Several new websites have been launched recently that hoped to replace the popular RAOGK (Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness) site that went off line last year, following the death of its founder, Bridgett Schneider. So far, none of these new sites have managed to attract a large crowd of enthusiastic volunteers. Still another site has recently been launched and this one possibly could become the replacement for RAOGK.
The new group is led by Mark Rabideau who did the organizing and programming. GenerousGenealogists.com is brand-new and only has a handful of volunteers so far. However, the new site is inviting others to look at the site and, if interested, to join in. As you would expect, GenerousGenealogists.com provides services completely free of charge. Voluntary donations are appreciated, however. Donations may be made by PayPal.
I took a look at GenerousGenealogists.com and am impressed. To be sure, it is almost a "skeleton" at this moment as it is brand new. I didn't expect to find many volunteers listed and I was right. However, the site is well designed and looks like it could succeed. The site has discussion forums with separate sections for many different countries. Most of the sections are empty at this time. The web site also has a section for "Free Genealogy Coaching" that provides "how to" information about a number of topics.
I suspect there are a few bugs or "rough spots" in the GenerousGenealogists.com web site. After all, it is brand new. You cannot reasonably expect it to be perfectly smooth and polished just yet. However, any such rough spots undoubtedly will get smoothed out as experience is gained.
For both accuracy and privacy reasons, the original RAOGK’s volunteer database was not used. Even if you were listed on the old site, you will need to sign up on the new site as a volunteer.
I'd suggest you check out the new GenerousGenealogists.com and, if interested, add your name to those who have volunteered to help fellow genealogists. You can find the site at http://www.generousgenealogists.com.
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