Paying back

[hugatree]

what I love about group problem solving is everyone comes at a problem from a different strategy set and sometimes it is that randomness which gives people a breakthrough, and the attitude of 'do unto others' is always a bonus.  What's the criteria for 'certain age' though, is that mindset or physical age? 

[Pejic]

One of my satisfactions comes from being able to (finally) make use of information onerously but hopefully gathered which turned out to be of no actual relevance to my tree.

[mrs.tenacious]

 What's the criteria for 'certain age' though, is that mindset or physical age? 

I feel it's the (whatever) age at which someone realises the mortality of their parents, and thus their own, and wanting to know more about the people in their family who came before them.

[Rishile]

what I love about group problem solving is everyone comes at a problem from a different strategy set and sometimes it is that randomness which gives people a breakthrough, and the attitude of 'do unto others' is always a bonus.  What's the criteria for 'certain age' though, is that mindset or physical age? 

Yes - I think this is a lot to do with it too.  The hobby is so varied and can be looked at in so many different ways that having a group look at the problem will bring more answers (and sometimes more questions) than one person can. 

Rishile

[Podenco]

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

That is exactly how I feel, always asking but unable to help   its a confidence thing and by the time i`ve searched out information the person has got their family tree all mapped out but love reading peoples posts and seeing their queries resolved, one day I will feel useful enough to help this is certainly a hobby that you want to share with people

[jsanders]

I know I love the feeling I get when I get to help someone else in their research.  As of being of a certain age, I don't think I qualify.  I'm currently 45 but started researching since my late 30s.

I think a lot has to do with how you are brought up as well.  My family is a very close knit family.  I'm the youngest of eight.  Everyone one of us stayed within an hour's drive of our parents.  With a very religious (Roman Catholic) and moral upbringing, you never think twice about helping somebody out.

Regards, Jim

[trish1120]

I have always been a helpful person whether age 18 or 55 and this may be due to my upbringing.
Several reasons why I love helping on Rootshchat;
Others have helped me when I started out in 2007.
I enjoy the challenge of finding Family info, esp if it requires "detective work".
I like working with other people on some queries.
It keeps Alzheimers away!

Trish

[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

That is exactly how I feel, always asking but unable to help   its a confidence thing and by the time i`ve searched out information the person has got their family tree all mapped out but love reading peoples posts and seeing their queries resolved, one day I will feel useful enough to help this is certainly a hobby that you want to share with people

But this is what I have tried to explain to my friend.  We all have different skills to bring to the table.  It’s not only about helping others break down those brick walls.  You may be a military expert (something I always seem to need), or be able to read old handwriting, or have local history knowledge, or just know some good websites or books that are interesting and informative.  Or you may be prepared to take photos in your area to help people.

This hobby is about so much more than just finding the names of our ancestors – there’s a lot more we all want to find out and you could be the link that helps.

My friend lives in the US and has extensive knowledge of American history (she has a degree to prove it) but is still worried in case that sort of information isn’t needed.

Rishile

[danuslave]

I'm sure she'll be greeted with open arms! 

Why not send her a link to this thread and ask her to pop in and say hello.  No obligation!

Linda