Filling out a family tree or researching a family's history takes time. For some, it can be a very long time. Projects often morph into something quite different from the original intention.
Most of us have some idea of where we're headed when we enter into a project, if only vaguely. But how do you know when a project's done? When do you share what you've learned?
There are some among us who are eager to share what we find as soon as we find it. This team-building approach encourages collaboration, often inspiring others to prod their own memories and resources to become active participants in your project.
Others choose to wait until they've reached a certain stage in their process, sharing only when their documentation is complete and their research results extend into their personal comfort zones. This can take years.
I'm reminded of a cartoon a few years back showing a tired and perplexed man sitting in front of a computer screen bearing a message to the effect of "You've reached the end of the Internet."
Can you imagine reaching that point in your own family history work?
Here are a couple of different takes on the subject. Genealogy guy George G. Morgan writes about a cousin who still isn't ready to share after 25 or 30 years of research. Blogger TINNNNAAAAA, on the other hand, couldn't wait to post some information she just learned about her grandparents.
What about you? When do you plan to share?
Flickr photo courtesy of Buck Fever.
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