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Top tip - using the Genes Reunited community

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Belinda

Belinda Report 13 Mar 2009 12:19

When I am searching for a relative, I look for a surname. This is my first visit to the message boards and I am astounded at how much time everyone has to scroll through messages that don't even show a surname in the thread subject heading. If you want connections or reunions for a person please at least add the surname, christian name and approximate DOB to the subject line if you are wanting information.

Potty

Potty Report 13 Mar 2009 13:35

Well said, Belinda. I think part of the problem is that people go to their Surnames Boards and post there, not realising that that there thread will appear on on the Trying To Find board as well.

Approx place of birth, including the county, helps too! And the country - people from all over the world use these boards.

Kate

Kate Report 13 Mar 2009 14:06

Good point there, Potty - a lot of people just start out by saying, "I am searching for Joseph Jones, whose parents were John and Mary" etc and then only give the dates and locations if other posters ask for them.

It is much quicker for others to help if the original post is more detailed ie. "I am looking for Joseph Jones, b. Liverpool in 1849 whose parents were John Jones b. 1825 and Mary b.1827" because it helps narrow down locations etc.

Julie

Julie Report 13 Mar 2009 14:12

But this is the Tips board where most people are asking for look ups & the same for the records board...So in their heading they put what they require....

Like census lookup, BMD look up

Ricochet

Ricochet Report 13 Mar 2009 15:29

As long as the title gives an indication of what the request is about, I don't think the inclusion (or otherwise) of the name is important

What is essential is that the request is clear - giving known facts, and saying exactly what is being asked for........

The ones which irritate are those which say for example

'Any info about Joe Bloggs married Jane Doe', with no dates or location info