Throughout the year we travel to various cities teaching RootsMagic classes.  We are always asked when we will be visiting different areas of the country (or world).  The simple answer is that we just haven’t gotten the cloning process down well enough to do that yet.

So we’re doing the next best thing.  We are now offering free online classes.  You will be able to sit at your computer and watch as we present classes on everything from getting started with RootsMagic to advanced features like creating custom reports, and everything in between.  We’ll also be able to answer questions from attendees.  And classes won’t be limited to just RootsMagic.  We will be offering classes on our other products as well: Personal Historian, Family Atlas, and Family Reunion Organizer.

Each class will be limited to the first 1000 people to sign up, but if you miss out or can’t make it, don’t worry because we will record the class for you to download and watch later.

To sign up for the free classes, or to view past recorded classes, visit us at:

http://www.rootsmagic.com/webinars

Here are the first 5 classes we will be offering:

• Getting Started with RootsMagic
  Saturday, January 8, 2011
  90 minutes
• Publishing a Family History with RootsMagic
  Tuesday, January 11, 2011
  90 minutes
• FamilySearch Made Easy with RootsMagic
  Tuesday, January 18, 2011
  6pm MST See In Your Time Zone
  2 hours
• RootsMagic To-Go: Running RootsMagic on a Flash Drive
  Monday, January 24, 2011
  2pm MST See In Your Time Zone
  90 minutes
• Sources, Citations, and Documentation with RootsMagic
  Friday, February 4, 2011
  10am MST See In Your Time Zone
  90 minutes

What Do you Want Us to Teach?

We have put together the first month of classes, but we want to know what you want us to teach, and what days and times work the best.  We’ve set up a short survey so you can let us know your needs: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RMWebinar

Welcome to 2011!  With 2010 in the rear-view mirror, let’s look ahead to 2011 and some of our goals and resolutions for the coming year.

More Growth

We’re determined to build upon the tremendous growth we’ve experienced over the past few years. In 2011, we’ll provide more free updates, product upgrades, and even a few new surprises. It’s too early to spill the beans on all that we have cooking in our kitchen but watch this blog or our e-mail newsletter for announcements.

More Contact

We’ve always tried to be accessible and in touch with our users as much as possible. We offer free phone support with live people, e-mail support, and a message board.

We travel to conferences and events to meet with people face-to-face. We teach classes and coordinate user groups to help our users better use the software.

But with the tremendous growth that we’ve experienced in the past few years, maintaining this level of support and contact has been- at times- challenging. One of our goals for 2011 is to make our lines of contact with our users even better- especially with those that, due to their location or circumstances, aren’t able to meet with us at a conference, class, or user group.

In a perfect world, we would personally sit down with every RootsMagic user in their homes. Since we just haven’t gotten the cloning process down well enough to do that yet, we’re doing the next best thing. We are going to start offering free online RootsMagic classes, also known as “webinars”. You will be able to sit at your computer and watch as we present classes on everything from getting started with RootsMagic to advanced features like creating custom reports, and everything in between. We’ll also be able to answer questions from attendees.

Each class will be limited to the first 1000 people to sign up, but if you miss out or can’t make it, don’t worry because we will record the class for you to download and watch later. So keep an eye out for the January newsletter where we will provide all the details on how to sign up for these free classes.  We’d also like to know more about what you would like to learn and when are the best times to hold the webinars. We’ve set up a short survey so that you can let us know your needs.

• Please click here to take the survey

Thank You!

Of course, these resolutions are not a comprehensive list of our plans and goals for 2011. There are many other projects which are in development in our secret underground laboratories which we’ll talk about when the time is right. In the meantime, thank you again for your support. We try very hard to listen to your problems, questions, and suggestions. If there is something that you’d like to see us do, please contact us and let us know.

Happy New Year and may you have a prosperous 2011 (both genealogically and otherwise)!

Well, 2010 has been yet another busy year for us.  As has become tradition here at RootsMagic, we’d like to review the last 12 months with you, our users.  If you’re not one to dwell on the past, check back tomorrow as we present our 2011 New Years’ Resolutions with a peek at our plans for the coming year.  But until then, fire up the flux capacitor and set time circuits to January 1, 2010!

