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Places to ask a question
on your Surnames |
The Rootsweb list has been in
existence since 1996. You do not have to be a member to research the
archives. You can go here:
http://searches2.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl
http://lists.rootsweb.com/ |
Ancestry owns Rootsweb and has also been
around for some time
http://boards.ancestry.com/ |
Cousin Connect
cousinconnect.com
This new site was created so genealogists could access "pure genealogy
queries" without being bothered with spam, junk messages and off-topic
postings. Users can even delete or edit their own queries. You can search
queries by surname or the Soundex equivalent. |
GenForum genforum.com
which is at
Genealogy.com
Search tens of thousands of queries left by other surname researchers. This
site features bulletin boards where visitors can leave queries or post
research notes. Each surname board is searchable. Old queries stay in the
system, so you don't have to worry about the one you're looking for being
hidden in an archive. |
Surname Web
surnameweb.com
Use the on-site search engine to access surname mailing-list archives. While
searching, don't miss the "build your own genealogy Web page" tutorial and
links to excellent free databases |
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Writing a query is fairly simple. Just follow
these few basic steps:
- Look in your bag of
surnames and pull out one in which you are interested. Your query can be
regarding a family, surname, specific individual, event, location, research
problem, etc. Whatever you choose will become the focus of your query.
- Example subjects:
- Stites family
- Huard surname
- Peter PATWELL
- WWI Battle details
- Benner headstones
- Puyallup, WA records
-
List information pertinent to
that surname, family, or individual. Be as specific as you can! Include dates
and locations. Add related surnames as needed, but don't overwhelm the query
with a huge list. Limit yourself to just the few surnames which are closely
connected. Place surnames only in CAPITAL letters--it's easier to pick out
surnames if they are all in caps.
-
Don't place too many surnames,
or individuals in one query. Too much information can be confusing and
visually overwhelming; your goal should be a query which is relatively short,
to the point, and easy to read.
-
If you don't known an exact date, make an educated guess. Use
circa or about so readers will get an idea of what time period is
indicated.
-
Don't ask for information about any and all of the XX family unless
you really mean it! Being as specific as possible lets the reader know just
which family or individual you are searching for, and encourages replies.
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