> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > At 04:33 AM 7/29/2005 -0400, MJ wrote: > >>I could rant on and on about free access to public records that the people >>paid taxes to the government so that it would keep the records. Instead, I >>will recommend personal contact researcher to researcher, outside of the >>corporate-sponsored mailing lists. And INSIST on a citation. Anyone who >>cannot provide a citation is not a researcher. > > First off, I have downloaded gedcoms that contained no documentation for the simple reason that it often has provided me with a clue of where to look for the needed information. After all, in most cases, people do have a reason for the information they put in their individual records. NEVER are these gedcoms imported into my database but rather reside in their own files which I can examine whenever I wish. Secondly, sad experience has taught me that even "official" records can be wrong. My grandfather's death certificate is an example although it is a secondary source for his birth. The informant was his wife and she certainly was of sound mind and in possession of the correct information regarding her husband's place of birth. However, that didn't prevent the recorder from listing "Austria" as his birthplace when, in reality, it was Ostergötland, Sweden! Fortunately, my father was still living when I received this record and, as he looked at it, he declared that the "recorder" was "the town drunk who couldn't spell his own name" and we decided that the beginning sound of the two places (Austria and Ostergötland) were similar. <g> The only place I've uploaded my files is on familysearch.org to the Pedigree Resource File. Is all my information documented? No, but I continue to search for the missing documentation and have made contact with individuals who, viewing my files, have recognized a possible connection and we both have benefited from the upload. By comparing notes I have often been able to find the missing documentation. Yes, my information is then put out on cd's that are not free but considering all the information the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes available to the world at no cost whatsoever, I still think it's the greatest bargain in the world. Just my opinion, of course. Beverly -- Mailto:kngsldy@cableone.net Families are Forever!