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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: MondaysChild on Wednesday 21 August 13 22:45 BST (UK)
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Hello all,
I've benn thinking of either buying or subscribing to a family history magazine. But are they actually worth the money if so which would you recommend.
Also the same question about books to do with family history.
I've been doing my research for about two years now and still consider myself a beginner.
Thank You
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Why not look to see if there is a local family history centre near to you that you could join. They may have a library, other resources and subscribe to some magazines.
(Admittedly this is hit and miss as some societies are more active, well resourced than others)
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You can can learn for free from reading genealogy forums. I don't think the magazines are worth buying on a regular basis maybe get one if an edition is covering a topic that is relevant to your research otherwise don't waste your money on magazines. Family History Society membership magazines are an exception as they focus on your geographical area of interest and can be very helpful and interesting.
Blue
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It is extremely difficult to make any recommendations regarding particular magazines as what suits one person may not suit another. It is also unlikely that any one magazine will be spot on for your research in every issue. By all means try the various magazines and if you decide that you like the style of one stick with it and take out a subscription.
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Check with your local library to see of they carry any Family History magazines. :)
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In my opinion taking out a subscription to any of the magazines is a big disappointment. You will find that for months at a time there is no article of any relevance to what you are doing - for example "Find your Scottish Ancestors" - a typical type of main article - is of no interest at all if you don't have any. Another favourite type of article is a detailed account of someones experiences in tracking down a particular lost ancestor - of limited interest or use to anyone else. Best is to glance through them in the shop and buy one if there's anything you want to read in it. Mostly you'll find there isn't.
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The way I look at it, for every 2 magazines I can buy a certificate, much more rewarding for me.
Plus most of the magazines have a web site anyway.
Use your library to take out or order books up. If you find one you really like then buy it.
£13 to join my local Family History Society- for a whole year- for that I get a quarterly journal, meetings and access to a reading room, should I want it.
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At our local library, you can loan them out for a week at a time.
Saves on the subscription :)
Steve
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Where books are concerned, I borrow them from the library - then buy the ones which I feel I need.
As nearly all my research is in Ireland, I've built up a little library of the most useful books referring to Irish topics.
regards eadaoin