tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post600447560675625846..comments2023-06-22T04:56:47.702-07:00Comments on Le Maison Duchamp: TransitionKim von Aspern-Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02022204734655202924noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-19574585369405576662011-05-27T10:57:36.336-07:002011-05-27T10:57:36.336-07:00Very well said. I'm only a friend of the gene...Very well said. I'm only a friend of the geneologist community and not a professional, but I do see your experiences in many settings. I've found that there is truly not a "safe haven" for this type of behavior; that it permeates many professional and social groups. Coping and learning to work with many personality types is definitely an assest, but when it comes down to it no one can fit into all categories. Do it your way and the clients will follow!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-81764141331689562602011-05-18T19:45:23.932-07:002011-05-18T19:45:23.932-07:00Excellent post and very well said, Kim.Excellent post and very well said, Kim.Ginihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08614538259404355973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-68222533649124109102011-05-18T07:22:12.298-07:002011-05-18T07:22:12.298-07:00Very well said Kim. I've had this experience ...Very well said Kim. I've had this experience most notably at one "group" function and, though still a member of this group, I have not participated in their gathering again. Beyond that, I haven't experienced the divide, but I have heard others express the same thing you have. In other realms, it seems to be, the more scholarly (the mind), the less heart. And though other people sense it, I don't think the scholars realize it. We'll have to remember this when we're the pros!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11857832952433617886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-55533588778268110082011-05-17T07:11:34.666-07:002011-05-17T07:11:34.666-07:00This was a very thought-provoking missive. I thin...This was a very thought-provoking missive. I think it gives much credence to the way we all come across. <br />I, too, have felt very much the "outsider". I have not published. I have not spoken at a national conference. But, in my little area of the US, I am much sought after for the smaller societies. And, that's just fine. I love these people that work so hard to keep their societies going. I go early to set up and already find people lined up to talk and pick my brain. I end up staying late for the same reasons.<br />And, it's okay with me. If I have not reached every person in that room, then I feel I have failed.<br />I have submitted proposals for the larger conferences through the years, but not one has ever been accepted. It seems as though the same ones are always on the ticket - the popular ones. At this point in my life, I have stopped trying and will just continue working with the little societies I have grown to love.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03659654175733834201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-44159876691204868672011-05-17T06:19:28.951-07:002011-05-17T06:19:28.951-07:00Hi Kim. You take is interesting. As I posted on Fa...Hi Kim. You take is interesting. As I posted on Facebook, I think everyone needs to remember that genealogists are just people, and come in all kinds of characters: some outgoing and able to chat anytime, others, extremely preoccupied with upcoming talks, decisions to be made in board meetings, people to talk to before those board meetings, etc.<br /><br /> I worry that you are portraying the professionals as divided by a rift of snobby vs. friendly, and I have just never found that to be the case. And it wasn't long ago that I was a brand new transitional. <br /><br />When you say, "There are some who include you or advise you without checking with their internal “society meter” to see if you are worthy. But, do I risk being shunned by the “others” for seeking out the “friendly genealogists” counsel?" I fear you are misjudging what is going on. <br /><br />These people are not entertainers, but teachers, essentially, and we are there to learn from them. They do not regard the audience as fans, but as students. The entire set-up is arranged so that we can learn from them in lecture format. Everywhere they go during the conference they are either lecturing, running/attending board meetings, volunteering at a booth or two or three, possibly working on client work when possible. So when they have in-between time and are approached by people they don't know they may not have time or energy to chat. Especially towards the end of the conference. <br /><br />The snob factor just doesn't exist in the community as a whole. If one or two people happen to be snobs they should be considered individually: they do not represent the greater field.Polly F. Kimmitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13401885413321517787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-1028316688557491382011-05-17T05:43:48.315-07:002011-05-17T05:43:48.315-07:00I just take them as a teaching lesson of how not t...I just take them as a teaching lesson of how not to be in life. They are everywhere not just in genealogy. As someone who worked with the public every day sometimes it's hard to be turned on all the time. I suspect conferences for speakers are the same. It is a skill to be a public figure and engaging all the time, it can be tiring for some, for others it comes naturally. It's not an excuse, they shouldn't be there if they can't deal. Like I said, note to self -how not to treat your fellow human being. Don't waste too much time thinking on them they clearly didn't give you a second thought.Lynn Palermohttp://www.thearmchairgenealogist.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-71523385050058256942011-05-17T05:14:26.272-07:002011-05-17T05:14:26.272-07:00Good post. I am considered a professional and my a...Good post. I am considered a professional and my arms are open but I have seen the politics as well. But just so we are on the same page - this is not the only "industry" where it applies. It is a human trait to compete unfortunately.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-56022531214290271572011-05-17T04:17:54.512-07:002011-05-17T04:17:54.512-07:00Kim,
I have never been to a national conference s...Kim,<br /><br />I have never been to a national conference so I can't speak to what you are talking about. My experience has been with local and regional conferences.<br /><br />I can see both sides of the coin, being a speaker myself. I'm sure there is some aspect of cliquishness. That's inevitable no matter what industry you are talking about. And there are some people who are just aloof whether they are speakers or not. I have run into a couple of them and they are just aloof in general at any point when you meet them. But I have not met too many people like that.<br /><br />Part of what makes a professional speaker "professional" is that they turn up and give their talks to the best of their ability no matter what. Some of them maybe be going through a divorce, caring for a parent with Alzheimer's or struggling with a teenager with big issues. People like this may have a hard time coping with others socially but feel responsible to fulfill their professional obligations. <br /><br />Of course there are the speakers that are shy and others who get nervous before talks. I am always friendly with people before talks but often I like to use that time to "get in the zone" as you mention. The best time to talk to a speaker is one on one after the Q&A session of a talk. Though you may have to wait your turn to get face time.<br /><br />I'm not saying that what you are describing doesn't exist. I think in order to continue my own happy view of the world I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. If after I meet someone 3 times and they still give me the same impression, then I would say "yes, that's how they are." Otherwise I will hold off on deciding.<br /><br />I do think a national conference can be a tough place for some speakers. The stakes and the pressure are the highest in that environment. They may feel their reputation is on the line. <br /><br />Again, I'm not saying what you have described doesn't exist but I think the best alternative is to take the high road and give people the benefit of the doubt. What other choice is there really?Marianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04738104230962644360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-89402245098164824792011-05-16T20:25:48.641-07:002011-05-16T20:25:48.641-07:00Great post, Kim. And I agree with you... I have f...Great post, Kim. And I agree with you... I have found the vast majority of genealogists to be warm, giving people; however, there are always a few in every professional group or workplace that seem to be insecure or maybe threatened by newcomers. I do know that you were not trying to have an extended conversation with anyone right before they made a presentation. No matter how busy or stressed, if you are going to be public figure, and believe me, if you speak at a national conference, you ARE a public figure if only to other genealogists, you cannot forget your "fans." Be grateful to have them.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10022611712765114470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-82187677270793131722011-05-16T17:15:50.841-07:002011-05-16T17:15:50.841-07:00Good points Kim! I could tell some of the speakers...Good points Kim! I could tell some of the speakers were genuine, down to earth people. But there were a couple that walked so fast out of the room and did not say hello when spoken to. I hope that people read your blog and make a determination that when he/she gets to be a professional (or whatever level) that he/she treats all with the golden rule!tamrorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14658272067291399924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1901642136475844812.post-42438583511963679142011-05-16T16:53:56.974-07:002011-05-16T16:53:56.974-07:00Could not have said it better! Great post.Could not have said it better! Great post.Terrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05810829851962238025noreply@blogger.com