I don't think this is off the subject and it is simply too good not to pass around. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- I received this on another list and thought it was appropriate "This was sent from the listowner of the Stark Co, OH list and I thought it was worth passing along." > >For you who are veterans of email lists, this might be old >information. But, for those of you who haven't been a >Subscriber during previous holidays, let me give you a hint at >what is about to happen. > >Starting very soon since Santa, among others, has delivered >new computers, internet service, and genealogy gifts >(software) to a host of new rooters! We will be having an influx >of NEW subscribers to all the lists. > >This is GOOD! But while you will see new cousins, friends, >and contacts coming on-line, joining email lists, posting >surnames to databases, they will be asking all those >questions you have seen posted over and over again. >Unfortunate as it may be, new users mean we have to reinvent >the wheel all over again! *Grin* > >Please welcome the "newbies" to our lists, have PATIENCE >with them, help them and hopefully send them in the right >direction. For a month or so (perhaps til the end of January) it >will be helpful if we can refrain from using a lot of initials and >abbreviations in our responses. For example, when >discussing the FHC, lets all take a couple of seconds to type >"Family History Center," and give an explanation of who, what, >where, when. Please don't assume that EVERYONE knows >what it is, or has one near them. > >I can't stress enough how important your patience and help is >for the next month or two. Mistakes will be made, (like >posting a message that is blank, or no subject line, or leaving >entire digests in replies) and questions will be asked like >"What is the FHC, what is the SSDI, what is, can you explain, >where do I find, etc...Remember that these were once OUR >errors and OUR questions. We were all new once, and many >current subscribers are still learning, so let's continue the >spirit of cooperation throughout the year. > >I feel certain that our list will not have rudeness or flip answers > If you have a problem with an individual, please keep it OFF >the list (either email the person privately, or contact me). This >list is about helping each other. Let's be specific and clear in >our responses to folks, and give a little extra in explanations. > >Also keep in mind that new subscribers may know nothing >about computers, the internet, and genealogy, resulting in >many extremely inexperienced researchers. I hope we do not >have questions regarding computers, software, etc, but if one >does pop up, please respond to these questions off list if at >all possible. > >REMEMBER these new researchers may have file cabinets >full of information regarding YOUR own family tree, so let's be >as cordial, helpful and informative as we can be! You might >also re-post your family lines towards the end of January for all >of our "newbies" to see......just in case they connect. >Good Luck!!!!!!!!! > >Clare L. Herrick http://members.xoom.com/ClareH >ICQ#192957 http://www.rootsweb.com/~msattala > http://www.rootsweb.com/~msholmes > http://www.rootsweb.com/~mslownde > Everyone have a happy, and genealogically successful, New Year. Robert W. Strong "I PLAN ON LIVING FOREVER. Graduate School of Library & Information Science SO FAR, SO GOOD." University of Texas at Austin strong@gslis.utexas.edu