Genealogy Goes Mainstream

In this time of great uncertainty, more and more people are becoming interested in learning about and preserving their family history.  As one new RootsMagic user pointed out to us, “people are looking for more meaningful hobbies”.

One of the most exciting developments of 2010 was the introduction of not one, but three U.S. television series devoted to family history- Who Do You Think You Are?, Faces of America, and The Generations Project.  And we’ve definitely felt the effects as millions of people have watched these programs and been inspired to trace their own roots.

At RootsMagic, we’re pleased to have contributed in a small way to this proliferation of pedigrees by sponsoring the inaugural season of The Generations Project.  If you missed any of these programs, you can still watch previous episodes online and new seasons of Who Do You Think You Are? and The Generations Project will begin in the next few weeks.

Watch Us Grow

2010 has been a year of tremendous growth for RootsMagic.  We feel very fortunate that in these days of economic uncertainty, not only have we been able to stay in business, but we’ve been able to grow as a company.  Just as we did in 2009, to keep up with this growth, we’ve hired additional sales and support staff.  We’ve also released several free updates to our software which address bugs and add new features suggested by our users.  We’ve also beefed-up our knowledge base with many new helpful articles and walk-throughs.  We recognize that this growth is only possible because of your support and eagerness to tell your friends and family members about us.  Thank you!

We Get Around

In 2010, we traveled more miles, taught more classes, and attended more conferences than we ever have before.  In fact, there were many weekends where we were attending multiple conferences at the same time- all to reach out and connect with you, our users.  Thank you to all the societies, user groups, family history centers, and companies that organized these events.  And thank you to all of you who came to see us!  By far, the most rewarding aspect of these events is the chance to meet our users face-to-face, answer your questions, and receive your suggestions.

Awards

We’ve been honored with several awards this year including:

2010 FamilySearch Software Award
“Trailblazer”

In a follow-up to our 2009 FamilySearch awards for Best Dashboard and Easiest to Sync, we were honored with the Trailblazer award in 2010 for our work in staying at the forefront of FamilySearch technology.

GeneAwards 2010
Best Genealogy Product of 2010

For the second year in a row, RootsMagic 4 has received the GeneAward for Best Genealogy Product of the Year.

Thank You!

We know this always sounds clichéd, but none of this would have been possible without you and your support.  2010 has been a big year for us and, rest assured, we’re working hard to make 2011 even better!

We are pleased to sponsor the Atlanta Family History Expo on November 12-13, 2010 at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia.   Visit our booth, attend our classes, or take away one of our door prizes!

Free Exhibit Hall

Visit us at the RootsMagic booth in the Expo’s exhibit hall and experts will be on hand to answer questions about the RootsMagic software.  Don’t miss special conference discounts on various RootsMagic products. The Exhibit Hall also features family history vendors from across the world. The Exhibit Hall is open to the public the following hours:

• Friday, November 12: 9 am – 6 pm
• Saturday, November 13: 9 am – 4:00 pm

Free RootsMagic Classes

Come learn about our software in 9 free classes.  These classes are open to anyone (but you do have to come pick up a ticket from our booth to attend).

• RootsMagic: Pruning, Cleaning and Extending Your Family Tree – Friday 10:00 am, Main Hall
• RootsMagic: Sharing & Publishing Your Family History – Friday 11:30 am, Main Hall
• Personal Historian: Bringing Life to Your Life Stories – Friday 1:30 pm, Main Hall
• Genealogy on the Go – Friday 3:00 pm, Main Hall
• Writing Your Personal History (and Living to Tell About It) – Saturday 8:00 am, Salon 6
• RootsMagic: Sharing & Publishing Your Family History (Repeat) – Saturday 9:30 am, Room 6ABC
• RootsMagic: Pruning, Cleaning and Extending Your Family Tree (Repeat) – Saturday 11:00 am, Room 6ABC
• GPS & the Genealogist – Saturday 1:00 pm, Salon 7
• FamilySearch Made Easy with RootsMagic 4 – Saturday 2:30 pm, Room 6ABC

We’ll also be giving away prizes in each class including copies of RootsMagic, Personal Historian, and Family Atlas software plus a bunch of stuff just for fun: RootsMagic tote bags, badge holders, and more!

