This lack of participation from traditional practitioners of history does not mean that history cannot be found on the web. On the contrary, the history web has grown by leaps and bounds. Both entrepreneurs and enthusiasts have rushed into the vacuum, creating numerous sights aimed at bringing historical knowledge to the electronic masses. Consequently, it is these sites that people visit when the have queries pertaining to history. This has led to a startling trend. These sites, often maintained by amateur historians, are more visible and becoming better known than the work of scholars who are experts in the field. This is the problem that academic historians must confront. As the digital age continues to unfold, historians must learn how to make their voices heard in this new forum, or risk becoming sidelined by those who have embraced technological advancement.
It is for these reasons that training of future historians must include this digital element. Information is useless if no one is able to access it, and this goes for history as well. Historians must be given a digital tool box and trained in how to properly use its implements. There are some who have already set out to do so, but they are few in number. The future of history depends on more of its practitioners joining in the digital age.
