a 30-day lead from when you need it submitted.

~Caroline

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Using a Kustomnote.com Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes

8/14/2013

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Using a Kustomnote.com Template for #Genealogy Evernote NotesKustomnote.com Templates for Evernote.
KustomNote.com is a handy third party app for those who use Evernote, especially those who use it to organize their genealogy research notes. It allows you to create some nice note templates for information you seem to record again and again, fill-out the note in Kustomnote.com, and then save the note in your Evernote.

This quick visual how-to shows you how to use {fill-in} a template that has already been created in Kustomnote.com and save to your Evernote in an appropriate notebook of your choosing. In the near future, I will do a quick video tutorial to show you how to make your own templates in Kustomnote.com for your private use or for you to share with the public.

The Kustomnote.com template for this example that I created for you to use is one for those who attend conferences and workshops both in person and virtually who like to take notes in Evernote. The template is designed to ask you the following for each note:
  • The Evernote notebook you'd like to save the Kustomnote in.
  • The name of the conference {And my biggest hint here would be to use the official hashtag. For example, enter in FGS2013 or FGS 2013 because this will become a tag in Evernote once you save the note in Evernote. Like magic.}
  • Date & Time {I included a calendar function so you can choose the date quickly from a calendar.}
  • Lecturer {This also becomes a tag in Evernote. More magic.}
  • Topic {This also becomes a tag in Evernote so make it tag-worthy. And a little more magic.}
  • Notes {The space is meant to accept multiple lines of notes. So type to your heart's content.}
  • You can also opt to send an email reminder about the note. {Handy dandy.}

Some things to remember about using Kustomnote.com:
  • You need to register for a free account to use Kustomnote.
  • It is ad-supported which is how they can bring this version free to you. You may upgrade at any time for a reasonable {IMO} fee to make the ads go away.
  • Note-taking {which is what this how-to covers} is only available ONLINE in the free version. You may upgrade for a reasonable fee {IMO} at any time to be able to take notes {fill-in the note} offline.
  • There are other features for the different price ranges including the free version.
  • Kustomnote is available as a web-based application, as an iOS application, and as an Android application.

Here are some annotated screenshots to show you how to use a Kustomnote Template that has already been created for you in the web application. As mentioned above, this note template is for those attending a genealogy conference or workshop in person or virtually. {Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the image.} Also, here is a link to the Public Kustomnote Template that I created for you to use.

Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
1) Click on New Conference & Workshops Note.
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
2) Select one of your Evernote notebooks.
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
3) Fill-in the rest of the form & click on Create Note.
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
4) This is how the top part of the note looks in Evernote.
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
5) This is how the bottom half of the note looks in Evernote.
The next 3 screenshots are what the note template looks like on the iPad. {Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the image.}
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
1) Fill-in the form on the iPad. {Top half}
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
2) The bottom-half of the form on the iPad.
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
3) Edit/Submission Screen. Just click Submit & it is saved in Evernote.
The last 3 screenshots show what the note template looks like using a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 {Android}. {Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the image.}
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
1) Fill-in the form view of Android. {Top half}
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
2) Bottom half of the form on Android.
Using a Kustomnote Template for Genealogy Evernote Notes via 4YourFamilyStory.com
3) Submission/Edit Screen on Android. When you submit it, it then is saved in Evernote.
All 3 notes were then found in my Conferences Notebook in Evernote with the proper tags, as one would expect {from magic}. 

Again, here is a link to the Public Kustomnote Template that I created for you to use. And, yes, I will be making more so stay tuned. =)

Any questions? Let me know in comments below and I'll do my best to answer them.
~Caroline
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The 20 Photo-Related Apps On My iPad

8/7/2013

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The 20 Photo-Related Apps On My iPad via 4YourFamilyStory.com© Copyright 2013 4YourFamilyStory.com
Don't judge. Yes, I have 20 photo-related apps on my iPad. While I use my smartphone more to take photos than I do my iPad, I still have managed to accumulate {Read: Hoard.} 20 photo-related apps on my iPad. 

