Thanks to all my readers and Family Tree Magazine for Top 40

Every year the Family Tree Magazine picks the top 40 Blogs in eight different categories. I am honored to be included in this year's lineup. This year's selections were made by readers voting and with an expert panel weighing in on the judging. It is truly amazing to be associated with such outstanding talent and dedication. As I would say in Spanish, "un million de gracias" or a million thanks.

If your favorite Blog didn't get mentioned in this year's selections, then make sure you vote next year.

Why do you think that there has to be a Top 40 Genealogy Blogs (or a Top 40 anything for that matter)? I know some excellent Bloggers who can write professionally and have great content, but they are never mentioned as candidates for Blogger of Honor, Official Blogger or Top 40, so what goes? There seems to be a universal human need to have someone be the best of something. In fairs, races, dance contests, game shows, every where we interact as humans we need to have someone recognized. Genealogy isn't a competition, but at the very least we need a way to gauge how we are doing and some kind of goal.

So how does a Blog get into the Top 40? I would think the first and most important thing is consistency. People may not read everything you write but if you write enough of it, somebody will like it. Second, is writing style. You need to know who your audience is and talk to them. Third is passion. If you aren't passionate, it is very hard to keep writing about anything day after day. Fourth and last for a while, persistence. You have to keep on, keep on writing even when you don't feel like it, even when you are sick of it and even when you can't think of anything to write about. Some of the posts I for which I got the most response were written while I was tired or sick or both.

Thanks again for all the votes and to Family Tree Magazine.