I’ve been conducting research on Chicago’s roller skating history for 10 years now and this project is not easy. While it was a great idea when I thought of it, I was unaware of the amount of work required to gather information on this topic.
Allow me to share a few of my challenges. First, until three years ago, there were no books written specifically about roller rinks or roller skating in Chicago. Secondly, I had to go to the library to research some information. Yes, you read correctly. I had to go inside the building to use microfilm and microfiche (I sound so dated here). Third, I have read over 2,000 articles from one local newspaper to find information. That’s just one source. Fourth, I’m talking to as many people as possible to gather stories and memories.
Be Careful Whom You Ask For Information
A few years ago, someone told me to contact a TV personality with his own local show to find out if he knew anything about roller skating in Chicago. I left an email message on his site and never received a response.
However, a little while later a different person told me that they saw a roller skating segment at The Rink Fitness Factory on 87th and Greenwood in Chicago on a show. Lo and behold, it was the personality.
Here’s one of the dangers – and blessings – of asking people questions: you give people ideas. That’s not totally a bad thing because you may be the answer to someone’s questions. But it’s not cool when your ideas are stolen or you don’t get credit or acknowledged for them.
I’m not saying that roller skating was not on his list of topics to discuss. However, I’m certain that my inquiry helped him with his show. But I never received a response from my inquiry on his site and I didn’t get credit for it.
At this point, there are many people I want to contact for information and assistance, but because I fear that they would use my idea and take credit for it, I’ll just wait.
Blessings from Asking From Information
- You will get an answer when you ask questions. It may not be the answer you’re seeking, but you will get an answer.
- You will be inspired to move forward on your project.
- You will experience some some of emotion – anger, disbelief or disappointment. That’s good. Write down your emotions so you can get an understanding of why you feel the way you do.
- You will gain a lesson that you’d never forget.
Lessons from Asking For Information
- Be careful whom you ask for information and help. As I’ve shared, one inquiry can turn into someone else’s project or they could get credit for your ideas or work.
- Limit the amount of information you share. I know I told him I was conducting research on Chicago’s roller skating history and asked if he had names of the first rinks in the city. At that time, I had quite a bit of information, but I wanted to know if he had any information that would enhance my research.
- Copyright and trademark your work. These fees are just a small investment to protest your intellectual property.
- Don’t share anything you don’t want people to use – or steal – verbally or in writing.
- Appreciate and thank the people who look out for you. I am so grateful for the people who contact me with stories, resources, suggestions and ideas.
How about you?
Have you ever asked a someone for help and they took your idea? What did you do? Share your experience in the comment box below.
Image credit: Geralt on Pixabay