Comments for Amy Johnson Crow http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com Technology and Genealogy Services Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:12:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Webinar for Illinois State Genealogical Society by Amy http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2012/02/10/webinar-for-illinois-state-genealogical-society/#comment-787 Amy Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:12:39 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=816#comment-787 Wonderful! I hope you'll find it helpful! Wonderful! I hope you’ll find it helpful!

]]> Comment on Webinar for Illinois State Genealogical Society by Terry Anne Nicholson http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2012/02/10/webinar-for-illinois-state-genealogical-society/#comment-786 Terry Anne Nicholson Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:10:16 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=816#comment-786 Thanks for the information. I went to their website and registered. I am looking forward to hearing your presentation. Maybe it will help me find my Rebecca ???. Thanks for the information. I went to their website and registered. I am looking forward to hearing your presentation. Maybe it will help me find my Rebecca ???.

]]> Comment on Why I’m Excited About the 1940 Census by Amy http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/18/why-im-excited-about-the-1940-census/#comment-408 Amy Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:36:11 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=785#comment-408 Erice, Archive.com is, indeed, going to provide free access to the 1940 census images as well as the index. You might be interested in reading this press release ("<a href="http://www.archives.com/blog/press/archivescom-partners-with-the-national-archives-on-1940-census.html" rel="nofollow">Archives.com Partners with the National Archives to Unveil the 1940 Census: Archives.com Parent Company Inflection Awarded Project to Make 1940 Census Records Free to the Public</a>"). Also, Archives.com, FamilySearch, and brightsolid are partnering to create a free index to the 1940 census, which will be available at all 3 sites. For more information on the creation of the index, see "<a href="http://www.archives.com/blog/press/three-genealogy-powerhouses-join-forces-to-publish-1940-us-census.html" rel="nofollow">Three Genealogy Powerhouses Join Forces to Publish 1940 US Census</a> as well as <a href="http://www.the1940census.org" rel="nofollow">the1940census.org</a>. Erice, Archive.com is, indeed, going to provide free access to the 1940 census images as well as the index. You might be interested in reading this press release (“Archives.com Partners with the National Archives to Unveil the 1940 Census: Archives.com Parent Company Inflection Awarded Project to Make 1940 Census Records Free to the Public“).

Also, Archives.com, FamilySearch, and brightsolid are partnering to create a free index to the 1940 census, which will be available at all 3 sites. For more information on the creation of the index, see “Three Genealogy Powerhouses Join Forces to Publish 1940 US Census as well as the1940census.org.

]]> Comment on Why I’m Excited About the 1940 Census by Erice Wilcox http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/18/why-im-excited-about-the-1940-census/#comment-407 Erice Wilcox Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:24:16 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=785#comment-407 I find it hard to believe that Archive.com is going to let you access anything for free. Almost anytime you do a search for family they come up search free. Ha You just have to pay to see the results. I find it hard to believe that Archive.com is going to let you access anything for free. Almost anytime you do a search for family they come up search free. Ha You just have to pay to see the results.

]]> Comment on Why Closing the SSDI is a Bad Idea by Alvie L. Davidson CG http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/25/why-closing-the-ssdi-is-a-bad-idea/#comment-391 Alvie L. Davidson CG Sun, 25 Dec 2011 09:00:29 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=797#comment-391 Why not force every American household to have a paper shredder in their household to shred incoming junk mail instead of letting credit card solicitors letters get tossed into the mail. A good source of identity theft. I totally disagree with Rep. Sam Johnson of Texas. It is like throwing out the baby with the bath water. If this SSDI was gone from public viewing what tool would the business world have to cross check for a person being a living or dead person? Sam Johnson...bad idea! Why not force every American household to have a paper shredder in their household to shred incoming junk mail instead of letting credit card solicitors letters get tossed into the mail. A good source of identity theft.
I totally disagree with Rep. Sam Johnson of Texas. It is like throwing out the baby with the bath water. If this SSDI was gone from public viewing what tool would the business world have to cross check for a person being a living or dead person?
Sam Johnson…bad idea!

]]> Comment on Why Closing the SSDI is a Bad Idea by Amy http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/25/why-closing-the-ssdi-is-a-bad-idea/#comment-354 Amy Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:30:51 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=797#comment-354 Jer -- thank you for your comment. I agree that identity theft is real. My parents went through it several years ago. (The thief did it the old-fashioned way by stealing blank checks.) And you're right, it is absolute hell to deal with. However, if the IRS was doing its job, it would have caught that the SSN in question was no longer valid. That's what the SSDI was designed to do: help the government and other entities determine whether or not a Social Security Number belongs to a deceased person. If the IRS would do its job -- and if state and local governments, along with banks, insurance agencies, etc. would use it more often -- we would see fewer instances like what happened to your mother's estate. Jer — thank you for your comment. I agree that identity theft is real. My parents went through it several years ago. (The thief did it the old-fashioned way by stealing blank checks.) And you’re right, it is absolute hell to deal with. However, if the IRS was doing its job, it would have caught that the SSN in question was no longer valid. That’s what the SSDI was designed to do: help the government and other entities determine whether or not a Social Security Number belongs to a deceased person. If the IRS would do its job — and if state and local governments, along with banks, insurance agencies, etc. would use it more often — we would see fewer instances like what happened to your mother’s estate.

