I have to wholeheartedly agree with Charles Sullivan on this issue. I find advocating an "Internet only" way of doing genealogy, irresponsible. Besides Charles' points, I'd like to mention that the Internet, while a wonderful place, has generated probably more misinformation in the last five years than was perpetrated (in printed form) in the last 100. Many people using various sites are unaware of the inherent problems that exist within them. They copy the material or the data, repost to a list or a website and, in most instances, are unaware that they are reproducing errors. Bad ones. Sources are not cited, duplication and computer calculation errors exist (making someone's daughter older than the father), dates or other numbers inverted, etc. I could go on and on, from what I have personally seen to be the case. In addition, even on the very best sites, if the materials were transcribed, they are subject to errors. Original source materials should always be sought out and checked against ANYTHING found on the Internet. You can use some things as clues and even finding aids, but if you stop there, and you don't try to obtain copies of the original material, you not only shortchange yourself, but you run the risk of not recording accurate information about your family into your family file. Also, it will never replace the feeling of having your hands on a document that your ancestor signed! Nor will it teach you how to read a document for each and ever clue it holds, not matter how small. Those small clues can be the ones that break down your brick wall! Now, I know that the Internet is a powerful tool, and, especially for those who are "homebound," a lifeline to genealogy. But, even people who are geographically challenged or homebound have the "power of the pen" and can follow up by writing for copies of documents via the USPS. So, although it's exciting to surf and search these sites, one should use extreme caution when copying some of the material and never take it as gospel or you may continue your research in the entirely wrong direction! Best regards. Nancy. PS: This goes for CDs as well. NColeman ncroots@worldnet.att.net NYC/Long Island Family History Research Services: http://www.genealogyPro.com/ncoleman.html County Coordinator for the Nassau GenExchange: http://www.genexchange.com/ny/nassau/index.cfm Irish Family History Forum www.ifhf.org -----Original Message----- From: Peter Fear <fearp@VAX.CS.HSCSYR.EDU> To: GEN-NYS-L@rootsweb.com <GEN-NYS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Friday, November 12, 1999 9:59 AM Subject: CNET: Internet: Trace Your Roots Online CNET Digital Dispatch has an article concerning tracing your roots on the Internet. 3. Internet: Trace Your Roots Online No more lingering in dusty corridors in rural municipal offices or taking trips to government libraries. The Net has now made it easy to forage for genealogical information from the comfort of your ergonomic desk chair, whether you want to confirm that your mother's family came from Ireland or you want to know if you're really part Cherokee. But first, you need to know how to get started and where to look. We'll tell you: http://1.digital.cnet.com/cgi-bin1/flo?x=dEYKKmEuuwguhKug Peter Fear Radiation Safety Office SUNY Upstate Medical University 750 E. Adams St. Syracuse, NY 13210 fearp@vax.cs.hscsyr.edu (315)464-6510 ==== GEN-NYS Mailing List ==== Have you forgotten how to UNSUBSCRIBE? Visit the GEN-NYS-L Frequently Asked Questions (And Answers!) web page: http://www.rootsweb.com/~nozell/GEN-NYS-L/FAQ/GEN-NYS-L.txt