I saw this on another list thought someone might find it useful Sharon Standards For Sound Genealogical Research Recommended by the National Genealogical Society http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/ 4527 17th Street North Arlington, Virginia 22207-2399 Remembering always that they are engaged in a quest for truth, family history researchers consistently- -record the source for each item of information they collect. -test every hypothesis or theory against credible evidence, and reject those that are not supported by the evidence. -seek original records, or reproduced images of them when there is reasonable assurance they have not been altered, as the basis for their research conclusions. -use compilations, communications and published works, whether paper or electronic, primarily for their value as guides to locating the original records. -state something as a fact only when it is supported by convincing evidence, and identify the evidence when communicating the fact to others. -limit with words like "probable" or "possible" any statement that is based on less than convincing evidence, and state the reasons for concluding that it is probable or possible. -avoid misleading other researchers by either intentionally or carelessly distributing or publishing inaccurate information. -state carefully and honestly the results of their own research, and acknowledge all use of other researchers' work. -recognize the collegial nature of genealogical research by making their work available to others through publication, or by placing copies in appropriate libraries or repositories, and by welcoming critical comment. -consider with open minds new evidence or the comments of others on their work and the conclusions they have reached. ©1997 by National Genealogical Society. Permission is granted to copy or publish this material provided it is reproduced in its entirety, including this notice.