iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 11/02/2025

Yearning for a deep dive into Norwegian church records? Join expert genealogist, and President of Scandinavian Family Research, Torhild Shirley, for a virtual workshop on Feb 15, 10am PT. Hosted by the Victoria Genealogical Society for $21CAD (~$15US/Euro). victoriags.org/content.aspx...

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 06/02/2025

I'm excited to offer 'Excel for Family Archivists' on Feb 22 - one of my favourite topics! If you have a hard time keeping track of the photos, documents, and heirlooms you hold for your extended family, this workshop will help you preserve them (and your sanity!). victoriags.org/content.aspx...

Woman using Excel to keep track of her photos

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 11/12/2024

Did Facebook just fall down, go boom?

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 10/12/2024

OpenAI made programming easier today! ChatGPT can now create, edit, and run Python scripts—perfect for quick data cleanup or analysis tasks, without the need to setup a development environment. #FamilyHistoryNerds will love this. Coding just got more accessible for everyone. #AI #CodingForAll

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 10/12/2024

OpenAI just expanded the "Canvas" feature in ChatGPT. It now works with more models *and* integrates with CustomGPTs. It’s a game-changer for anyone using AI for research or writing support! Edit directly in a Canvas window—by prompt or by keyboard. Skip the copy-paste-a-palooza!

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 05/12/2024

Skircle is an engagement diagramming tool I just heard about from @dearmyrtle.bsky.social . Reason number 452 that I love Bluesky is that it is open, so anyone can build a cool tool that benefits the community! Skircle shows the people I have interacted with the most over the past 22 days.

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 04/12/2024

Tremendous news that David Vance recently accepted the position of General Manager for FamilyTreeDNA. He will be a fantastic addition to the already great team of people that bring DNA testing tools to genealogists around the world. blog.familytreedna.com/dave-vance-n...

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 02/12/2024

Learn how to turn your family history facts into compelling stories! Join Prof. Andrea Kaston Tange for "Filling the Silences in Family Stories" - a virtual workshop on crafting family memoirs. Dec 7, 10am PT @ the Victoria Genealogical Society. Details & registration: victoriags.org/content.aspx...

Photo of the workshop presenter, Andrea Kaston Tange

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 17/11/2024

Time to get back to podcast editing! Enough procrastinating!

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 17/11/2024

Yesterday, I woke up to about 17.5 M users. At this rate, will break 19 M today and 20 M tomorrow. Make sure to say a prayer of thanks to the BlueSky infrastructure team. They won't be getting much time with family and friends before the end of the year. #bluesky

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 16/11/2024

Where is your AI Goldilocks zone? List the tasks you frequently do and excel at, then compare them to those tedious, time-draining chores you have to slog through. The sweet spot between them? That's your AI Goldilocks zone - where AI frees you to focus on what you do best.

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 16/11/2024

Off to the gym or take a peek at my DNA match list? Decisions, decisions.

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Mark Thompson @makingfamilyhistory.com · 14/11/2024

@danielloftus.bsky.social , I saw you mention that BlueSky supports block lists on one of @digitalarchivst.bsky.social 's posts. Please, tell me (and us) more!

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