Colleen, Your comments are really good. In my case the researcher sent me an email indicating what he had learned and it contained his bill and address. I mailed the check. He mailed me the hard copies. The email with the information made me comfortable about paying him for the research even though I did not have it in hand. Our letters clearly passed each other in the mail. After the first smooth transaction I think the researcher and I were totally comfortable with the trustworthiness of each other. I am beginning to think I am fortunate to have located this researcher. I have heard a lot of sad tales out there. Best, Elaine Colleen (by way of Genealogy Records Service ) wrote: > Friends, > > As this email points out, there really are two sides to this question of > paying in advance. The person who does the research wants to make sure > that he/she does not get stuck having done the research but then not > getting paid. However an equally legitimate concern is that of the person > who commissioned the research and who does not want to pay for work that > he/she never receives, or is of such poor quality <snip>
I have followed this thread with interest. It is difficult to set firm rules but a few guidelines may help. Remember, sometimes persons are earning their living by doing this researchg, others do it as a part-time job, and others do it as a hobby. First - the hobbyist There are certainly costs that can be significant. I am publishing 40 books of over 100 pages for a family reunion. Fortunately, I can afford to do this. Others can't and, if asked to do it, should collect the costs up front. When exchanging information with family it may help to send what are YOUR guidelines. If you want/need payment ask for it up front. In general, don't send a book of information initially until you have an idea how cooperative the other person is. And communication by telephone (or face to face) often (not always) works better than letters or E-mail. Second - the professional (and semiprofessional) Professionals should have a one page document that explains what they do, what their area(s) of expertise is, and what the costs are. When an agreement is reached, there should be a contract that itemizes the agreement. Where the research can be open-ended, a minimum fee and a maximum fee should be stipulated. Looking for a Joe Miller may require a lot more negative results from lookup than checking out Charles Heisterkamp or Franz Oberste. When the research is completed, the requestor should receive an accounting of hours spent (assuming there was an hourly cost), a listing of the sources researched, and an itemized list of both positive and negative findings. The person asking for research to be done should supply the researcher with as much pertinent information as possible, including previous negative research to prevent duplication (unless that is specifically desired). The requestor should list on a sheet of paper what he/she expects to be researched and what he/she hopes to learn. Depending upon how extensive the proposed project is, and what the agreed upon cost is, it is reasonable to pay some monies during the project and before completion. This should be a part of the contract. And, it is reasonable to ask for a "bid" from 3 researchers. Finally, the use of credit card payments helps both parties. And ask for references of three or four persons who have used the researcher's service. Contact them and ask what was done, the cost, and are they happy. As I said previously, there a lot of variations on this theme because there are so many combinations of researcher and requestor. Putting it down on paper, in advance, will help. Hope these thoughts help. Charles Charles Heisterkamp, III ckamp3@redrose.net
Hello, I found when I had asked some family members to help me in the family research. they had every type of excuse. I found out later they were intimated by the library. Even though they sent their kids to the library they were ashamed to admit they did not know how to use the library. And as adults did not want any one to know. So this summer I am taking some time out to go to Missouri and get some adult family members aquainted with the library and all the wonderful things they can find. Claudia
