[APG Public List] [APG Members] Source Citation studygroupcommencinc soon

[LBoswell]

Re: [APG Members] [APG Public List] Source Citation study groupcommencinc 
soonThanks for the reply, Elizabeth

As does my offer of participation at frequent points along the journey.  I 
think I've tried to explain why I really think the group needs to go a 
little ways down the road on its own first, find out what where our 
strengths and weaknesses are so that good questions can be asked of guests. 
Maybe we can find a way to compromise on our counter 'offers' since they 
ultimately serve the same purpose.  But that's more appropriately done off 
list.

I don't remember offering to 'teach your text' in that sense though.  This 
is a study group, not a Ph.d program.  Since EE is widely popular and the 
main reference book on the subject, it is going to feature in any discussion 
of source citations in genealogy. Probably will encourage a couple of sales 
(can I get a commission on them?)

I can't imagine you could be at every discussion or group that looks at 
source citations. I'd have guessed that's why you wrote a book on the 
subject.  None of the group members are ever going to have the kind of 
intimate knowledge even if the group went on for a decade. And cover to 
cover doesn't mean literally page by page.  I think you do have 
sections/chapter?  I'm not a source citation houdini.  A little realistism 
will be employed in this process!

EE is one of several references, but it's the main reference genealogists 
turn to (and alternatively maybe are even a little intimidated by). If we 
establish a higher level of comfort in working with source citations and 
with EE, the group will have succeeded.

If you want to cast your eye over anything I write up for topic and 
discussion introductions, I'll be glad to send them on to you, as a courtesy 
and to see if I've wandered into the realm of misinterpretations and 
mischaracterizations, in your opinion. And a standing invitation, even on a 
weekly basis to come in and provide your expertise will always remain open. 
If you agreed to then let the study group also work on its own and find its 
own way in between your periods of interaction.

Definitely would invite anyone with relevant knowledge on the same basis 
when the group gets to the point of looking at requirements from archives, 
journals, and magazines, if their presence would help.  And anyone else with 
something to offer on the subject, including individuals who are familiar 
with the various 'software assistants' (I think I'll call that session "How 
I learned to wean myself off of Source Writer"  or equivalent :)

thanks for the interest in this project.

Larry



Larry Boswell BA, PLCGS
www.TheBackstairs.com
http://thebackstairs.com/blog/
"Experts in Historical & Genealogical Research"
Listowner, TheoryGen (a non-archived list)
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/theorygen/
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
laboswell at rogers.com
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: eshown at comcast.net
  To: APGMembersOnlyList at apgen.org ; APGPublicList at apgen.org ; 
transitional-genealogists-forum at rootsweb.com
  Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 7:20 PM
  Subject: Re: [APG Public List] [APG Members] Source Citation 
studygroupcommencinc soon


  Larry wrote:

  >I haven't restricted anyone so far, . I've asked that people with 
recognized expertise not join while the group is in its formative stages, 
until a dynamic is established .



  > I think I see the concept really  exploring the ideas and concepts that 
lie behind source citations as well as the actual application of those 
concepts .



  >My plan is to simply go over and over the basic approaches to analysis, 
essentially what you start out with in EE.



  >but there is an important role for Elizabeth or anyone else with specific 
expertise if they wish to accept it.





  The offer stands, Larry, should you wish to accept me on your list.



  I do realize the challenges involved in teaching a "text" (as you describe 
it-but, more accurately for EE, a "reference work") that is so immensely 
detailed. Knowing the extent to which teachers must be intimately familiar 
with whatever "texts" they teach, in order to interpret the author correctly 
and avoid mischaracterization, I admire and appreciate your willingness to 
study an 886-page EE "from front to back," alongside that 956-page CMOS and 
the other archival guides you plan to cover.



  >And a look later at the source citation requirements for different 
genealogical journals and magazines.



  I trust that the editors of those journals will also be called in to 
participate in discussions of their requirements?





  Elizabeth



  Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG

  The Evidence Series



    --- On Thu, 6/10/10, eshown at comcast.net <eshown at comcast.net> wrote:

    Larry,



    You are generous indeed to launch this study group. I note you state 
that it will be a "restricted group" and "not a place for those who already 
have a high degree of confidence in writing source citations."  You also 
state that you will be using EE and "going step by step through that text, 
from front to back."



    While I really do not have time to participate actively on another list, 
I would like to at least 'be available' for times when EE is misunderstood 
or for the inevitable occasions when no one on the group has experience with 
a particular type of source that EE covers. May I subscribe also?



    Elizabeth


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