"Tracing Our Roots" Newsletter Archive (A monthly genealogy newsletter written by the late Brenda Kellow, dec'd, for the Plano Star Courier newspaper. We've included all the ones we could recover.)
It never sleeps. I’m talking about the Internet. You can search it and it will answer any question. But do you know how to ask the question? To search effectively? What to search? Is there someone you would like to see finally learn to surf the Net using the most effective means while perusing the most ideal sites? I am sure all of us have such a person who is barely computer literate, and who would benefit greatly from this research system. Maybe that someone is you.
"Pajama Genealogy” is the perfect gift to give to such a person. The three guides and the two bonus booklets will have even the most helpless user become an Internet research star. The great thing is that the reading and the lessons can be done at home in comfy clothes by using the computer, the Internet, and the kitchen table. Researching libraries and major genealogical sites are included in the lessons.
The system developed by Robert Ragan of Jacksonville, Fla. does just what he promises: “to show you how you can do most of your research at home, in your pajamas.” Of course, he warns that you must try the entire system, and rightly so.
A few weeks ago I read the advertising related to Mr. Ragan’s system and decided to try it out. If it was all that good I reasoned, I could learn something too. And you know what? I did learn. I am a user, not a computer tech, but there is always room for improvement.
I found that he explained the use of a computer in terms that anyone could understand. His approach is exactly right on for the amateur, but not exclusively. I mean by this that he tells exactly how the computer tricks work such as transferring your genealogy into a GEDCOM file; sharing data between computers or different genealogy software programs or individuals; gathering and storing information; and understanding basic computer file management. No longer will you spend valuable time hunting and trying to decipher what needs to be done. He explains it all for you. Before long you will be checking sites and pulling out necessary research data in minutes rather than hours. Hunting and procrastination will no longer be a part of your behavior.
There is no way I can cover all the benefits of “Pajama Genealogy, Research for Computer Users” in this column. You must visit the website for more on it at http://amberskyline.com/pajama/. This is a strong system with many educational benefits for just about everyone.
The “Pajama Genealogy” system includes the following:
1. Guide ONE: The PAJAMA GENEALOGY Research for Computer Users GUIDE: Shows you how and why all parts the system work, in easy to understand "plain English."
2. Guide TWO: The PAJAMA GENEALOGY Research for Computer Users WORKBOOK: Gives you step-by-step instructions of precisely how to put it to use for your research in your specific situation. Here's just some of what you'll find in the PAJAMA GENEALOGY guide and workbook:
§ How to Turn 3 Hours of Hopeless Bumbling into 20 minutes of Productive Internet Research Time: A lack of know-how is costing on-line genealogy researchers countless hours of time and frustration.
§ How to Set-up Your Own Custom Cookie Cutter Process: You’ll never want to research another way, once you get going with this. I'll guide you every step of the way.
§ Right and Wrong Communication Methods – and the Little-known Pointers that Will Make People Happy to Help You: The hard work and testing has already been done for you. All you have to do is fill in the blanks in e-mail, on-line postings, or off-line letters—with your ancestor’s names, dates, places (and family stories if you have them). In 1997, I got a 25% response in thirty days. Since then, it has grown to over 50%!
§ How You Can Make Sense Out of the Overwhelming Information Overload on the Internet and Get What You Want: Go step-by-step at your own speed.
§ How to Maximize Your Use of the Internet to Your Best Advantage: Discover things you never even thought of.
§ How to Use the Internet’s Search Engines Effectively and Search Smarter: In most cases, find what you want in three minutes or less. This Covers the basics of what was in the popular "Search Engine Secrets" guide, but has newer information. The additional exercises in the Pajama Genealogy workbook in this section of the system, makes it well worth it for anyone who already has the "Search Engine Secrets" guide.
3. Guide THREE: Robert Ragan’s Favorite LITTLE-KNOWN Computer Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts. Are you too busy struggling with your computer to do any research? Or does your lack of computer skills ever embarrass you? These are things that have been class favorites over the years with my students. This is what gets them excited. A very important skill for genealogy researchers is basic file management. You simply have to know how to move your computer files and folders around. Your life will be much easier if you do. NOTE: This is for Windows 95, 98, ME users (MAC users-e-mail me). Includes:
§ File Management Made Easy: This is what finally taught my dad how to move files from here to there.
§ How to Save Pictures Off the Internet. This is always a class favorite.
§ How to NOT go blind scrolling through lengthy Web pages. Another must for genealogy researchers.
§ How to Save Text Off the Internet Without Having to Print Everything. This is a big help. Great tips.
§ Practical Advice on Computer Viruses: How to Avoid Them. No one has explained it to you like this before. Also, you can scan and clean your computer for viruses on the Internet for free. Great tips.
With the package come four bonuses and a one-year money back guarantee. And to make it easy to order, the Pajama Genealogy site has a secure server for ordering by credit card.
I saw it advertised; I got it; and I really do enjoy using it because of the easy teaching style and information packed system. You will love it too.
Pajama Genealogy is $87.95 plus $7.50 shipping and handling. Please send check and order to Robert Regan, P.O. Box 551323, Jacksonville, FL 32255-1323.
If you are going to purchase this at the special price you better get cranking. The Special Sale Offer on the PAJAMA Genealogy Research System EXPIRES on November 30, 2002.
PRE TEXAS STATEHOOD
Another publication for Texas research lovers is the new book by Joe Ellis Ericson titled “Early East Texas, A History from Indian Settlements to Statehood.” Mr. Ericson concentrates on the early Texas communities and the lifestyles of those living there at the time. The Mexican Municipalities of Nacogdoches, San Augustine, Sabine, and Shelby are the center of attention for this expanding story telling of European settlements through the Cherokee War and continuing on to the Regulator-Moderator Feud. I particularly enjoyed this book because of the care Mr. Ericson gave to the social and environmental study of the towns whose occupants provide a glimpse of our ancestor’s lifestyle.
There is a complete every-name index, bibliography, and expanded appendices to further identify the life and times of that era.
Order “Early East Texas, A History from Indian Settlements to Statehood” from Heritage Books for $18.95 plus $5 shipping and handling. Call 800-398-7709, or order online from www.heritagebooks.com.
