Training data!!!

I have long lamented the fact that you can't make instructional edits to family search data. I've always wanted a 'reset button' so I could merge records, add ancestors, and elect to do ordinances -- as an example -- and then hit the reset button and take it back to the last correct state. You couldn't. If you started monkeying around with records, they were LIVE records, and you would do damage.

Finally the church has setup a 'test' area where you can do just what I'm talking about. You can do everything, including electing to do work, and then (!!) you can print out an example IOR! This is brilliant, and it's honestly overdue.

This will be a fanTAStic training tool, and I can't wait to see it in use at the family history center and in sunday school classes.

--Sean

We are excited to announce a great new resource for you to use as you teach others how to use the new FamilySearch. We have created a fully functional training version of new.familysearch.org that contains fictitious data designed specifically for training purposes. In this system, you will be able to:

· Use practice exercises to teach others how to use the new.familysearch.org Web site.

· Add, edit, and modify information without the worry of using real data.

· Combine and separate records.

· Practice submitting names for temple ordinances. Note: You can print a Family Ordinance Request, but do not take the request to the temple.

· Use the Help Center to search for answers to questions, and find additional training helps, including access to the new FamilySearch E-learning Course.

· Submit GEDCOMs that are limited to five names.

· Use your account until it expires after six months.

· Get a new account each time your old account expires.

The training system will:

· Delete any data you have added after your account expires.

· Refresh the account and return it to its original state so it can be used again.

· Continue to be upgraded as the new FamilySearch system is enhanced.

Access to this new training system is available at: https://training.familysearch.org. Those with an LDS Account user name and password (Church members who have registered at https://ident.familysearch.org/cis-web) will be able to sign on using that user name and password.

This is the first version of the training system. It provides the full functionality of new FamilySearch and has a basic set of exercises. We will continue to enhance the exercises based on feedback from those using the system. We hope this will prove to be a great new training resource for you while you teach classes about the new FamilySearch. The training system is available now.

Sincerely,

FamilySearch

Finally! The Roll-Out!!!

I just checked my email this morning (because I was able to go into work early) and what to my surprise do I have? An email from headquarters saying we're going to roll-out on Monday the 12th!!! Ta-daaaa!!!

Ok, so now we can all use it. I can help anyone who asks. I can answer questions, I can train classes, I can speak from a pulpit. I'm ready.

If you have any questions, please ask. If you have any comments, please comment. I'm a resource for the stake. I'm ready.

Timpanogos Priesthood Leadership Meeting

We had a meeting last night for the priesthood leadership for the Timpanogos temple district, getting them fired up and ready to go with new.familysearch. The meeting house was a stake center, and we were filled to the rim. They had seats on the stage, the entire cultural hall filled, and people standing around the edges. I don't know the count. Man, was it hot in there! Muggy, and with one annoying fly visiting every guest personally.

Highlights--

The way to make Family History work in your ward is to talk about it during PEC meeting (Bishops).

We are doing this work to save our brothers and sisters from spirit prison.

Whether you are converting someone, reactivating a member, or redeeming your dead, it is all the SAME work.

AND the coup de' grace!! 15 stakes in the temple district are rolling out on Monday (Alas, I don't think we're one of them). The following Monday, at least 15 more will rollout, and this is what they said, "I don't know if we'll have enough ready stakes to meet the minimum of fifteen, so we'll add more." When it came to Q&A, I stood up (I was in like the fourth to last row in the gym) and sought clarification. "You said that you'd be choosing some other stakes to get up to 15. Does that mean that the entire temple district will eventually be added, whether they're ready or not?" They confirmed that this is the case. They said that they just finished rolling out the Provo temple district this past Monday (two days ago), and it took three weeks to do that whole district.

So....I'm thinking we'll all have access before the end of October. Pretty cool news, donchathink?

Rollout requirements change again

I'm not sure if the system was choking, or what, but they've changed how wards are to report readiness for new.familysearch. The consultants in each ward are to report to the high priests group leader. The high priests group leader will report to the high councilman over family history. The high councilman over family history will then prepare a report for the area consultants. That's as far as I know, but I'm guessing the area consultants will then let headquarters know that the stake is ready to roll.

Spanish Family History Center

I wish I could post this in Spanish. Oh well.

The Utah South Spanish Family History Center is located at 263 North 800 West, in Provo. Their phone number is 801-356-0661. Their hours are from 6PM to 9PM. While they don't have an actual course on new.familysearch training, they can train an individual in conjunction with the online training available.

13 Generations

So this is a picture of me and my wife, and the 12 generations behind us. I knew of maybe 6 generations behind me before using new.familysearch. My mother-in-law knew of a lot of family, but didn't know what work had been done. Here we have 1,075 individuals on this chart. Isn't this amazing??