In my opinion there are valid reasons for having my family
tree posted on the Family Search site.
Likewise,
I see valid reasons for not having it there.
Here are my thoughts.
Pro
There are, among the Family Search members, very likely some
who have branches that correspond to mine. They could be great sources to fill
in my gaps and chip away at brick walls.
It is a free service.
If I got hit by a bus tomorrow, my online data would be accessible to
anyone who wanted to continue my research without having to purchase software. All other online tree databases are
subscription services – no one would have access.
Con
The Family Search tree is “open edit”. Any member can change
any data at any time. I have heard
complaints from users about seemingly unresolvable issues regarding dates and
relationships. I recently watched a video
dealing with how to deal with people who “mess up” your family information. I’m
not sure I want to deal with that.
It seems that the argument about other members having
information that I don’t have is countered by the fact that I can search the
tree looking for my family members. That takes effort but it may be less
frustrating than coping with individuals who are as stubborn as I am.
I can be sure let other who may be interested have access to
my tree on subscription services, and my local computer so the information
doesn’t fall into a black hole.
???
Several years ago I did post a partial tree on Family
Search, but have not updated it in all that time. Should I delete it if I can?
Should I post my full tree?
My husband’s full tree? Will I ever decide?
I will appreciate any thoughts and comments about this.
I use FamilySearch's Family Tree for hints, but the open edit part is a total turn off for me. I've heard too many stories about changes being made that were totally wrong and correct information removed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I'm leaning toward non-participation in the FamilySearch Family Tree. I'm not sure I could maintain my composure dealing with the issues.
DeleteHi Linda, I have not entered all my info on the group family tree on Family Search but I have done part of it. The portion that I entered was a big help to me. I found some errors of mine that I didn't pick up on when I merely transfer a gedcom. By taking the time to re-enter and look at everything again it was the first I had looked at some of the lines since I was a real newbie to genealogy. I also feel that by entering my info I will help others and make my work more likely to survive me. I like that it is a free site. I know people can make connections that I would not choose to. But I can write a note in the notes or discussion area why I think what I think and then just let it go. I have my data in my data base on my lap top. I use reunion. I can make that one just how I want. But the group one has merit and value too. I would encourage you to at least participate in the group tree on Family Search on whatever limited basis you are comfortable with. The hits that have generated from that area of the tree have been a really big help to me also. I have located records that were the correct records that I could not find by searching in the other find records area.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Mary. Good food for thought.
DeleteI have made the decision not to participate at this time. In the future, I may enter very limited data. I am so careful with making sure I have a source for my information that I do not want anyone to touch my entries. If there were a way to restrict anyone from changing the information, I would reconsider. I do love suggestions, recommendations and even different data,but I want to approve and add it before it goes in my tree.
DeleteI'm with you, Martha. I appreciate hints and help from others, but I don't want anyone else to make changes to my trees. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteIs a "tree" what you really want to create and bequeath, Mary? What about the other details, the narrative (reports, recollections, and stories), photos/documents, deduction, specific events, etc ... all cross-linked?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Tony. I think of my "tree" in two ways. For me, I am hoping that my online trees will help me find more relatives. For my family, I see my tree as a map to see where we were and where we are now. I am more interested in heritage than in lineage. I am creating (slowly)stories and short videos to try to give a picture of the lives and times of my families. My third video goes up on YouTube today.
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