Thank you!!! I'm headed that way today for the show up there! I'll call and see if they have any rooms available! :) Thank you! At 09:24 AM 6/12/98 , Mary Shall wrote: >This is for Tracey Converse from Genealogy Records Servicewho was looking >for a hotel in Wichita. > >-----Original Message----- >From: Melvin H Snyder [<mailto:102451.137@compuserve.com%5D>mailto:102451.137@compuserve.com] >Sent: Thursday, June 11, 1998 11:32 PM >To: Mary Shall >Subject: Wichita Motel Suggestion > > >Hi, hope you like Wichita! Do not know where your meetings are, but I have >heard good reports on the Wichita Suites Hotel, 5211 E. Kellogg, >316-685-2233. > Kay Snyder > >Mary, I could not get the address right. I tried info@genrecords.com. >Under Tracey's address was (<http://www.genrecords.com/>http://www.genrecords.com/ but as we are not on >The Web--- > > >==== GenTips Mailing List ==== >Are you having trouble unsubscribing to the list? You can subscribe and unsubscribe to the lists we own from our web page at: ><http://www.genrecords.com/>http://www.genrecords.com > Tracey Converse Genealogy Records Service The Internet's One Stop Shop for Quality Genealogy Products <http://www.genrecords.com/>http://www.genrecords.com Stop by and download our FREE genealogy forms online!!! **************************************************************************** **** Listowner of GenTips, GenChat, GenSwap, ISBELL, BROOME, COBB, CONVERSE, DAWSON, ISBELL, MAYFIELD, McCLAIN, NESBIT, RABURN, RYE **************************************************************************** ****
Hello Tipsters, Try checking the NARA (National Archives) website at: http://www.nara.gov/ There is even a link labeled "Genealogy" which may be of great help to those who need the info. The above site is their main webpage. There are many links available from there. Good luck to all. Sally Huntley
This is for Tracey Converse from Genealogy Records Servicewho was looking for a hotel in Wichita. -----Original Message----- From: Melvin H Snyder [mailto:102451.137@compuserve.com] Sent: Thursday, June 11, 1998 11:32 PM To: Mary Shall Subject: Wichita Motel Suggestion Hi, hope you like Wichita! Do not know where your meetings are, but I have heard good reports on the Wichita Suites Hotel, 5211 E. Kellogg, 316-685-2233. Kay Snyder Mary, I could not get the address right. I tried info@genrecords.com. Under Tracey's address was (http://www.genrecords.com/ but as we are not on The Web---
I have been trying to obtain information on my grandfather. I have a document that states he was born in Bigo, Texas on 25 Aug 1900. I cannot locate such a place during any timeframe. A friend suggested that maybe it was the name of a ranch - Big O (like Double D or whatever). Anyway - does anyone have any ideas how I might find such a ranch in all of Texas in 1900? A daunting task I know. I do not even know which county to look! Thanks for all suggestions! Deborah Donegan info@buyersmarketplace.com
I am trying to locate information on my grandfather who was in the military from 1917 to 1920 and then registered in 1942 with the selective service registration. Does anyone know how I can get these records? Deborah Donegan info@buyersmarketplace.com
Chuck and Deborah- RE: Does anyone know the history or founder of Counselor, NM ? It is located on Hwy 44 about 60 miles NNW of Albuquerque. Searching for Conselars and variant names. Chuck Counceller and I have been trying to obtain information on my grandfather. I have a document that states he was born in Bigo, Texas on 25 Aug 1900. I cannot locate such a place during any timeframe. A friend suggested that maybe it was the name of a ranch - Big O (like Double D or whatever). Anyway - does anyone have any ideas how I might find such a ranch in all of Texas in 1900? A daunting task I know. I do not even know which county to look! Thanks for all suggestions! Deborah Donegan -- When I needed to find information on Phoenix ND I contacted the ND Historical Society. They were most helpful in providing information on this town which no longer exists. So perhaps NM's and TX's Historical Societies could help you. Mary Pat Marshall Searching Marschall, Wilkinson, Rives, Schnitzius
Hello Everyone, I have very inexpensive prices, as the library where I research is near my home. I research at the fourth largest genealogical library in the US. I have access to all federal census records and many other records that may interest you. Please email me if you would you like further information and a time estimate for your research. Sincerely, Jeannette Prouse
Elaine, excellent response. I agree, and differences is what makes the world go round, right? A truly happy diverse society appreciates rather than depreciates differences. Suz
Ooops, I should say that these are people who have specifically requested hard copies. I have everything online and available through a GedCom - no charge. Also, there are 'cousins' who I exchange the info. no charge, as they are working with me in documenting the family. I'm talking about people who have, say, John Doe b. 1880 and I can take that person back to 1400. I never hear from them again after they receive the data. I guess I wont be mailing hard copies anymore..... Kim