Genealogists and family historians tend to accumulate family photos and family documents, or at the very least, they come into contact with them and then they scan them in order to save them for posterity in some form or fashion. And that can explain a few of my photo-related apps. I also love the photo editing apps where I can take my brand new images that I take on my device and add a filter or two {Or 3. Stop the judging.} and evoke a specific feeling or mood. I can also do that with an old photo I've happened to scan on my mobile device. It's cool. It's easy. And it lets me express myself and then share it with everyone. {What can I say? I have an Inner Artist Muse in me who likes to come out and play. When she wants to, that is.}

I also use these apps to create original images for my blog posts. Because why not? Plus, this way I have something that's professional-looking {hopefully}; that I didn't have to buy {Have you seen those stock photos? The people in those stock images are so fake and happy, it's nauseating.}; and is able to be watermarked and shared {especially} on image-driven social networks {Pinterest, anyone? Are you following my boards there?}.

And then I have a few apps I'm experimenting with that I just might use to make Christmas presents with for family members. {Who says the iPad is just an over-priced consumption device? Puh-leez. An hour with me, and I'll get you actually doing stuff with your iPad.}

So, here are the 20 Photo-Related Apps on my iPad and what I use them for {or in some cases what I plan to use them for}. You ready?

Some Heavier Duty Photo Editing Apps
  • PS Touch ~ If you've ever used Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, you'll already know how to use this app. Working in layers, you can do quite a bit of editing on-the-go or on your couch with a finger {Or stylus or maybe a toe. I'm not judging.} and your artistic imagination. {Not anywhere near what you can do with Photoshop desktop software, but still.} I tend to use this app to add a quick watermark to my blog post images I create on my iPad. Here are some tutorials from Adobe on how to use PS Touch.
  • Photogene ~ Like PS Touch, there are quite a bit of editing features packed into this app and it's certainly not for the person who just wants to slap a pre-made filter on an image and share quickly. But if you like the idea of more editing features on-the-go or on your couch, you'll like Photogene. A lot of people do including me.

Some Light and Fluffy Photo Editing iPad Apps
I like all of these for different reasons. Most of them do basically the same thing. It's just that they all have slightly different filters. And I happen to like some of those different image filters. No particular reasons. My Inner Artistic Muse just knows what she likes when she sees it. {She's tempermental like that.}

  • Repix ~ Just love the different filters I can add to images. I especially like the Flares and Van Gogh filters.
  • Picfx ~ This one is not a native iPad app. Unfortunately. I originally had its awesome little self on my iPhone before I traded my iPhone 4 in for my Samsung Note 2. I absolutely LOVE the filters it has, but, alas! It's not available for Android. *Heartbroken* But I can still use it on my iPad, just not in full-screen.
  • Photo Toaster ~ Again, love the filters in this one. Now, this app also has Single Tap Effects {super easy to use} and then it has what they call Full Control where you have some more flexibility in your filter editing. {But I'd say this app is still in the "light and fluffy" category and not in the "heavier duty" iPad Photo Editing App category.}
  • Snapseed ~ I like the filters okay in this app, but to be honest, I mostly use it for the Tilt Shift effect to increase depth in an image. Basically, Tilt Shift creates drama and evokes a particular feeling. At least, that's what my Inner Artistic Muse says. It also has some great photo editing features on it like cropping, straightening, and such making it a really good all-around must-have photo editing app.
  • Fuzel Pro ~ This one is not a native iPad app, but it can be used on the iPad in its smaller iPhone form {or you can select to zoom it in 2x and use it in its pixelated form, but my Inner Artist Muse doesn't like that workaround. She doesn't like anything pixelated.} I originally had this app on my iPhone and used it to make collages of all sorts including the one I made for my Facebook Cover Image. So while this app looks "puny" on my iPad, its ability to make Facebook Cover Image collages keeps it in my life and on my iPad.

