Paying It Forward (or Trying to At Least)

It was coincidence that last week a fellow blogger vented some frustration at Findagrave.  It's nice to know I am not the only genealogical blogger who at times needs to vent.  It only feels like I'm the only one.  I'm relatively new to Findagrave.  I'm still in the double digits for memorials [but, of course, I only do my direct lines really].  However, everyone has been extremely kind to me there.  Those who have had memorials for my direct lines, were only too glad to turn them over to me.  In most cases, I declined if they just agreed to link the gravestones properly.  Also, I got my first photo request in the last two months, which saved me a trip to Pennsylvania.

I spent this past weekend in Vermont and on my way up I decided to stop and get some gravestone photos from two cemeteries in New Hampshire.  The first was in Newport and was for my Dudley family.  That part of the trip went well.  I found all the graves and got all the photos.  Two of the gravestones were sadly lichen-covered.  Someday I may go back to clean them up and take new photos, but first I need to learn the best way to clean the gravestone without unintentionally hurting it.  Those photos are already on Findagrave and will keep my Tombstone Tuesdays populated for a while.  I also found a sister of my g-g-g-g-grandmother I didn't know was there, with one of her children and one grandchild.  

The second cemetery was about 10 miles south of the first in Lempster.  Supposedly another Dudley was there.  However, before I left I downloaded the three photo requests for that cemetery (there were none for the first) and armed with four different names off I went.  Sadly, I couldn't find my Dudley or two of three requests.  But I got one and I posted that photo and got a very nice thank you.  So I have fulfilled one photo request (and not even in my neck of the woods).  

Comments

[Lisa Swanson Ellam]

I share my own frustrations at times with FAG. Mostly with unresponsive members who don't edit the memorials they have posted and with those members who aren't always nice to the newbies who post questions on the discussion boards. On the other hand I love the site! It has helped me find final resting places for family members and I get so much satisfaction when I'm able to fulfill a photo request. How very nice of you to think about fulfilling a request outside of your area!

[Apple]

I really do love Find A Grave but there are some people there that drive me nuts. I'm happy you've had a positive experience. Since my post I have had some very good days working with others there.

[Martin Hollick]

Of course the trick in life is to concentrate on the positive stuff and push the negative stuff aside. I wish I were better at that.