> Most GEDCOM files from RootsWeb are next to worthless as they have > either no sources or the only sources are other gedcoms (which > usually have no sources). > > RootsWeb would do the world a favor if it deleted every Gedcom with > no sources or other gedcoms for sources. What would be left would > at least serve as a somewhat usable cluefinder to actual sourced > information. > > It would also serve to discourage name collectors and focus on > actual genealogical research. > > "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Hugh Sullivan in a later post explains basically why I encouraged the development of WorldConnect at RootsWeb. It's true that there's a lot of complete rubbish in WC, and even the best work tends to be poorly sourced (in part due to inherent limitations in the GEDCOM format). But about the fastest way to make progress on a new line or for a new client is to consult WC. If you find nothing at all, that's interesting in its own right. If you find something, approach every asserted fact (even sourced facts) with skepticism and independently prove or disprove it. If you can't prove or disprove a fact, ask the author of the GEDCOM why they believe the fact to be true. Occasionally you'll find a family bible or other non-public source this way that would have been difficult or impossible to unearth by other means. Cheers, B. -- Dr. Brian Leverich <[email protected]> Moderator, soc.genealogy.methods/GENMTD-L Founder, RootsWeb.com and Linkpendium.com