Other Classes

Over 100 other classes will be presented by industry leaders and experts from the local and national genealogical community.  Products and services from genealogy companies will also be showcased in an exhibit hall where you can meet with specialists for personal consultations on research questions or problems.

If you wish to attend the other classes, registration is just $65.00 for both days or $40.00 for a single day.  Individuals who want to attend only one or two classes and visit the Exhibit Hall can register for single classes at $12.00 each.

Expo details and the class schedule are available online at www.FHExpos.com or call 1-801-829-3295.

We are pleased to sponsor the Salt Lake Family History Expo on August 27-28, 2010 at the South Towne Exposition Center, 9575 S. State Street, Sandy, Utah.   Visit our booth, attend our classes, or take away one of our over $1,000 worth of prizes!

Free Exhibit Hall!

Visit us at the RootsMagic booth in the Expo’s exhibit hall and experts will be on hand to answer questions about the RootsMagic software.  Don’t miss special conference discounts on various RootsMagic products. The Exhibit Hall also features family history vendors from across the world. The Exhibit Hall is free to the public and is open:

• Friday, August 27: 9 am – 6 pm
• Saturday, August 28: 9 am – 4:00 pm

Free RootsMagic Classes!

Come learn about the features in RootsMagic 4 in 3 free classes.  That’s right, these classes are FREE to anyone (but you do have to come pick up a ticket from our booth to attend).

• What’s New in RootsMagic 4, Part I – Friday 11:30 am, Room 220B
• What’s New in RootsMagic 4, Part II – Saturday, 11:00 am, Room 200A
• New FamilySearch Made Easy with RootsMagic 4 – Saturday, 2:30 pm, Room 200A

Free Exhibit Hall Mini-Classes!

In addition to our full-length classes, we’re also be teaching free RootsMagic mini-classes in the exhibit hall.  These mini-classes will be about 15 minutes long and will be held at our booth during the break between the regular classes.

• Writing Life Stories with Personal Historian, Friday 11:05am, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Mapping Your Ancestors with Family Atlas, Friday 12:35pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• New FamilySearch Overview, Friday 1:05pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Data Clean-Up in RootsMagic 4, Friday 2:35pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Entering Sources into RootsMagic 4, Friday 4:05pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Publishing a Book with RootsMagic 4, Friday 5:35pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Running RootsMagic from a Flash Drive, Saturday 9:05am, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Mapping Your Ancestors with Family Atlas, Saturday 10:35am, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Writing Life Stories with Personal Historian, Saturday 12:05pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Using RootsMagic’s Research Tools, Saturday 12:35pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Creating a Shareable CD with RootsMagic 4, Saturday 2:05pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth

Fun Prizes!

And to help show off some of the great features in RootsMagic 4, we’re going to give away these great prizes in each of our free RootsMagic classes.

• Two 4GB RootsMagic flash drives with RootsMagic 4.  That’s right, RootsMagic 4 will run directly off a flash drive.  And with the included RootsMagic To-Go program you can easily transfer your data back and forth between your desktop computer and your flash drive as well.
• Two $25 gift certificates from Generation Maps.  Generation Maps makes it easy to print those large wall charts you’ve created in RootsMagic 4.
• Plus a bunch of stuff just for fun: RootsMagic tote bags, badge holders, genealogy ties, and more!

Other Classes!

Over 100 other classes will be presented by industry leaders and experts from the local and national genealogical community.  Products and services from genealogy companies will also be showcased in an exhibit hall where you can meet with specialists for free personal consultations on research questions or problems.

If you wish to attend the other classes, registration is just $75.00 for both days or $40.00 for a single day.  Individuals who want to attend only one or two classes and visit the Exhibit Hall can register for single classes at $12.00 each.

Expo details and the class schedule are available online at: www.FHExpos.com.

The Summer season of conferences continues and we’ve had a great time meeting many of our users face-to-face.  While we’ve been able to meet with many of you, we know that there are many more that we haven’t yet passed through your neck of the woods.  This week will hopefully rectify that for some of you.  Through the miracle of human cloning, we will be attending three separate conferences in three separate states this coming week!  (Well, not exactly cloning- just a lot of creative scheduling and travel.)  So if you live near Utah, Missouri, or Oregon, we’d love to meet you, answer your questions, and hear your suggestions.

