P is for Profile Page

When did you last update your one-name study profile page? Does it still contain the same information that you provided when you registered the study?  Or even more dismaying, did you completely overlook creating one in the first place? April is the month of spring and renewal: a perfect time to refresh (or create) your profile to match the progress of your study. Despite many of us having websites that serve as the focal point to the study, there are many reasons why an informative profile page is advantageous: in doing a google search on my own study using the very broad search of “Messervey surname”, the Guild profile page was fourth in returned hits.  As well, anyone searching the surname on the Guild website will go directly to the profile page. I also find it a way to assess progress: checking the profile page once or twice a year helps to keep focused.  If you do have a website, the profile page gives the reader the URL; Facebook groups and contact information for a DNA study is also listed here.

Have I convinced you?  Why not try a few surnames in the search box on the home page to get an idea of what other members are doing. You will find some with lots of work to do; others have enough information for readers to know the goals of the study, what stage it is, whether there is a DNA project attached, and more.  Some members have extensive profile pages that leave no stone unturned!

The next step is to find your profile page and do the updates. I don’t need to give you all the information here because the very helpful website team has provided an excellent tool entitled “Managing your One-Name Study profile page”.  This is all you need to complete and update your profile: once logged in, you can find this information under the Studies tab on the home page.  See the screen shot below.  Just click on Profile Page Help and get started.