Text on Images iPad Apps
Like the photo filter apps, most of these "text on images" apps do basically the same thing. But? They have different fonts and such. So I keep and use them all. {'Cause why not? When you're hoarding, more is better. Stop the judging.}

  • Swipe ~ Okay, this iPad app doesn't, um, "do" landscape orientation, which is annoying to me. But? I like the Architects Daughter, the Nothing You Could Do, and the Shadows Into Light fonts. And the Homemade Apple font too. {Don't judge.}
  • TitleFx ~ I like the Daniel and Radiohead fonts the best on this one. It also has a lot of different editing options to get just the right feel to your text for your image. {Again, that Inner Artist Muse of mine knows what she likes when she sees it.}
  • Phonto ~ Like the previous two, this one helps you to add text to an image and share it wherever you want to. And it tends to be my go-to one because it was my first text-on-a-image photo-editing app. But I also use its Plain Image effects to create images with solid color backgrounds or block color backgrounds with text. {I bought all the in-app templates that were for sale.} Comes in handy when I really don't have anything relevant to take a pic of but I need an image for a blog post. My favorite 2 fonts on this app are CicleFina {for 4YourFamilyStory.com} and RemingtonNoiseless {for BloggingGenealogy.com}.
  • Text Mask ~ This app kinda does the reverse. It allows you to put photos on text. Very cool looking especially if you're looking for a different kind of image for your blog posts. Unfortunately it's not a native iPad app and it's got that I'm-small-like-an-iPhone thing going on, but? It's unique and leftover from my iPhone days. I can also get this effect by using PS Touch as well, but it can also just be easier to use this app if that's all I'm doing. So there's that. {And I used it for the image in this blog post. Clever, eh?}

Photo Scanning iPad Apps
If you find yourself doing a lot of scanning on-the-go {And as genealogists and family historians, duh.}, then you'll want a good photo scanning app on your iPad. I have 4. Try a few, compare the features, and use the one you prefer for your situation. You really only need one.

  • Scanner Pro ~ When I first got my iPhone over 3 years ago, this is the photo-editing app I started with. And so it's now on my iPad. However, it's not my go-to photo scanning iPad app. 
  • CamScanner Pro HD ~ This is my go-to photo scanning iPad app. Just my personal preference.
  • Pic Scanner ~ This one was brought to my attention by the developer in the Google+ Tech for Genealogy Community so I downloaded it and tried it. Works nicely and could be the one for you. So try it out.
  • Genius Scan+ ~ Love this app. And I did a full review and tutorial on how to use it in conjunction with the GoodReader App.


Miscellaneous Photo-Related iPad Apps
  • Flickr & FlickStackr ~ I use these to access the old family photos I've uploaded to Flickr, and I wrote a blog post about green beer and using flickr, The Best Family Photo Sharing Option. 
  • Presstomatic ~ This iPad app allows you to create social and collaborative scrapbooks. I've just begun to play with this one.
  • Shutterfly ~ This one has been out for a while. I like the idea of being able to take my photos that I've taken or scanned and make stuff to give to loved ones all from the comfort of my couch or my bed. {'Cause nothing quite says, "You mean a lot to me," like something made while l was lounging on the couch or in bed. *snort*} I'm trying to decide on what images to use for their canvas prints. I think those are rather awesome.
  • Shutterfly Photo Story ~ This is a brand new app just launched today for the iPad where you can make photo scrapbooks and then order them from Shutterfly for yourself or for loved ones. This is fabulous, in my opinion, because a lot of family members want to see old family photos and just a few facts or short stories about their ancestors. And? You can lovingly make it from the comfort of your couch. Or your bed. Or anywhere. {Hey, my Inner Artist Muse likes to lounge too. Go figure.} Anywho, I can't wait to try this out. Between their regular app and this one, I think I'm done Christmas shopping. In August. :P

So, that's it for the 20 photo-related apps on my iPad. At least the ones I have up until today. Tomorrow I might find another I just can't live without. {Hoarders are like that.} So what photo-related apps do you have on your iPad and why? Share with everyone in comments below. And? Stay tuned for even more iPad apps that I have and use for genealogy-related activities.

~Caroline
Related Articles You Might Be Interested In:
  • 15 iPad Apps I Use for Genealogy and Family History
  • GoodReader and GeniusScan+ Makes Researchers Smile
  • The Best Family Photo Sharing Option


Note: If you are interested in republishing this blog post in a genealogical society newsletter or journal, please contact me to make arrangements.
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15 iPad Apps I use for Genealogy and Family History

7/26/2013

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15 iPad Apps I Use for #Genealogy via 4YourFamilyStory.com.15 iPad apps for genealogy. © Copyright 2013 4YourFamilyStory.com
I get asked a lot what apps people should get for their iPad. You know, for genealogy and "stuff." It's a tough one to answer because it just depends. It depends on your interests, preferences, and, you know, stuff.