]]> Comment on Why Closing the SSDI is a Bad Idea by Jer http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/25/why-closing-the-ssdi-is-a-bad-idea/#comment-353 Jer Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:23:23 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=797#comment-353 My mothers estate was a victim of of ID theft thanks to the ss death index..this is confirmed. Been going through 8 months of hell with the IRS to get the refund, it is real and it does happen and unless you go through it yourself you wouldn't understand. My mothers estate was a victim of of ID theft thanks to the ss death index..this is confirmed. Been going through 8 months of hell with the IRS to get the refund, it is real and it does happen and unless you go through it yourself you wouldn’t understand.

]]> Comment on Why Closing the SSDI is a Bad Idea by Shirley Fields http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/25/why-closing-the-ssdi-is-a-bad-idea/#comment-340 Shirley Fields Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:53:35 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=797#comment-340 Couldn't agree more with Debby but just finished a 2-day seminar for tax professionals and heard the IRS' horror stories of all the bogus tax returns being filed to get returns by using SSN's from dead people. I think the real problem is that the IRS can't handle the load anymore. They don't have enough people, the ones they do have aren't always competent, their equipment is outdated, and they have been running behind for years. Rather than admit all that, they point at the SSDI as the cause for them paying the fraudulent refunds. It's nothing more than another government scare tactic. Couldn’t agree more with Debby but just finished a 2-day seminar for tax professionals and heard the IRS’ horror stories of all the bogus tax returns being filed to get returns by using SSN’s from dead people. I think the real problem is that the IRS can’t handle the load anymore. They don’t have enough people, the ones they do have aren’t always competent, their equipment is outdated, and they have been running behind for years. Rather than admit all that, they point at the SSDI as the cause for them paying the fraudulent refunds. It’s nothing more than another government scare tactic.

]]> Comment on Why Closing the SSDI is a Bad Idea by Debbie McCoy http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/25/why-closing-the-ssdi-is-a-bad-idea/#comment-328 Debbie McCoy Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:55:00 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=797#comment-328 The IRS doesn't check SS numbers used on tax returns against the SSDI? That's insane. The IRS doesn’t check SS numbers used on tax returns against the SSDI? That’s insane.

]]> Comment on Why Closing the SSDI is a Bad Idea by Cheryl Rothwell http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/25/why-closing-the-ssdi-is-a-bad-idea/#comment-326 Cheryl Rothwell Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:14:00 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=797#comment-326 It's the same mentality that blocks death certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. from the public. Sounds good in the campaign, does little in reality. It’s the same mentality that blocks death certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. from the public. Sounds good in the campaign, does little in reality.

]]> Comment on Why Closing the SSDI is a Bad Idea by Dee Dee King http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/25/why-closing-the-ssdi-is-a-bad-idea/#comment-325 Dee Dee King Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=797#comment-325 The agencies fail to use the resource for its purpose and it's not their fault how? The agencies fail to use the resource for its purpose and it’s not their fault how?

]]> Comment on Why Closing the SSDI is a Bad Idea by Leslie Lawson http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/25/why-closing-the-ssdi-is-a-bad-idea/#comment-324 Leslie Lawson Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:40:46 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=797#comment-324 Amy, I totally agree on this! I create the new employee files for my employer, and I always check the SSDI to make sure we aren't hiring someone whom we shouldn't employ. This is a first step! I'm sure the FGS committee will be reviewing this (they must have seen it by now)! Amy, I totally agree on this! I create the new employee files for my employer, and I always check the SSDI to make sure we aren’t hiring someone whom we shouldn’t employ. This is a first step! I’m sure the FGS committee will be reviewing this (they must have seen it by now)!

