How It Works

It is the power of our community that makes #genchat strong.
Each individual contributes a piece to the puzzle.

How does #genchat work?
In 2013, I happened across a Twitter phenomena: #blogchat. The concept was simple, but the end result was very powerful: create an environment on twitter where folks could gather and discuss one specific topic on blogging; at the same time and place each week.

My next step was unavoidable and #genchat was born. And it is an incredible success.
~ Jen Baldwin, Founder of #genchat

What is it, exactly?
On alternating Friday evenings, a group of genealogists from around the globe gather together and discuss a pre-chosen topic that has something to do with genealogy. These folks have varying backgrounds, skill levels and research focuses that make the conversation interesting, entertaining and incredibly educational. What you will not find is a separation of "hobbyist" and "professional." We are all just genealogists, together.

Is this a lecture?
Absolutely not. Often, the topics are chosen because we want to learn more too. We pre-gather a collection of resources, links, and other ideas that we think may contribute to the conversation, but they are often not needed; the participants take the topic, embrace it, and have a lively hour of discussion without anything else from me. (If you see a topic you are especially interested in, know a lot about or have other expertise in, please email us! We’re always open to suggestions and the opportunity to co-host.)

What can you learn?
So much! Many have blogged about their success with a new online resource that was shared with them, a technique they had not tried before, or even just the friendships built along the way.

Why Twitter?
Twitter flows well, allowing others to have side conversations away from the chat if they have a mutual interest or point of discussion, and it's easy for participants to come in and out as they need. Mack Collier is the man behind #blogchat, and he explains it well in his post, "What is #Blogchat?":
"I want #blogchat to be like a coffeehouse where everyone is discussing the same general topic, but each table is talking about a slightly different take on that topic."

Resources:
If you have not participated in a Tweet Chat before, the following can be very helpful: How To Participate in a Tweet Chat (by by Janet Fouts).

For more specific questions or instruction, contact the hosts of #genchat for one-on-one assistance.
Planning on Participating? Put a badge on your genealogy website or blog!

#genchat Structure
We usually get to between 6 - 8 questions on each chat, depending on the topic. People can respond to each question, or to each other, as they wish, and at any time during the chat. If someone comes up with an appropriate question, by all means, put it out there! The best way for you to learn and gain from these chats is to participate. We have a fair number of "lurkers," and we encourage each and everyone of them to engage in the chat's! The more people we have contributing, the better the chat will be.

"Every fortnight, they gather for sixty minutes of rapid-fire conversation about #genealogy: It's #genchat -- the original Power Hour! It's a strange atmosphere (to say the least) that is informative and entertaining fun... and, yes, it's addictive too. Join in, all are welcome. You'll leave with a new group of friends!"
~ @leprchaunrabbit
Kale Liam Hobbes
3 Jan 2014