At the time of writing I am awaiting a response from a lady who mailed me this morning from Australia that she has a cousin relationship with my Gt + 3 [paternal] Grandfather and Mother. She had seen a message I left on a Rootsweb group that I was searching names. Its the way I've been doing things. I've been excited about it all day and look forward to hearing from her again with the information she told me she was prepared to share. On the other hand, I have to share with you that a short while ago also someone mailed me to say they would be interested in receiving my data if I was a direct descendant; the interest was in the ROWAT family. As sharing as I am by nature, I sent it, by return, and never got an acknowledgement. I felt this was impolite at the very least. I learned through Genes Reunited that there are now some people putting together bogus family trees. I am sure this is not widespread but I think its worth remembering when our researches take time and money that we should not allow them to fall into the wrong hands. I think its worth waiting and asking for further information as to family ties, when someone offers to share information with you. Any comments welcome, but be assured that I make this post with all those genuine researchers in mind who spend tireless hours and money in their research. I think we need to close ranks and be careful in being like lemmings willing to share our information with just anyone. Janet

Thanks Janet, a timely warning. We've all been caught at various times as most of us are generous by nature. (Yes, it is in the Scottish genes!!) I go cautiously now until I'm sure it's going to be a "sharing" experience, then they can get my all. Fortunately I have found some lovely genealogical cousins. Jean At the time of writing I am awaiting a response from a lady who mailed me this morning from Australia that she has a cousin relationship with my Gt + 3 [paternal] Grandfather and Mother. She had seen a message I left on a Rootsweb group that I was searching names. Its the way I've been doing things. I've been excited about it all day and look forward to hearing from her again with the information she told me she was prepared to share. On the other hand, I have to share with you that a short while ago also someone mailed me to say they would be interested in receiving my data if I was a direct descendant; the interest was in the ROWAT family. As sharing as I am by nature, I sent it, by return, and never got an acknowledgement. I felt this was impolite at the very least. I learned through Genes Reunited that there are now some people putting together bogus family trees. I am sure this is not widespread but I think its worth remembering when our researches take time and money that we should not allow them to fall into the wrong hands. I think its worth waiting and asking for further information as to family ties, when someone offers to share information with you. Any comments welcome, but be assured that I make this post with all those genuine researchers in mind who spend tireless hours and money in their research. I think we need to close ranks and be careful in being like lemmings willing to share our information with just anyone. Janet ============================== Search Family and Local Histories for stories about your family and the areas they lived. Over 85 million names added in the last 12 months. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13966/rd.ashx