Last week I attended Explorinar: Google Alerts for Genealogists on High-Definition Genealogy by Thomas MacEntee. Truth be told I had never heard about Google Alerts and was curious how this tool could help with genealogy research.
Thomas asks the following question:
The answer is a resounding YES! Just think of the time saved by allowing Google Alerts to do the work. Using Google operands you can create a whole host of helpful genealogy based searches.
In fact I have already benefited from setting up various alerts this weekend. Found in my Google Reader were great articles, new blog sites, and several obituaries. One of the best discoveries was an entry on Find-A-Grave for one of my ancestors.
Here are helpful sites for Google Alerts:
Automate Your Google Searches - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
Google Alerts - Automated Web Searches for Genealogists - RootsWeb
Using Google Alerts in The 30CD : YouTube Video
Save time by having Google Alerts do your genealogy searching.
Although I do use google alerts, I don't use it as much as I should. I'm going to have to give more thought to it. I'm glad you posted this, because I'm becoming aware that there are a lot of people who are unaware of this great feature.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Deb. Our family first became aware of Google Alerts when our daughter was a high school debater. She learned through her club, and gave Google Alerts a workout! Even though I knew about it, I've yet to let my brain switch tracks and run with it in genealogy, though I see how it can be helpful. Seeing the links and examples gets me thinking...
ReplyDeleteJacqi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I'm so glad I attended the webinar by Thomas! Already reaping the benefits of allowing Google to do the work. Hope the links help.