Let's discuss the nonprofessional who is sending information to 'cousins.' I have several large families who I've extensively documented. The cost for copies and postage of the material averages $20.00. It's indexed and placed in a soft notebook, with a copy of a GedCom on disk (for which I don't charge). I don't charge for the cost of the notebook, simply the cost of copies and postage. I tell them the cost ahead of time. Some pay for it and some don't. The last twice, I haven't been reimbursed, which means I'm out $40.00. I have three teens and am going through graduation, college costs right now. I can't afford this. I always pay for the things I receive! To make matters worse, the info. they promised me hasn't been sent. I'm at the point where I don't want to send anything anymore, which would be ashame since I have so much to share. How have you all handled this situation? Kim
Hi Lea Ann, Yes, I too have used Matt Ellsworth and he is fantastic! You know up front that his fee is $20.00 payable if he finds what he is looking for. As you said, he e-mails you in a few days and lets you know what he has found and when he receives your check sends the copies out right away. He found a 2 month old infant in a census for me as all I knew was her name and date and place of birth. You can imagine how ecstatic I was! I have recommended him highly every chance I get. June
Hi, There is another guy that does census lookups and he is very fast. He charges $20.00 for the first one. I have used him twice and got the records within 2 weeks. I also recieved an e-mail with the info within 2-3 days checking to see if it was the right person. His name is Matt Ellsworth and his web site is at: <http://www.censusgiver.com/>http://www.censusgiver.com <a href="<http://www.censusgiver.com/>http://www.censusgiver.com">The Census Giver</a> Oh, and by the way, you pay when you recieve the info! LeaAnn Kromeo@aol.com wrote: > Hi, > I don't know if I got 'taken' or not. On May 22, I snail mailed a census > lookup request with $28 to Barry Collett and email'd the same request. > <http://members.aol.com/censuscopy/census.html>http://members.aol.com/census copy/census.html > On the snail mail, I asked him to email me when received. Nothing yet! > Since his email address is on AOL, I can check the 'status'. To date, he has > not read this email. On the web page, he says census are mailed within 7 > business days. My check has cleared my bank, last week. > Does anyone know anything about this guy? > Karen > > ==== GenTips Mailing List ==== > Support online research! Donate to the RootsWeb Genealogical Project! See more information at: > <http://www.rootsweb.com/>http://www.rootsweb.com
I have an opportunity to go on a bus trip to the National Archives this month. It will be my first visit. I would like to be well organized to take the best advantage of my time. Can someone answer any of the following questions, and/or perhaps give me ideas for the research day? 1. What can I carry in? Pen or pencil? Bag, notebook, briefcase? Lunch? 2. Can I request, view and copy a packet on my Rev. War ancestor(s) on the day of my visit to the library, even without a pension #? 3. Are land records available? Wills? Probate? 4. Other than census records, what are the other best use materials that may be helpful for my research? All of my ancestors were in America before the Rev. The main state for research is VA, with PA and NY secondary. Thanks in advance for suggestions. Brenda dbericsson@aol.com
Friends, As this email points out, there really are two sides to this question of paying in advance. The person who does the research wants to make sure that he/she does not get stuck having done the research but then not getting paid. However an equally legitimate concern is that of the person who commissioned the research and who does not want to pay for work that he/she never receives, or is of such poor quality (i.e., providing back no more information than the person who commissioned the work sent the researcher in the first place; or sending back information that anybody who knows anything at all about genealogical research knows is incorrect). As a person who will being hiring professional researchers in the future, I would not expect the individual I contract to do the work to do it all and send it to me before I sent them a dime's worth of payment. However, I also will not hire any professional who demands all payment up front - before I have had a chance to look it over and verify that I have received what we agreed beforehand the researcher would provide for the fee that was negotiated. A fair compromise for both parties seems to me as follows: (1) a WRITTEN contract agreed to in advance specifying what will be obtained and at what cost; (2) 1/3 of the amount paid to the research to begin the work; (3) 1/6 of the payment when the research is done, preliminary sketch of the results is provided over the net (enough to reassure the person paying for the research that something worthwhile is coming only) and is ready to be mailed; (4) 1/2 sent within 10 days of receipt of the results, provided there is not a specific problem with the research results. All of this specified in writing, in the original contract, before the resarch is commissioned. If there IS a specific and legitimate problem with the research, then that would have to be ironed out before the