Paying back

[Rishile]

I have just realized that this is the first hobby I have had where the majority of people involved feel the need to ‘pay it back’.  Whether it’s helping other people break down those brick walls, photo restoring, look-ups, transcribing, photographing graves – I think we all do something to help others with their research.

So, I wonder why that is.  Is it because most of us are of a – err – certain age?  Or just the fact that the hobby is so interesting even if it isn’t our own information we are looking for/at?  Or because it is relatively easy to pay back because there is so much that can be done from the comfort of our own PC and at times that suits us?  Or do we feel that by paying back, we are learning more that we can then put to good use in our own research?

Or all of the above?

What are your thoughts?

Rishile

[Gone]

morning rishile.
all of those reasons apply to me, plus the fact that i like to solve mysteries weather my own or someone elses, the satisfaction of solving very old mysteries is especially satisfying.
then of course if you help someone else, others will help you.. as for being of a "certain age"  i am 

[Rishile]

I agree Hulme-griff.  They all apply to me plus, I suppose, that warm fluffy feeling you get when you help someone else.  And, yes, I'm of that age too (obviously  ).

I have learnt so much and found so many interesting websites when I've been looking for something for someone else only to find I've needed that same website later in my own research (and then can't find it).

Rishile

[danuslave]

Definitely 'all of the above', with particular emphasis on

the hobby is so interesting even if it isn’t our own information we are looking for/at

Linda

[janan]

Definitely 'all of the above', with particular emphasis on

the hobby is so interesting even if it isn’t our own information we are looking for/at

Linda

That's how I feel too. I get just as excited about solving someone else's puzzle as I do about my own

Jan

[Gone]

i recently found a web site dedicated to music in the 50's and 60's in southampton. on there was a picture of my great uncle gil hulme with louis armstrong. needless to say i contacted the site. now one of my pictures of him is on there too, what a little gem for someone to find. people with a common interest are so helpful and willing to share information
griff

[Jean McGurn]

Don't think it's as much of people of a certain age but more of a certain hobby.

When people are helpful not only with their advice but finding out things you have been stuck on, and giving the info freely without any thoughts of recompence it gives one a good feeling if you can help someone as well.

Who knows you may even find you can loosen a few of your own brickwalls as I have on one occasion. I suppose it has helped with the internet ever expanding 

Jean

[Rishile]

I do agree with you Jean.

I have a friend who is considering starting researching her family history.  I told her about RC and said people are always willing to help if you are stuck.  All they ask for their trouble is 'thank you'.  She was horrified and said she couldn't possibly ask for help because she didn't know enough to help others.  I told her she would, in time.  We all have skills that we can use to help others.

Rishile

[danuslave]

I think a lot of us have discovered skills we didn't even know we had!

Tell your friend that there are probably topics on the Totally Off Topic board that she might be able to help with, until she gets up to speed with family history   

Linda