Translate

Monday, December 19, 2016

Family Search Family Tree? or Not?


 
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.






15 comments:

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, 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.

      Delete
  2. Hi 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Mary. Good food for thought.

      Delete
    2. I 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.

      Delete
    3. I'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.

      Delete
  3. Is 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?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks 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.

      Delete

  4. In the last few months we've seen a lot of Health Care Reform rules and regulations being introduced by the Health and Human Services Department. Every time that happens, the media gets hold of it and all kinds of articles are written in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the TV network news programs talk about it. All the analysts start talking about the pros and cons, and what it means to businesses and individuals. Health is God

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  7. However, in the home, Family shows children propensities, discipline which assist them with finding a vocation as well as help them to carry on with an ideal life in future.Safety 1st 3 in one Car seat review

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information..
    Best Bow Sight

    ReplyDelete