San Francisco: Geneablogging workshop, Oct. 10

The California Genealogical Society and Library is celebrating October Family History month with numerous events.

My good friends and geneablogging buddies, Thomas MacEntee and Craig Manson, will present "Blog Your Genealogy: Why, How, Do's and Don'ts," from 1-4.30pm Saturday, October 10 at the California Genealogical Society and Library in Oakland.

Are you curious about genealogy blogs? Or have you dismissed them as fluff and not worth your valuable time? Two experts will show why blogs are more than just "the latest fad" and how they are a valuable way to enhance your genealogy research.

The three-session afternoon presentation is suitable for teens and up, so bring along your younger family members - who already know everything about blogs, but perhaps not that much about genealogy!

Both Thomas (always smiling, creative and ebullient) and Craig (calm, reasoned and a true gentleman) are renowned geneabloggers who will share their expertise and have some fun. The Thomas and Craig duo should go on the road more often! They will show why blogs are more than just “the latest fad” and how they are a valuable way to enhance your genealogy research.

Thomas is a genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community. With more than 25 years of experience in the information technology field, Thomas writes and lectures on the many ways blogs, Facebook and Twitter can be leveraged to add new dimensions to the genealogy experience. As the creator of GeneaBloggers.com, he has helped organize and engage a community of more than 600 bloggers who daily document their own journeys in the search for ancestors.

Craig is Distinguished Professor and Lecturer in Law at the Capital Center for Public Law and Policy (University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento). He teaches administrative law and has been a lawyer for 28 years. In 2004, he began the study and practice of genealogy. He writes the popular blog, GeneaBlogie and a weekend column called Appealing Subjects on the highly-regarded magazine Shades of the Departed. Although GeneaBlogie focuses on genealogy, Craig often writes about legal topics of interest to genealogists.

The program:

1-2pm: How to Use a Blog. Start with the ABCs of blog use in a basic introductory demo. Leave with a list of great genealogy blogs to read, tips on how to best use the information found in blogs and wonder why you didn’t start following blogs sooner!

2:15-3:15pm: Building a Genealogy Blog. With the help of an audience member, Thomas will create an individual family history blog right before your eyes.

3:30-4:30pm: Blogging and the Law. Learn about copyright laws and how to protect your information on your blog.

Only 30 can attend what will be a very popular session (quick registration advised!). It is free for CGS members, while others pay $10, which can be applied toward membership on the day of the workshop. Registration (email) required, no walk-ins permitted.

For other October events at CGS, click here. For a map, click here.