RootsTech 2014 is here

Innovator’s Day was kinda crazy. I managed to hit a couple classes and learned some interesting tidbits about FamilySearch’s plans for the coming year. I connected with some incredible geneabloggers, and others who don’t blog but should ’cause, wow they’ve got some interesting information to add to the discussion.

Chris Dancy’s keynote was fascinating. I crave data, and hate to make decisions on a whim, without any real basis, so more data always seems good. My fitbit has been my constant companion for over a year and I like it that way. But 11 different sensors on his body? Seriously?

We walk a fine line between getting data for ourselves and the inherent privacy risk that comes when that same data can be intercepted by others. I wanted to ask Chris Dancy about how he responds to privacy concerns. Yet I suspect the joke he made said it all — (and I’m paraphrasing) it would all be fine if the NSA would just release an API so we could all have access to the info they were compiling. What would EFF think?

Dancy also brought up some important points about how people interact with our digital footprint after we shed this earthly shell. (“Organic death is a breeze…Digital death is hard.”) I suggest you read Amy Coffin’s blog for more info about that part of his keynote.

Today is the first full day of Rootstech and it’s looking to be exciting. The class on CRMs (customer/constituent relationship managers) including Salesforce.com (did you know that they have a version for nonprofits that’s a $15k value they give away for free?) will speak to my geeky society-volunteer self. And I am personally offended that Judy Russell’s class on prison records was scheduled opposite Jen Baldwin’s panel on Online Trees.

The extra special event is the meetup with the Next Generation Genealogy Network at the Marriott lounge immediately following classes, at 5:30pm.  As far as I’m concerned, if you are not there, you are square 😉

That plenty of good for one day and I’m trying to keep my schedule loose otherwise. The expo hall is huge (in a different area than previous years) and I’ve learned that pacing myself will keep my energy up rather than petering out by day 2. Wish me luck!