A Disclaimer: The ideas, thoughts and ramblings of this blog are my own opinions and are not to be misconstrued as the ideas, thoughts and ramblings of any other entity.
So why this disclaimer on this blog? This is a very heated subject throughout the world of genealogy. There seems to be two polar opposites here and boy oh boy do they resist each other. No amount of explanation, reasoning and logic will sway either side of the groups. So I thought I'd explain a few things in hopes that some may just 'get it' and understand both sides which would allow for a newer, kinder, peaceful genealogical group to exist. To clarify, the arguement revolves mostly around one source - Ancestry.com and their public and private user tree information. People collect and place their information in an online format for many reasons and they can choose to share it, or not share it. Some not shared information is still searchable. Users also can send messages to tree owners asking for information, clarification or access to private trees. It's a social media site for genealogists. Belief one: To share... This side of the arguement believes that if you are going to be on a social media site, it's a given that information is public, shared and freely accessible. Why be there if you don't intend to share, right? The people who have private trees refuse to answer any messages sent, share information or ask too many questions and make them try to prove their relationships to the people they want the information on. It's a hassle and frustrating. People on this side of the gap say that people on the other side are inconsiderate and thoughtless about sharing information that may also belong to other people. Belief two: Not to share.... This side of the arguement believes that there are plenty of reasons that some trees, some information are just not sharable. Reasons to not share include the taking of personal items without permission from the owner, lack of sourcing information correctly, adding information to trees that are incorrect and not error checked, and "collectors" who just go about adding everyone else's information without doing any of the work for it. Another valued reason is that they just are not sure of the information on their own tree and do not want to put out wrong information willie-nillie. People on this side of the gap say that the people on the other side are not genealogists, inconsiderate and thoughtless about taking information that may not be proven to be their own. My belief: It's a personal thing... I have both a private tree and a public tree branch. My Private tree has information that I'm working on that may be unsourced, inaccurate or I am unsure of. My Public tree branch is information that I'm possitive on, is sourced and the hard documents are there to provide the proof of the connections. I don't share my private tree because it's not accurate enough for me. But I do respond to Every message sent to me, which has been a total of maybe three people. From an outside view, this is simple to understand. If you are in one of these groups however, neither side can understand the view of the other side and think they are both being unreasonable. Ancestry.com isn't just a sharing site. People use this site as a tool, and not necessarily to share information, although that is a bonus for some. They aren't always looking to find cousins, but only hard documents for their own personal use and knowledge. Essentially, it's not a social media site really. It's only social for the Sharers out there. True genealogists do not believe everything they read or hear. They have been taught that the only way that something is a fact, is to provide the evidence in hard copy. Someone wasn't born until you find a birth certificate, census, marriage, estate or other file that has their birth day on it. People didn't die unless you find an obit, grave marker or certificate. A Family legend isn't real unless you find hard documents to prove it. Rogue genealogists as I call them, don't really care about the facts as long as they have a "complete" tree with little effort. Why do the work, when someone else has done it for you right? In the end, this arguement may go on for as long as we live. The times, they be a changin'. The days of thinking about helping each other, instead of the current mentality of self-centered, "it's all about what I want." personalities, are gone. For me, I plan to keep on keeping on and share what I know when I know it for sure, and when I feel like it or when someone messages me for more information. I'm also going to be asking how you are related and to let me know who our common ancestor is.. After all, it is about the facts for me, not about the cousins or collection. Whatever side you fall on, I hope you find a happy middle ground and understand the other side better letting go of all the negetive feelings toward others, understanding where they are coming from and respecting their opinions and feelings. Then sit back, relax and enjoy your Adventures in Genealogy!
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AuthorMichele is an obsessed mother of 4 residing in North Alabama. Hobbies include long walks in the woods, on the beach and in strange cemeteries and libraries. Genealogy friends need only apply. Categories
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