Good evening to all, We have had so many new comers join the list, that I wanted to take the time to welcome them to our list. Because I have been asked by the new comers to genealogy and the net, I felt it necessary to point out some very important things as we were all novice in the beginning and I do know that some of the new members are newbies to research. Below are a few things I personally feel as a genealogists / researcher are very important and will make your research easier and most of all, accurate..... If any others on the list have any suggestions, please do feel free to let us know. 1. Only take the information you locate on the Internet or anywhere and use as a tool to help you with your research. There is a lot of in accurate information listed on the Internet. 2. Always try to document your lineage to the best of your ability. The more documentation you have the more accurate your heritage will be. 3. Keep track of all your sources and note them in your research / genealogy program. List the census page, year, state and town. Do the same thing with books, film or fiche. 4. Make copies of all census data, book data including title, author and page including the information. 5. Keep an open mind as to the spelling of our shared surname and the geographical area they came from. Remember that many ancestors added and or dropped letters from our name when they emigrated. And geographical area's changed through the years. 6. Always start with what you know and work backwards to your ancestors. Ask your relatives and loved ones all about your family and gather their stories. Once our loved ones are gone, it is to late. Record what you DO know.... 6. Research what you want to know and keep a log of what you have done. Keep family group sheets on each family and track you heritage on a lineage chart. That will let you know if your missing a date, spouse or geographical area with your ancestor(s). 7. Look around your home for old family letters, bibles and photos. Search them for names, dates and places. Look for deeds, marriage records, death records etc.... 8. Search military records. They are sometimes loaded with information. 9. Libraries and cemeteries are other good places to search for ancestors. Check for books in your local libraries that mention their names. Check to see if they have a Newspaper Collection of old issues of the town's paper. 10. As you have conducted your research you may have discovered some "family treasures"? You might consider placing them in a file drawer, cabinet, or other secure location to share with other family members similarly to your publications. 11 Check and double check your data. If you publish your data, make certain it is accurate and well documented. This will prevent bad / inaccurate information being published, rather it be in a book form or on the internet. Contact your local hobby store and inquire into learn where to obtain archival papers, binders and enclosures that will protect these documents for later generations. 12. Always keep an open mind with your research. Always thank anyone whom helps you. Always offer to help them in any way you can and don't forget to offer them something for their time and services. Most of us will do it because we love to help others. 13. Remember RootsWeb has many area's and forums which cover just about everything you will need to further your research. You can find any list you would be interested in by visiting RootsWeb at http://www.rootsweb.com/ I hope the above helps all newbies to genealogy and research. I am certain there are things I have failed to mention, however there are many experienced researchers on our list. Best wishes to all, Addie List Admin Just Remember: VOLUNTEERS are not paid. Not because they are worthless But because they are priceless