Before you vote, consider both content and style. Good Content + Irritating Style equals No Vote! Please do the right thing and only vote for speakers whom you have personally heard and would publicly recommend. Don't just automatically vote for your buddies. That won't help conference committees to invite quality speakers!
After attending eight Australasian Congresses, a British National conference, a genealogy conference cruise, various family history fairs and Expos in Australia and London, and countless State conferences, 'Lost In' weekends and shorter seminars, I am a tough judge - but fifteen of the seventy-four nominees won my vote.
UPDATE: Not many Australians and New Zealanders voted, so the rankings don't mean much - but I confess to being just a little bit thrilled! The AUS/NZ results are on Anglo-Celtic Connections. I have not heard Nick Barratt or Dick Eastman speak, but I can personally recommend all of the others.
Great advice, Judy. I am concerned that this has the potential to be a popularity contest.
ReplyDeleteMy criteria for nominating the three speakers I initially nominated were subject knowledge, presentation skills and passion for the subject.
I also only voted for those I have heard personally.
Jill, I share your concern. If the voting turns into a popularity contest, it will be useless. I think your selection criteria are excellent.
DeleteI was a bit surprised to see my name on the survey. And I wondered how embarrassed I would be to be selected. It is a popularity contest really and I'm no rock star. Many actual genealogy rock stars weren't included on the list.
ReplyDeleteMarian, as far as I am concerned, your opinion means more than any survey results. I'd love to know who you would recommend, and why. It's no secret that I would travel vast distances (and have done so more than once!) to hear Michael GANDY, Sherry IRVINE, Martyn KILLION or Heather GARNSEY. They invariably share lots of great information, and I like the way they present it. They are also approachable, which is important. Lots of people are too shy to stand up and ask a question during a lecture, but want to ask it during the coffee break.
DeleteThe AUS/NZ results are on Anglo-Celtic Connections. Not many Australians and New Zealanders voted, so the rankings don't mean much - but I confess to being just a little bit thrilled! I have not heard Nick Barratt or Dick Eastman speak, but I can personally recommend all of the others.
ReplyDelete