Proper Etiquette Makes for Happy Genealogists

Comment

Comment by Jeanie DiLeonardo on July 27, 2009 at 9:10pm

I recently read the following statistics - and, yeah, I know the old saying about statistics ;) - from US World & News Report:
89% of people say rudeness is a serious problem
78% of people say the problem has gotten worse in the last 10 years
99% of people say they aren't rude

That last one really makes you scratch your head, dunnit?

OK, so my point: excellent post, Jennifer. We all need to remember that we don't want to add to the rudeness problem, and think before we click "add comment" or "post" or whatever. If you can't imagine your comment hurting feelings, ask yourself if you'd say it to your boss that way - or whomever else you'd never, ever risk offending. Why? Because, for starters, your point will be lost if you hurt feelings along the way. Then what will you have accomplished?

Comment by Deb Irwin on July 21, 2009 at 2:03pm

Citing sources is not exclusive to the institutionally educated researcher. Those who have learned the principles of genealogy through time and experience also know that source citing is a necessary facet of any report. The sources if examined by another can only assist in future research. There are those that collect documents without citing the source for their own family tree and this should not be mocked or belittled (no one should be mocked or belittled) when they're not claiming expertise in the field. Having said this, they need to understand that documents alone will do little for future generations should they want to continue the search and that they will more than likely be considered suspect should they submit the research outside of the family home. In any case, pointing out what can be done to make the research appropriate for publication in a constructive manner may help someone who has obviously found a love for genealogy to take it to a new level. Telling that same person that they have no business in the field and to publicly chastise them might turn a possibly talented researcher against the profession and against the professionals that could have led them.

Comment by Ted Lomatski on July 21, 2009 at 6:52am

Just a quick note on sources. Some time it is not easy to get accurate information from relatives for whatever reason. It took me many years to track down my family village, what year they emigrated to Canada (and the US), etc. because the family "rounded" the year of emigration to 1900 instead of 1901, said they received a homestead when they actually bought their land (I have go give them this one because the land was not broken and they just paid the same as the homestead fee), said they came from a city, when they actually came from a rural village (they said because nobody knows the little village or would be able to find it) and all this information was put into a community history - my jumping off point for the family tree!

All this to say, my personal goal is to branch out my tree, and though all the information is not necessarily accurate, it is a goal for which I strive. I would not have half my documentation if it was not for relatives sending in copies of their BMDs to prove that I was wrong!

Comment by Georgie Trammell on July 21, 2009 at 12:15am

Interest commentary. Having been trained in the 1960's by what became the Board for Certified Genealogists, and having received much information back then about the genealogical forgeries of the late 19 and early 20 centruies, I am one who believes that proof of information is vital and extermely important to the accuracy of any research. I have seen people accept the errors that are on Ancestry.com about my Grandmother and Great-Grandfather and pass that incorrect information on. But, when I have attempt to indicate corrections I have also been told I am wrong and don't know what I am talking about. These same people when asked for a source, either provide nothing or quote the incorrect information on line. I hope the people would be polite, but I never expect them to be. I have also learned that some people seem to have never been taught courtesy. So to all I hope you are comfortable with your methods of research and the area of research that interests you, but for people like me I also hope that people start providing the source of their information. I do not really believe that as you said that conflict is a necessary part of growth - disagreement perhapes, but not conflict.

Comment by Deb Irwin on July 20, 2009 at 9:23pm

Jennifer, wonderful commentary! Things we learn as children, although forgotten along the way by some are truly the way we should conduct our dealings with others. Simple courtesy goes such a long way and hurtful things said in the heat of the moment do nothing, but prolong anger and negative feelings. An attempt to prove intelligence cannot be proven by insulting another - quite the contrary. Civility works wonders in all areas of life.

Comment by Dodie Ford on July 20, 2009 at 8:17pm

I wish the point of this discussion would somehow reach all those who have to be first, best and have the last word in everything and those who delight in putting others down. What an unChristian attitude. Whatever happened to "united in brotherhood" and "love your neighbor"? And, how improper to display that attitude here where everyone sees it.

As you say, we are here because we have a common interest and this is a place to "share" that interest. Personally, I didn't come here to beat up on someone else or try to prove I am best and know everything. I came to share and learn.

We can try a little consideration for the other person and how he feels and refrain from improper behavior and let's try come compassion on those who are inclined to be so overbearing and "pushy".

Thanks for bringing this up. Maybe we can start something: being good to each other and caring about those who share this space.

Comment by Kevin Mayfield on July 20, 2009 at 6:36pm

Yes, good post. There does seem to be some out there that look down on others who are not quite as OCD or experienced about genealogy as them. I am one of the OCD one's who documents everything, etc. but i think it helps all of us the more people who get involved no matter at what level their experience. Im just here to learn from others and hopefully maybe be able to help someone else.

Comment by Margaret Shuey on July 20, 2009 at 5:44pm

Excellent points, Jennifer! I always enjoy reading your posts.