But that usually doesn't help folks out. So I thought I'd list what apps I have on my iPad. Some I have used and some I'm either been playing with or have just started playing with. {And some of the apps I used on my iPhone back before I bought my Android Smartphone and before I had an iPad.} However, the list is long. So I broke it down into several blog posts. And I've started out with some pretty obvious ones, I think. Then, I'll branch out into some other obvious apps and not-so-obvious apps that I use for some aspect of genealogy research -- both personally and professionally.

And if you like this series of blog posts for genealogy and family history apps that I use on my iPad, just wait until you see the series of blog posts listing the Android apps I use on my Samsung Note 2. 'Cuz that's next after this series. Bam.

  1. Ancestry ~ This is how I access my private work-in-progress family tree when I'm on the go. While I prefer to access Ancestry via my browser on my iPad for researching, I do like the convenience of accessing my tree while I'm at the library or courthouse for quick reference.
  2. Rootsmagic ~ While I use FamilyTreeMaker 2012 software because it syncs to my Ancestry tree {which is my private research work-in-progress tree} very nicely, I also use Rootsmagic 6. And I'm finding I use it more because of it's research features, new alerts {which are really awesome and a huge time saver}, developer responsiveness, etc., but most of all I like how I can publish a family tree website that includes only things I've proven {to my satisfaction} and that can be found by anyone including family members via Google. Now, getting it on my iPad via Dropbox and the Rootsmagic app is not my favorite because it ties me to having Dropbox storage for this, but their desktop software rocks.
  3. MyHeritage ~ Admittedly, I don't keep my tree updated there, I do like having a version of my tree there for cousin bait, networking, the alerts, etc., and it's nice to have it on the go on my iPad for quick researching. {And, no, I don't recommend people have 3 different databases going if you don't want to. It's not necessary at all.}
  4. LiveHistory ~ I've been playing with this app, and I have a full review coming up on it. Suffice it to say that I think this app has lots of research and analysis potential. {Disclosure: I've received an app from the developer for me to review.}
  5. Billiongraves Camera App ~ While I research on FindAGrave.com as well as Billiongraves.com and elsewhere, this app makes capturing my own ancestors' tombstones and information very handy.
  6. StoryPress ~ I'll be using this app for an upcoming interview with a 2nd cousin of mine. {Disclosure: I not only promoted their Kickstarter Project, I helped to fund it as well and received some cloud storage for donating to their project. I like this app that much.}
  7. WhoDoYouThinkYouAre? Magazine {UK} {Disclosure:I wrote an article for them.}
  8. Wolfram Genealogy & Family History Research Assistant App {More specialized for genealogy than the Wolfram Alpha App}
  9. Wolfram Travel Assistant App ~ Again, more specialized and handy for planning any type of trips, including research trips.}
  10. Paper of Record ~ Not an abundance of collections, but? How will it get bigger if we don't support it? And maybe other developers will take a hint a develop more of these apps. Cuz, duh. This is brilliant.
  11. Metes and Bounds Basic ~ While I've used the web-based version, I just found this iPad app. It doesn't look as powerful as their desktop application, but I think this could be pretty handy when dealing with metes and bounds when I'm on the go. Or relaxing on the couch.
  12. Houston Public Library ~ This app is super duper handy for checking what Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research has in their online catalog when I'm on the go. {At home, I use Clayton's website for full researching.}
  13. Mid-Continent Public Library ~ While I also use Worldcat.org {which their app is no longer available but you can use the site in your favorite iPad browser}, I like having access to a library's website via my iPad app for special collections, events, etc.
  14. Timeline Builder ~ I've just started playing with this one. I'll let you know what I think of it in the near future. So stay tuned.
  15. ThingLink ~ This one is SO cool and I did a review of it already.

Also remember to stay tuned for more iPad apps. I've got lot of them that I use for not only genealogy but other, um, "stuff." And then a series of blog posts of Android apps that I use will be after that.

~Caroline
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