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Just like to add though Gwynneth, that I'm not bothered about spelling or grammar mistakes, would hate to put anyone off who perhaps had problems with spelling and grammar. If people are worried if they have spelt something wrong, they may not post, and that would be a shame. Having said that, correct spelling for surname is important :)) Lynda

And just to add a quick note about surnames. If you know that there are a few different spellings of the surname you're looking up that have been used, be sure to provide them as possible alternatives! You never know when they will crop up under one spelling or another!

Hi Lynda, As someone else said spelling is important for surnames and place names. If a message is written with no punctuation (and I have seen them) or in "text speak" it can be misleading and difficult to understand. Someone could spend time on a search that wasn't required. I'm happy to do look ups and help where I can but only if it is clear what the person is looking for. We were asked to add tips and this is mine - make sure people can understand what you want. Gwynne

Hi Gwynne I understand what you are saying and agree about names, place names etc, but I just thought that there are some people, who perhaps have dyslexia, etc, are sometimes reluctant to ask questions if they think that there spelling & punctuation will be picked up on. We wouldn't want to put anyone off who has those types of problems, would we? Lynda

Hiya Maz Exactly what I was trying to say, only you said it better. We had a dyslexic foster daughter and anything she wrote was wonderful. People with dyslexia and the suchlike have a hard enough time as it is. Would hate to put anyone of of contributing, just because there spelling or puctuation wasn't perfect. Lynda

Hi Maz and Lynda, I do understand the problems faced by those with dyslexia I taught at a school for children with learning difficulties for a few years, and I've tutored dyslexic children. And I certainly don't want to put people off using the site. As I said we were asked for tips. I would have said making sure people understand what you want is essential. In my experience people with dyslexia don't have problems with basic punctuation. Some messages run on for several lines without a comma, full stop or question mark and are confusing. I'm left wondering what the person wants to know. A dyslexic friend always writes her messages in microsoft word then spell checks it. Then she copies and pastes it onto the board. I'm not saying everyone should do that but she feels happier doing that than trusting her eccentric spelling. It's not dyslexia that causes difficulties so much as messages written in haste and posted before the writer reads it through and checks that it makes sense. No one has perfect spelling and punctuation but everyone can take time to make sure they are asking a clear question. It's the best way to get an answer. And ensuring you get an answer is what this thread is meant to be about. Gwynne

Hi Jean, There's no need to be afraid the only "right way" is to be clear about what you want. For example if you want a look up in a census say which census and county in the title. Then give the name that you want with approx date and place of birth if you know them. If it's a general question or some advice you want you don't have to be precise. Gwynne

Hi Jean DON'T BE PUT OFF Please !! As long as you put who you are looking for, where you think they are, age, what year you want, thats fine. I imagine if you are new this thread could put you off as it maybe looks like a list of rules. It is here as a tip, thats all, we all have our own way of doing things don't we? Ask away Jean, someone will help you, honest. Lynda

hi all, i was , at first, in favour of this thread. sarah started it off, i read it, it was friendly and helpfull. it now is starting to sound like an arguement. my son is dyslexic, he can neither read nor write , i did not take offence at gwynneths comments. i think they are valid. people should re read their messages, i re read mine- and wow, have i made some boo boo's that needed correcting ! not so much with the spelling, but leaving unclear messages. so please linda and maz- you have said what you felt you needed to , so has gwynneth. lets keep things friendly [as they usually are on this board] the arguing- not the comments- will frighten people away. and to all new members- we dont usually snipe on here- honestly ! lol. sue.

Please don't post to this topic anymore. Instead bump up the new one.

Hi all, Could i just say that i am a dreadful speller and haveing a cockney accent don't help as i spell the word as i say it, not the King's or is it Queens english. I am sure if i were at school today i would be classed as dyslectic. Over the years i have been put off any thing that involved spelling until this site come along, i try and use spell check along side as i am typing and it give's me that extra confidence,but sometimes i do get it wrong. Never as anyone criticised me and thats beco's we are all here to help each other and friends don't wont to belittle or hurt anyone's feelings, if someone has been unsure of a request they simply ask the person to repeat it or add a little more information. I am very greatfull for all the help and hopefully continue to recieve from this site. Kind regards, Diane.