Perhaps some of those new to genealogy can learn from the following: Genealogy Rules You Must Follow ***Organize! Perhaps a folder for each ancestor or a notebook with dividers or both. ***Complete a Family Group Record Sheet for each marriage. ***Record complete name with last name in ALL CAPS (Jane DOE). Always copy a name as it is spelled on a record, and remember that spellings will vary. ***Determine all name variants. Beginning genealogists often take too literally the spelling of a name. ***Focus on dates, names & places. ***Dates are to be given day, month, year (29 Sept. 1999). Spell out or abbreviate the month. ***Places should be cited as town, county or parish, state (& country if not U.S). Use common postal abbreviations for states (Waco, McLennan Co.,TX). ***All names, dates, & places should be DOCUMENTED, and proof is needed to tie each generation to the preceding one. ***The only accepted research is DOCUMENTED research. ***Use black ink to complete all forms and to copy records--UNLESS you are in a library or archives which will allow only a pencil inside the door! ***Standard abbreviations: b=birth d=death ca=circa/about Co=county aka=also known as m=married ***Work from the known to the unknown. ***Four items of key information: births, marriages, deaths, residences. ***When gathering material, ALWAYS record the source of information so that you can recheck your facts when contradictions crop up. ***Always have a bag of change for copies. ***AND ALWAYS copy book¹s title page, as well as pages with needed information, so that you will know where the copy came from. Best to note the library where you found it, too. ***DETERMINE THE LOCATION of the ancestor and explore every available record involving that location. ***COMMUNICATE! Write letters. Send e-mail. (Proofread all written material before sending!) Make phone calls. Visit. ***Enclose SASE in every letter that you wish to be answered! Attach stamp with paperclip; it can be used for something if not on your envelope! ***Regardless of how many generations you decide to go back, always include aunts, uncles, and cousins to provide a complete picture of your family. (And it may be from their descendants that you get the most help in locating information on your direct line.)