Family privacy, blogging about family

Balancing that is real tough! If you go to my blog, you’ll see that when I wrote about my mom for the Carnival of Genealogy 48th Edition: http://allmybranches.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/on-the-spot-education/
I tried to keep as much as I could private. I also had to do the same thing with the CoG 51st Edition: http://allmybranches.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/independent-from-birth-carnival-of-genealogy-51st-edition/
because the person I wrote about still has living relatives and I didn’t want to offend anyone. Good luck!

This can be difficult, but there are a few simple rules to keep in mind. First, your family’s privacy should be uppermost in your mind when thinking about living relatives. You don’t have to publish everything you discover. Second, with living relatives, consider getting their permission about publishing anything you think is sensitive. If you have any hesitation about asking them, then probably you shouldn’t publish it. If the matter is so compelling that you must publish it, keep identities of living persons private. There can be legal liability for invasion of privacy (not that any of your relatives necessarily would actually sue you . . . but I’m just sayin’ . . . !). By the way, all of us who’ve been doing this for any time at all have had the experience of cringing after we’ve hit the “publish” button and wondering if we did the right thing or not.

Welcome to the genea-blogosphere, Jeanna! I’ve added your blog to my Google Reader, and hope to read more from you, soon!

You may be interested in reading other African-American genealogy blogs, and Chris Dunham has a list here: http://blogfinder.genealogue.com/african-american.asp

Go here to add your blog to his list: http://blogfinder.genealogue.com/suggest_blog.asp

This is the topic of one of my very first posts at my genealogy/family history blog. I am lucky in that not many of my relatives have found my blog or they just don’t use what they call “The Internets” or “that Internet thing.”

When I cleaned out my mother’s house two years ago, I found letters and information that was and still is un-nerving for me. Much of it has raised many questions about me and how I interact with my family.

What I chose to do is this:

- I have one aunt with whom I am close and I get on the phone and chat with her about some of the issues.

- I’ve decided not to post on some of the “skeletons” as I call them.

- I have however, written something for the next person to take up my research and materials from me. This was part of my estate planning this past month. I was so worried that no one in my large family would want all the letters and photos, that I placed a directive to my executor to find a relative who was interested; and if no relative could be found, to contact several genealogy and/or historical societies that might have an interest.

So I have a “note” around a stack of letters that explains the way in which I’ve interpreted what was written - realizing that in 40 or 50 years the next person may have more information or even a different perspective.

And, being the good “archivist” I am, I have scanned all the letters and saved them on my computer.

I would not post anything about any living person without their permission. The federal census is closed for 72 years because of privacy so we as genealogists should follow that or be more strict.

Charles

Hello Jeanna,

You’re in good company judging by the comments you received.
I don’t think I can really add any additional insights.

Like you, I’ve been trying to learn about my ancestors in order to understand things about myself. If you go to my blog, you’ll see that I blend photographs, stories, and documents of not only my ancestors but also of myself and some relatives. I’m careful not to divulge any privacy infringing stuff. (My new cousin Ron who lives in ___ was recently released from prison and can be reached at 555-123-4576 and here’s a picture…). I don’t do stuff like that or throw light on some current family dirt. LOL

However, I will keep private notes of things that may prove helpful with my ongoing research. Just my two ducats…

Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”

It’s challenging! I blog/write with my heart & follow my conscious.

At the core, the reason why I do this is for Family preservation. I want the children & grands here and coming to know of the wonderful people they have been connected to through time.

That said, I am ’selective’ regarding stories that need to be told & stories that I am fine with knowing but don’t feel a need to publish.

Recently, I was asked by my Great Aunts to remove a commentary about my Great Uncle (deceased) & his Wife. Although the comments were not harmful in any way, they didn’t settle well with his living children.

At first I balked at the idea of editing the comment & then I thought about it, these children have suffered the loss of both parents before the age of 16. If the removal of a few lines could make a difference to them, it was fine by me.

As I said, I follow my conscious & keep in mind that my goal is to preserve history & not create new offenses.

Cheers,

Mechie

Hi Jeanna! Welcome to the world of Blogging!