First, work has been busy and stressful. Since I have to work in order to support myself, I have to give this my highest priority.
Second, I've been increasingly put off by the discussions around professionalism in the practice of genealogy. I understand why it's important, but I chafe at the thought that everyone has to be held to the same unreachable standards. It's not that I want to be sloppy about the research I do, but I do it for fun and to educate myself. I don't plan to publish it. I don't plan to market my research services. I have no intention of hanging out a shingle that says "Professional Genealogist". I'm not a professional. I don't want to be one. I also don't want to spend more time worrying about whether I'm living up to some standard that others seem to think I should. All that matters to me is that I'm happy with the quality of the work I'm doing.
Third, I haven't done any original research or analysis in more than a month because I can't figure out how to get started again. Every time I sit down to it, I question myself and my direction. I can't make any progress when I can't bring myself to take the first step.
So, I've made the decision to take my blog private again. Yes, I know that it won't be cousin bait that way, but I can still use it to work through my previous research.
Frankly, I need to find the fun again, or it's just not worth the effort.
Please note that I've disabled comments.