last payment was made. This way, the researcher is never stiffed for the entire cost of the research (the most they can be stuck for is 50%), and the person paying for the research is never stiffed for the entire cost of the research (the most they can be stuck for is 50%). Honest, sincere professional researchers should not feel threatened by this arrangement, nor should honest, sincere family historians seeking a professional to do research for them. These are my thoughts, Colleen At 12:23 PM 6/11/98 EDT, you wrote: >For what it's worth, there are two sides to the story. I have a friend who >does census & other lookups for people for a modest fee. He got stiffed close >to $80 by a person that requested the lookups, then refused to pay him. Now, >especially if it is a sizeable order, he insists on payment in advance. So, >use one's own discretion. I've got copies myself waiting to go to people, >soon as I get their check in the mail. (Even then, who knows, the check might >bounce.) > >Karen > > >==== GenTips Mailing List ==== >If you need to unsubscribe to GenTips email the command: >unsubscribe >To: >GenTips-L-REQUEST@rootsweb.com >DON'T send it to GenTips-L that won't work! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Other things to be considered: 1. Are you asking for lookups? If so, are you asking for specific heads of families or is the person to find your ancestor as a child? 2. If he spends six hours looking at Millers in PA (just an example) and doesn't find anybody for you--does he deserve to get paid? That's a lot of time he spent, that you won't have to...assuming he told you which reels he looked at...so that it won't be duplicated by someone else looking for the same person. 3. If you're asking for research, we all know that one can spend hours looking through records and not always find what (or anything) we want. Now the person might be a certified professional and know better where to look for a particular solution to a problem, but some folks are going to be disappointed if they don't have solid names & generations. Some professional researchers are going to charge by the hour for doing the research whether they find anything or not. Other professionals will spend extra time beyond what they've been contracted for to try to find something tangible to send. Does this mean the first one is dishonest? 4. (Many professional research companies insist on a several hundred dollar retainer before they even begin.) One way to avoid being taken is to request small amounts at a time--except sometimes it takes a lot of looking to solve a problem--and eliminate ten of the eleven "John Miller's". If you're paying for lookups, and not research, you may have to pay for copies of the records on all eleven John Millers so that you can make your own value judgment. Perhaps the best thing to do is to discuss what both individuals want: just copies of existing records, or copies of the proof of someone's ancestry. Does the researcher absorb parking & copying fees, or is that going to be extra? If he looks something up in an index, is he supposed to get just the family that has a son John, 9 years old; or do you want copies of all the families by that surname. If what you want is going to be more than a few dollars, it isn't unreasonable to be expected to send a retainer. He's going to have expenses involved in putting your things together. But negotiating ahead of time, so that both know what is expected, and when, is a must. Both should keep in touch if it is a long term project. Genealogy is a fun project, but it's not inexpensive, whether one does all the work, or contracts it out. Now, if we could only convince the few to STOP TEARING THE PAGES OUT OF THE BOOKS (or taking the very books themselves). Some of them have my ancestors on them too. Karen
Probably primary interest at the NA would be census and military records. They will have some homestead records, but land records after the fed. gov has ceded it to an individual will be in the county offices. Federal court records, Native American records, dealings with other nations, letters to & from diplomats, passport info, all of these are things to look for. One thing to remember is that each regional center is assigned responsibility for certain things even though they all have certain things in common (census records, military indices), in particular, records about their region as well as certain other government records. If your local library or family history center has a copy of the book that was written about the National Archives, take some time to sit down and read the chapter about the one you will be going to. It will help clarify your expectations. (Since I just got off a 12 hr night shift, I don't remember the name of the book, but it was very helpful to me when I was getting ready to go to the one in KC so that I was somewhat better prepared--what it didn't give were directions for a stranger to find it.) Karen