Genealogy Pointers

When you are working in the Genealogy field you have communication with all kinds of people, from all races of life in this world. Some people are Professional Genealogist and others are just doing genealogy for a hobby.

So what is the right way to communicate? What are the dangers to look out for when someone approaches you for your family information and what about those web sites that invite you to submit your information? The answer is, proper etiquette. There are rules to be followed and pros and cons that you need to be aware of.

Here are some basic guidelines to help you when these situations arise.

The most important thing that everyone who does research, know matter what the field of interest is, always be aware that not every person in the world cares who you are or how you got your information. They just want it and will run.

If someone approaches you for your information there are certain thing you should find out before you every hand over yours.

Ask how this person found you; did someone you know give out your name, address? You are looking for honesty. The contact should be able to tell you right away how they found out about you.

Find out if you give out your information, what does the contact have for you in return and when should you expect it? When, is the key word; you could be waiting forever and never receive anything. The general rule is to never give out anything until you have received.

You should ask for examples of what the contact already has. The contact will have to have some information on your family or they wouldn’t be contacting you. This way you will know automatically if this person is on the up-and-up.

If you feel content with this person and they are connected with your family somehow, you are in the position to be generous if you want, but there are string attached. Don’t give out your information until you know exactly what will happen to your material.

This is where you will just have to trust you instincts. You can copy right your material except the information like, documents, birth, death, and marriage certificates. These are in the public domain. Keep a record of the conversation, date and time.

So now you are seeking information from an individual. The first thing you should do is to be ready for the initial conversation. Have your family information ready with copies made and ready to send. This will show that you are honest in your approach and that will go a long way in gaining the confidence of your contact.

You also need to discuss who you are and how you found this person. Make sure you go through everything that you have researched, that includes sites on the Internet, so the contact person will realize you are working hard to gain more information.

Remember, you are digging into lives of people that may be sensitive in certain areas, so you need to tread lightly. You will be communicating with a lot of elderly individuals so don’t be demanding or pestering phone calls. This age bracket of individuals expects courtesy, consideration and patience. The name of the game is give and you shall receive. You will also receive new friends.

Never charge for your information in order to receive a reward. Your information like everyone else’s is not set in stone. When you trade information with other people your research is a conglomerate of sources.

Don’t expect other people to do thing for you without some generous or decent gift like any new information you come across. Keep the communication flowing between yourself and your contacts. This is a common courtesy in return for favors given to you.

Now we move on to those web sites out there that invite historians to submit their information.

If you find a web site that someone has entered information on your family, you have the option of contacting the Webmaster to submit the information you have collected. If you chose to do this, there is something’s to be aware of.

Most website owners are happy that you have something new to be added but don’t assume your information is wanted. You will run across sites that the Webmaster doesn’t’ want any more information. They either don’t have the time or they are finished with the site.

You have to be very clear with what information you would like to give. Don’t demand that your information has to be put on the site; Website owners don’t like to be dictated to. Don’t expect your information to be entered exactly the way you want it and don’t be surprised if you find your information scattered all over the Internet without any attribute to your generosity. This is just the way thing are.

You will probably have one or more bad experiences with someone out there but not all people are out to get your information. If you follow the rules of proper etiquette, be courteous, have patience, and consideration for others, this will go along way. Ask questions, be generous with your information and they will offer theirs. Keeping in contact with your contacts will gain you a world of friendship.