My Rooted Technology

So. Thomas MacEntee over on Geneabloggers.com started a My Rooted Technology Meme since the Rootstech 2012 conference is coming up in February. And I decided to participate. So here are the rules:

• Technology you already use: bold face type
• Technology you would like to use or learn more about: italicize (color optional)
• Technology you don’t use, have no interest in using or no longer use: plain type
• Explain or give opinions in brackets [     ] at the end of each bullet point

• I have a tablet computer such as an iPad that I use for genealogy. [I plan to get one in the future, but right now I don't think the price is worth it. When I spend that kind of bank, I expect a lot of functionality. A lot.]
• I have downloaded one or more apps to a Smart Phone or similar device. [Yo. I have 130 apps on my iPhone in addition to the ones my iPhone came with. I have others I've downloaded and discarded. Don't judge. I know I have a problem, but they're addictive.]
• I belong to a genealogy society that uses social media. [I belong to 4 societies. None of which utilizes social media. But I'm there. And Rome wasn't built in a day, right? Right?].
• I use GEDCOM files and understand the various compatibility issues involved. [Yeah. But it makes my head hurt.]
• I have added metadata to some of my files and digital photos. [Just label it.]
• I have utilized an API from a genealogy-related application or website.
• I have taken a DNA test related to my genealogy research. [I've not done this for genealogy research, but for family medical reasons. We have a rare genetic disorder that runs in my family. We even have a family geneticist. Because of the whole experience, I'm well-versed in genetic-speak [much more than the lay person] and I completely understand how this can be extremely helpful in solving research problems. Enter the To-do List.]
• I have used the FamilySearch Research Wiki. [Everytime I use the FamilySearch database, I use the FamilySearch Wiki. To not do so, you're really missing out, and I recently wrote about this for the FamilySearch Research Help Community Newsletter.]
• I have a Facebook account and use it regularly for genealogy. [You can find me at http://www.facebook.com/caroline.pointer. I'd say the word 'regularly' would be a bit strong for me. I'm not a big Facebook fan because I don't like the site navigation among other things. But I'm there and I'm trying to meet people where they are.]
• I use tech tools to help me cite my sources in genealogy research. [I like Zotero, but I've been exploring some other sites like Mendeley.]
• I have developed a genealogy-related app for a Smart Phone or similar device. [I. Wish. I want one for me and my sites so badly I can taste it. Seriously. Remember? I'm addicted.]
• I use a genealogy database program. [Abra-cadabra. Rootsmagic. But I'm hoping they develop an app and web-based database that can sync with my desktop Rootsmagic database. Please.]
• I use cloud computer resources to store my genealogy data. [Totally love Dropbox but I have 2 Microsoft Live accounts that I use as well. And I use Photobucket and Flikr and their cloud-nesses.  Not to mention the iCloud. My head's in the clouds. And so are parts of my research.]
• I have made one or more contributions to the FamilySearch Research Wiki. [This is on my to-do list. I need to give back.]
• I have attended a genealogy webinar. [Many. I love them because I can multi-task during them and no one is the wiser. Ssh. Don't tell anyone.]
• I have organized and administered a DNA testing group related to my genealogy. [Whoa. Slow down. I need to get tested first. Then I'll emerge myself in the total DNA experience. Then I'll take over the world. LOL. It's on my to-do list.]
• I use apps involving GPS and Geo-caching for my genealogy research. [Like Thomas, I'm a big fan of RestingSpot and even wrote up a review on the app, but I have others. I reviewed an app called Wikitude, which is an augmented reality app. It goes way beyond the GPS technology and throws you into a whole other dimension. Also, I use Google Places at times when I'm graving, but I can see the Wikitude app eclipsing this one 'cause it's a trip to use. *snort*]
• I have a Google+ account and use it regularly for genealogy. [I'm there. I'm beginning to enjoy having a bigger space to flesh out my thoughts and responses. I've had some productive discussions over there, but it's still too much like Facebook, minus the Farmville. So there's that.]
• I have created and published a family history e-book. [Surprisingly I haven't done this yet, but it's on the famous to-do list right behind some how-to e-books based on my genealogy how-to blogs.]
• I have created a wiki related to my genealogy research. [Nope. And I'm on the fence on this one. I have my tree on Rootsmagic, of course, which is a closed tree. I have an expanded research tree on Ancestry, and I'm beginning one on MyHeritage. [BTW, Have you seen the new MyHeritage app?] Should I do another tree? Especially since my family history blog, Family Stories, is completely searchable though Google? And I've found a lot of distant cousins through my Ancestry.com tree and my blog. So...*shrugs* Perhaps if I could find more than 24 hours in a day.]
• I have conducted a genealogy webinar as a presenter. [I'd like to do this. I do plan to start out with tutorials right here on my blog though. So, we'll see.]
• I read genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research. [I do read just not as much as I used to do. To be perfectly honest, when you tweet it or Google Plus share it and slap it right in front of me, I'm more than likely going to read it if I have a couple of minutes. And the title is catchy. Or I've read your stuff before and love your writing style/voice. If I had more time though I'd read everyone's blogs all the time.]
• I have one or more genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research. [More than most of you know. Seriously.]
• I have a Twitter account and use it regularly for genealogy. [Twitter? What's that? And if you think I'm serious, then you haven't been on Twitter much.  LOL. ;) Look me up over there. I'm @FamilyStories ]
• I have one or more genealogy-related websites which I run and administer. [Nope. Well, other than my own? Nope. But I'm intrigued with the possibilities. I administer this site and I'll be administering my new site launching soon called BloggingGenealogy.com ]
• I have created a screencast or video related to genealogy and posted it at a video sharing site (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.). [Here's my YouTube Channel. I'm totally hooked on this medium of sharing information. Therefore, subscribe to my YouTube channel so you won't miss my theatrics. ;) Also, I've been playing with something new. I'll let you know more later. =) Also, through Klout I received an invite to Spreecast which is a "social video platform that let's people broadcast together". It's now in beta, and I'm trying to see how I can incorporate it into my blogs. That's right. Interviewing people live and archiving them online. Hello!?! ]
• I use one or more digital tools to capture and record my family history. [This is the catch-all. I use the following digital tools: Online: Diigo.com, Evernote, 1000memories.com, Jing, FoxTab, CoolIris, TinEye, PDF Download, Scrapbook, Shareaholic, Read It Later, FireShot, Wise Stamp, iMacros for FireFox, QuickTranslator, Pixlr Grabber, Dr. Web LinkChecker, Google Maps, Google Earth, Pinterest (Yes, I found a way to use Pinterest for genealogy.), Weebly, and Blogger. I think that's it, but I could be wrong. Offline: MSOffice, Family History Atlas, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Premier, Digital camera. Just bought a laptop. I have a Flip-Pal and an Epson Precision V300 flat bed scanner. And I'd like a digital video camera for Christmas. And a WiFi printer.]

So what's your Your Rooted Technology?

~Caroline

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