> When we warn others that our information is based on "guesswork," we are > doing so out of deference to the use of research guidelines. The extent to > which all researchers know the difference between guesswork and supported > kinship claims determines how much progress the field of genealogy and the > individual researcher can make. Setting and (voluntarily) abiding by > research standards is not a matter of snobbery; it is merely a matter of > qualifying how we know what we think we know. > > We're all in this together. > > Tom Richardson > Minneapolis Mr. Richardson writes an excellent treatise on this subject. It is, of course, a legitimate pursuit of any activity to do so for just pure pleasure: painting, stamp collecting, hiking, quilting . . . . and genealogy. But, I think, that IF a goal in genealogy is to pass on one's work to future generations [and it may not be], then solid research that someone in the future can use to validate the work is fundamental. I don't think I will get any thanks from a future gt.grandchild, or some distant cousin, for research that is carelessly done. [And, I'll have to admit to my fair share of that!] The National Genealogical Society presents it's "Standards For Sound Genealogical Research:" "Remembering always that they are engaged in a quest for truth, family history researchers consistently:" [quoting just three of the articles] • 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. This 3rd article is one of the "great sins" of "Genealogy by Internet." Some books to help one develop these techniques are: 1. "Genealogical Evidence," by Noel C. Stevenson, (Agean Park Press : 1979). 2. "Cite Your Sources," by Richard S. Lackey, (Polyanthos, Inc. : 1980). 3. "Professional Techniques and Tactics in American Genealogical Research." by E. Kay Kirkham, (Everton Pub. : 1973). 4. "Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian," Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS (pub. unknown : c1997) Jim W. Tackitt, 1830 Johnson Dr., Concord, CA 94520; <jtackitt@jps.net> *************************************************************** Tackett Assn. Website: <http://www.jps.net/jtackitt/index.html>