On 27 Jul 2012, at 13:36, Seemark wrote: > Hello Ann, I wonder if you can help me - I figured as list administrator > you'd know the answer :) > > This is not specifically directed at the list it's from a personal > perspective. I was always under the impression that we didn't openly ask > for info regarding people who may still be alive and that there's a "sort > of" hundred year rule. Is that one hundred years from their birth, or from > their death? I'm thinking it's their death cos if it's from their birth > they may still have living relatives who would be upset at the information > being made available. Would very much appreciate your input on this. > > Thanks very much. > Cyndi in Leighton Buzzard, Beds UK Hello Cyndi As your message has gone to the List I'll answer likewise as the answer may be useful to others too. I think there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about this matter. There is no hard and fast hundred year rule imposed by Rootsweb. It is up to each List Admin to run things as they see fit, whilst always observing and keeping within the framework of the Rootsweb Community Guidelines and the Acceptable Use Policy. The Community Guidelines simply say: Quote: " Don't include identifiable information about living people without their direct consent, or, in the case of minors, the consent of their parent or guardian. This includes, but is not limited to, a person's full name, location or contact information." Unquote. As different List Admins may have different 'rules' it is wise to familiarise oneself with these for each List one belongs to, if contemplating posting anything that may, possibly, invade the privacy of living individuals. On joining the Middlesex List everyone is sent a 'welcome message' giving guidelines for using the forum. On the topic of living persons this is what the message says: Quote " LIVING PERSONS The most important thing to remember is not to post anything that is uniquely identifiable to any living individual. We must always bear in mind that however well intentioned the enquirer and helpers may be, the individual who is being sought may not actually wish their whereabouts known. We are not in a position to judge. So, for example, it would be acceptable to ask how one might go about finding a living individual, and it is acceptable to reply giving general guidance. It is not acceptable to reply giving information that will identify that person's whereabouts, or other personal information that they may not want made public. " Unquote. The Guidelines contained within the welcome message were posted to the List for all existing members back in 2009, and to all who have joined or rejoined since then. It's in the archives at: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/middlesex_county_uk/2009-06/1245072962. I hope this helps but if there is any aspect not covered here please contact me Off List and I'll do my best to help. Best wishes. Ann Middx Admin