The following appeared on the McBRIEN-L, and with sender Bill Barber's permission, I reproduce it here: Here are some interesting guidelines in your quest for accurate documentation of your family history. The National Genealogical Society (http://www.ngsgenealogy.org) has published standards for genealogical research, including the following: 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. [(C) Copyright 1997 by National Genealogical Society. Permission is granted to copy or publish this material provided it is reproduced in its entirety, including this notice.]