How has your involvement in WikiTree changed?
Like many members, I now spend little time on my own ancestry. I co-lead three Projects - Magna Carta, Medieval and Quakers. Much of my focus is on pre-1700 and pre-1500 profiles, which appeal to my love of historical research. I have also become a Mediator, G2G Moderator and occasional mentor.
I really enjoy it when I manage to turn a profile which has evolved as a miscellany of, sometimes repetitive, information into a more coherent fleshed-out biography. I get a big sense of satisfaction if I connect profiles up to our worldwide tree.
How can others help a Project you co-lead?
As a Brit, my emphasis for the Quakers Project has been on improving WikiTree’s coverage of British Quakers. There are important families for which the coverage is incomplete or profiles could be substantially improved, and it would be great to have volunteers to work on some of them.
What do you find most attractive about WikiTree?
The way we collaborate. Our skills, interests and areas of knowledge and expertise differ, and together we create something much better and bigger than any of us could on our own.
Is there an aspect of WikiTree you would like to see improved?
More flexibility in name fields to cater better for cultures and periods for which the "first name, last name" convention is inappropriate.
Changing the way name searches operate so that they extend to names in the nickname field - this would be especially helpful for medieval profiles - and doing the equivalent for the system which pulls up possible existing profiles when you try to create a new one.
These changes may not be easy: I suspect extensive coding would be involved.
Are there examples of how you have been helped by other members?
Proof-reading some of my longer biographies: my ageing eyes make it more difficult to spot typos and minor slips, and I have been really grateful for the willing assistance of others.
The most important help I have had is when another member has concentrated my mind on the need to find better sourcing or revisit something I have done. This can be uncomfortable, but it's really beneficial and salutary. We can all be slipshod at times.
Do you have any advice for newer members?
Do not be afraid to ask for help. G2G is a good place to do so. Don’t be upset if you sometimes make mistakes - we all do. And be prepared to have some of your long-cherished beliefs proved wrong: it happens to many of us at some point.
Do you have tips for someone who wants to get more involved in our community?
Join a project and participate actively in it.
See if you can help others in G2G.
As a Mediator, I'm very conscious that there are members who would benefit from some help and support. If you are used to WikiTree and comfortable with evaluating what is good sourcing, and can be patient and understanding when others struggle a bit, do think about volunteering to be a mentor. It can be very rewarding.
What can we do to inspire more people to participate in our mission?
Tell others about WikiTree! If you belong to a family history society, consider writing something about WikiTree for its magazine, newsletter, blog or website. If you have a blog or website of your own, mention WikiTree on it.
