On publishing genealogy -- still a viable option?

The hallmark of the published genealogy is a thick book of names, reported relationships, brief narratives and NO
sources. I have a number of these books on my own shelves at home. Most
are treasured as family heirlooms, written by someone's great
grandmother or aunt, long since passed away and unavailable to make
corrections or even defend their work. In a past post, out of a sense of
self preservation, I have declined to identify any particular book.
Now, don't get me wrong, I have actually seen family history books that
were meticulously sourced and filled with valuable data. I laud any one
who has published such a book and recommend it to anyone who wants to
know about their family. Unfortunately, I do not happen to be related to
any such people.

At the moment, I am looking at a large and impressive book with gold
lettering celebrating the posterity of one of my great-great aunts and
her husband. I find one passing reference to a source, another
descendancy book by another relative which is also missing any source
references. Other than this reference there is not one birth
certificate, census reference or military record in the entire tome.
There is a very nice picture of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who I am
certain I am not related to.

Read more...