Computer Genealogy Classes October 5 9 am - 11 am, Wednesday Morning October 19 9 am - 11 am, Wednesday Morning We have covered Googling Your Ancestors and Message Boards. In October we will cover Genealogical resource with searchable databases, family trees, mailing lists, and writing a query for a message boards. Items that come immediately to mind that are important: 1. Verify ALL that you find on the internet. Do not believe all that you find but consider it a lead, a guide for your brick walls. By verifying this information, it doesn't lead you in the wrong direction and waste your time. Just because you got it from a book (the internet, Aunt Susie, Ancestral File, etc., etc.) doesn't mean it's true. No record, person, or document is infallible, and some are less reliable than others. 2. Note the source of every piece of information in the event you need to check again or pass it on to others. Document, everything! Even though you "think" you'll remember where the data came from, think in terms of a person looking at your data a hundred years from now. They will wonder where you found that little piece of information. 3. Learn how to post queries on the mail lists. Capitalize surnames, change the heading bar to pertain to your query and never write ."Looking for grandma." Remember, many of us subscribe to dozens of mail lists. Your post could be deleted by a cousin that doesn't read those vague subject headings. Also give dates and places when you request data. " I have a grand parent John ? where is he? No Information that some could respond. "I have a grand parent John Smith, born Abt 1800 in Mississippi might get a response. 4. for information from individuals: Name, address, e-mail and relationship of the person who gave you the information, when and where they spoke or talked to you. 5. Keep track of URLs (web sites) got for data you find on the internet, along with a written description of where the data was found. Earl Gates