]]> Comment on Why I’m Excited About the 1940 Census by Alice Allen http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/18/why-im-excited-about-the-1940-census/#comment-320 Alice Allen Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:42:04 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=785#comment-320 My parents did not marry until 1937. Thus, if they were asked and reported correctly, I'll know where they were in 1935. My mother came from Kansas to Oregon about that time--this will help pin the time down as she was vague in her written story of coming west. My father was from Nebraska, but he was a semi-pro boxer at this time, and was in a newspaper article in the Oregonian (Portland newspaper) in 1934. The article lists his residence as Grand Island NE. Was this still his home in 1935, or did he live in Oregon by then? My parents did not marry until 1937. Thus, if they were asked and reported correctly, I’ll know where they were in 1935. My mother came from Kansas to Oregon about that time–this will help pin the time down as she was vague in her written story of coming west. My father was from Nebraska, but he was a semi-pro boxer at this time, and was in a newspaper article in the Oregonian (Portland newspaper) in 1934. The article lists his residence as Grand Island NE. Was this still his home in 1935, or did he live in Oregon by then?

]]> Comment on Why I’m Excited About the 1940 Census by JJT http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/11/18/why-im-excited-about-the-1940-census/#comment-317 JJT Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:54:35 +0000 http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/?p=785#comment-317 Ah, terrific - I didn't know about the 1935 residence question. Thanks! Ah, terrific – I didn’t know about the 1935 residence question. Thanks!

]]> Comment on Managing Circles on Google+ by Amy http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/07/31/managing-circles-on-google/#comment-279 Amy Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:32:17 +0000 http://familytrees.wordpress.com/?p=669#comment-279 I'm glad it helped! Have fun with Google+! With the recent changes on Facebook, there has been a great influx of new users. Exciting times ahead, I'm sure! I’m glad it helped! Have fun with Google+! With the recent changes on Facebook, there has been a great influx of new users. Exciting times ahead, I’m sure!

]]> Comment on Managing Circles on Google+ by Judy Webster http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/07/31/managing-circles-on-google/#comment-278 Judy Webster Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:05:07 +0000 http://familytrees.wordpress.com/?p=669#comment-278 Thanks for this. I have just started using Google+, and this helped. Thanks for this. I have just started using Google+, and this helped.

]]> Comment on Preserving Stories on 1000memories by Amy http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/09/23/preserving-stories-on-1000memories/#comment-293 Amy Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:59:24 +0000 http://familytrees.wordpress.com/?p=698#comment-293 A big part of it is their relationship with Internet Archive. They address this on their FAQ page: http://1000memories.com/faq#The%20Basics_4 True, it is impossible to say right now whether they will be successful. However, I have not seen any other site put such an emphasis on long-term preservation. A big part of it is their relationship with Internet Archive. They address this on their FAQ page: http://1000memories.com/faq#The%20Basics_4 True, it is impossible to say right now whether they will be successful. However, I have not seen any other site put such an emphasis on long-term preservation.

]]> Comment on Preserving Stories on 1000memories by Susan Clark http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/09/23/preserving-stories-on-1000memories/#comment-292 Susan Clark Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:34:24 +0000 http://familytrees.wordpress.com/?p=698#comment-292 Interesting post, Amy. I love the concept, but without understanding the underlying funding it's hard to see how they can promise "forever". Even if their investors have deep pockets, this seems unsustainable. I suppose I have a certain website exhaustion at this point. Still, I wish them well. It's a lovely idea. Interesting post, Amy. I love the concept, but without understanding the underlying funding it’s hard to see how they can promise “forever”. Even if their investors have deep pockets, this seems unsustainable. I suppose I have a certain website exhaustion at this point. Still, I wish them well. It’s a lovely idea.

]]> Comment on Preserving Stories on 1000memories by Amy http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/09/23/preserving-stories-on-1000memories/#comment-291 Amy Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:22:14 +0000 http://familytrees.wordpress.com/?p=698#comment-291 I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. BTW, I got an email from them late yesterday that they have made it easier to add children on the family tree. Previously, you had to attach the child to the father and mother separately. Now you can have a couple and add their children -- should be much easier to do! You don't need to do the family tree at all, but I think it adds usefulness not only for the cousins we're sharing with now, but also future generations who will be looking at these photos and stories. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. BTW, I got an email from them late yesterday that they have made it easier to add children on the family tree. Previously, you had to attach the child to the father and mother separately. Now you can have a couple and add their children — should be much easier to do! You don’t need to do the family tree at all, but I think it adds usefulness not only for the cousins we’re sharing with now, but also future generations who will be looking at these photos and stories.

]]> Comment on Preserving Stories on 1000memories by Peggy Clemens Lauritzen http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2011/09/23/preserving-stories-on-1000memories/#comment-290 Peggy Clemens Lauritzen Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:01:30 +0000 http://familytrees.wordpress.com/?p=698#comment-290 This is a great post, Amy! I have toyed with it a few times, but I think I'll make this one of my regulars. This is a great post, Amy! I have toyed with it a few times, but I think I’ll make this one of my regulars.

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