FamilySearch Bloggers' Day, Part 5

See part 1 here, see part 2 here, see part 3 here, see part 4 here


The Next Generation FamilySearch.org
Speaker Dan Lawyer introduced himself as an Uber-Techno-Genealogist-Ologist, or someone who specializes in the study of genealogists (aka geek). No easy task, in my opinion.

Primary goals of FamilySearch are to make it easier to access and share information, as well as receive assistance when needed. There was a lot of discussion on the user experience. Lawyer also talked about the beta.familysearch.org site, referring to its current state as a house under construction.

One thing I've noticed about the FamilySearch crew is that they try lots of new things, several of which fail because that's what happens when you try new things. But they embrace those failures, study them and learn from them. They also share with us (the bloggers in the group) about them and ask our opinions. In other ventures, they've received feedback from users. FamilySearch wants to know what we think, so be sure to let your voice be heard when the opportunity presents itself.

FamilySearch Catalog 2.0
There was a lot of audience discussion during this portion of the day. Unfortunately, the audio kept going in and out for me, like the volume was going up and down. I caught portions of the speaker, portions of the audience. I was able to see the graphics just fine, however.

Lawyer talked about the changes coming to the search experience of FamilySearch in the next 3-6 months. Look for some experimental ways to search, new search filters, and results quality. Enhancements will also be made to the "getting started" points of the site.

This was the last session of the day.

Parting Thoughts
First, I have to reiterate my appreciation of FamilySearch for including me in the Bloggers' Day event. They went above and beyond to make sure I was part of the discussion, even if in another state.

I left this Bloggers Day event feeling quite positive about the experience and the intentions of FamilySearch. Here are my takeaways from the day:

FamilySearch is changing each and every day. The various branches of the site are constantly being updated and improved. If you can't find it today, come back tomorrow. Don't just visit the site once and write it off. Also, look at all the facets including the wiki and forums. There's just so much stuff! It's incredible.

I have a new appreciation of what it takes to get records published at FamilySearch. It's more than simply digitizing and indexing. To borrow a familiar phrase, it really does take a village (and permission) to get records online and available to users. Consider volunteering and contributing to the effort.

FamilySearch wants feedback and they are listening.

Guess that's it for my re-cap. Hopefully, some of you read the whole thing and at least one person enjoyed it. If so, then I've done my job.