Posted on Leave a comment

Re: The MyCousins Project

Fri 1/15/2021 11:11 PM

Beth,

I, too, have been working on the Byrus/Byras branch. It appears you have the inside track, and I think that is wonderful. I look forward to learning more. I had no idea that you had a personal connection. Wow, you are full of surprises.
Your other comment may explain why you were up late the other night, and I suggested we both turn into pumpkins. Please do your best to get rest, stay healthy and safe.
John, IV
Posted on Leave a comment

Re: Ilcik

Fri 1/15/2021 11:55 PM

Beth,

Did you notice just how active Earl has been? Incredible work ethic.
Yes, that IS me. What can I say? Actually, I’m speechless. Wow.  I thought I wouldn’t be surprised again, at least not right away. The surprises keep coming.
  1. Great-grandfathers’ obituary.
  2. Great-grandfather’s gravesite and Ilcik connection.
  3. Your Byrus connection.
  4. Earl’s DNA revelation.
What is next?
What fun! And you are at the center of all these discoveries. 🎉🥳
Thank you!
John, IV
Posted on Leave a comment

Re: eBook Promotion

Sat 1/16/2021 11:18 PM

Beth,

MeWe was an emergency knee-jerk reaction to being suspended by Facebook. I will figure out a better way. Maybe, that will be the MyCousins blog on Facebook or a  WordPress blog on the same website as our eBook.  Mostly, I want one place to post instead of email. Email is good for you and me. Everyone else should get the same posts and have the opportunity to respond to the group as well. At least, that would be my goal.
I’m waiting until the morning to look at the photos. The dogs don’t require as much attention in the daytime.
John
P.S. I agree 110% about the value of our collaboration.😇
Posted on Leave a comment

Re: Ouch!

Tue 1/19/2021 12:26 PM
Beth,
First, you and Earl are incredible. Sisters! Wow, that is a super scoop.  I am excited to read the obituaries. This is way beyond what I thought was possible.
Jumping for joy!
As for the blue box… this is what I submitted to Ancestry’s suggestion box (I finally found it.)
To: Ancestry.com

I don’t particularly appreciate that a blue popup box now shows up on the screen’s right side when you click on a hint.

First, it causes the screen to make an unnecessary jump when it creates the box on the right site. This is distracting.
Second, the size of the box and the size of the type are both too small. Users with vision issues, like myself, find it difficult to use.
Third, the new process results in extra keystrokes, which is inconvenient.
Fourth, left-handed people find using the right side of the screen to be less than ideal. One’s natural head movement is a gradual left-to-right. This forces one into a back-and-forth head movement that is just as distracting as the screen jump that occurs when the box is drawn on the screen.
It was significantly easier to document HINTS when data was in the center and not moved to the right. The text was large and easy to read.
The new process is distracting, difficult to use, and inconveniently slow. Ouch!
Please rollback this unwelcome change to a product that was working better before the changes.
I really appreciate any help you can provide.
Dr. John P. Elcik
Software Developer
Posted on Leave a comment

Ancestry.com DNA Features

Tue 1/19/2021 5:57 AM

Beth,

I have discovered three interesting features on the Ancestry.com website under the DNA menu.
  1. Have you explored the ThruLines™ feature?  It creates what I would call a Surname Chart using photos if they are in your records. Better yet, click on an individual.  If there are DNA suggestions for that individual, you will see them on your Family Tree. Very cool feature!
  2. StoryScout has an awkward interface, but it produces some entertaining results. Please take a look at the stories it wrote for my grandparents.
  3. The Personal Discoveries Project is Free to use. They ask you to talk about yourself and your family through survey questions. They’re fun and easy to answer. They hope the questions will bring you a deeper understanding of yourself and your DNA family connections.
Curiosity killed the cat, and satisfaction brought it back.
John, IV