Provo, Utah

First up is the 42nd annual BYU Conference on Family History and Genealogy held from Tuesday, July 26 through Friday, July 30, 2010 in the BYU Conference Center in Provo, Utah.  This has always been a great event and this year will be no exception.  While you’re attending the over 100 classes during the day, be sure to stop by our booth in the exhibitor area.  And in the evenings, be sure to attend one of our free classes:

• What’s New in RootsMagic 4, Tuesday, 5:15 pm, Room 2258
• New FamilySearch Made Easy with RootsMagic 4, Wednesday, 5:15 pm, Room 2258

Kansas City, Missouri

We are pleased to sponsor the Midwest Family History Expo on July 30-31, 2010 at the KCI Expo Center, 11730 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, Missouri.  Visit our booth, attend our classes, or take away one of our over $1,000 worth of prizes!

Free Exhibit Hall!

Visit us at the RootsMagic booth in the Expo’s exhibit hall and experts will be on hand to answer questions about the RootsMagic software.  Don’t miss special conference discounts on various RootsMagic products. The Exhibit Hall also features family history vendors from across the world. The Exhibit Hall is free to the public and is open:

• Friday, July 30: 9 am – 6 pm
• Saturday, July 31: 9 am – 5:30 pm

Free RootsMagic Classes!

Come learn about the new features in RootsMagic 4 in 2 free classes.  That’s right, these classes are FREE to anyone (but you do have to come pick up a ticket from our booth to attend).  We’ll even do some prize drawings to keep things interesting.

• What’s New in RootsMagic 4, Part I – Friday 3:00 pm
• What’s New in RootsMagic 4, Part II – Saturday, 9:30 am

Free Exhibit Hall Mini-Classes!

We’ll be teaching free RootsMagic mini-classes in the exhibit hall.  These mini-classes will be about 15 minutes long and will be held at our booth during the break between the regular classes.

• Data Clean-Up in RootsMagic 4 – Friday 11:05 am, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• New FamilySearch Overview – Friday 12:35 pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Writing Life Stories with Personal Historian – Friday 1:05 pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Entering  Sources into RootsMagic 4 – Friday 5:35 pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Mapping Your Ancestors with Family Atlas – Saturday 12:05 pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Running RootsMagic from a Flash Drive – Saturday 12:35 pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Publishing a Books and CD’s with RootsMagic 4 – Saturday 2:05 pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth
• Writing Life Stories with Personal Historian – Saturday 3:35 pm, RootsMagic Exhibitor Booth

Other Classes

Over 100 other classes will be presented by industry leaders and experts from the local and national genealogical community.  Products and services from genealogy companies will also be showcased in an exhibit hall where you can meet with specialists for free personal consultations on research questions or problems.

If you wish to attend the other classes, registration is just $75.00 for both days or $40.00 for a single day.  Individuals who want to attend only one or two classes and visit the Exhibit Hall can register for single classes at $12.00 each.

Expo details and the class schedule are available online at: www.FHExpos.com.

Eugene, Oregon

Those of you in the Pacific Northwest will want to come to the Genealogical Council of Oregon State Conference held Saturday, July 31, 2010 at the Lane Community College, 4000 East 30th Ave, Eugene, Oregon.  This conference features Elizabeth Shown Mills, author of the popular book Evidence Explained from which RootsMagic’s SourceWizard and source templates are based.  Choose from several dozen classes by talented presenters and attend the popular “Ask the Experts” sessions.  And be sure to come meet Bruce Buzbee, the creator of RootsMagic at our exhibit booth and attend a class by the RootsMagician himself:

• What’s New in RootsMagic 4 – Saturday 2:00 pm, Room S-16

More Events to Come

If you’re not fortunate enough to attend any of these events, don’t worry, there are plenty more to come!  Within the next few months, we’ll be coming to Tennessee, California, New Mexico, Georgia, Ohio, Massachusetts, and South Carolina.  Be sure to check our calendar and newsletter to learn about where we are coming next.