Free Software? Count Me In

It looks like Ancestry.com is letting customers know how to get a free copy of the updated 2009 Family Tree Maker genealogy software program. If you've bought a copy of the 2008 edition of the bestselling family history program and registered it, Ancestry.com will send you a unique link and coupon code by email that you use when you check out of the Ancestry.com store.

One point though: The free CD will be mailed to you - it's not a download. But hey, if you're one of the Family History fanatics, this is great news. You can get free updated software and send your old 2008 version to your friendly gen blogger who told you about it in the first place. Just kidding.

Why I Got Into This Crazy Genealogy Hobby

I've been tracing my family history for over 30 years now and I've seen it all. I began before the internet which has revolutionized the hobby and turned it into a business. I remember doing an outline for the genealogy book I wanted to write when I was just 14 years old (I knew I wouldn't take that step at that time, but the desire was there).

Now I'm blogging about genealogy and creating cool (in my own humble opinion) webpages for the world and distant relatives to enjoy. Thirty years later I'm still in love with the quest and I'm consumed with pushing back my lines even further. I don't think I'll ever become jaded with this pasttime and look forward to whatever the next changes occur. I was once the young kid peering at microfilm at the local library getting some help from older genealogists. Now I'm the older guy lending a hand to newbies in the field. I hope I can help.

Now, if I can just dig up that old outline, maybe I'll get that book published!