Genealogy Chat

Joy I so disagree with the sentiments of this thread. I for one would be glad to see it disappear into obscurity and do not think this was a welcome nudge. I joined this site 3 years ago at the age of 66. I had only been tracing my family tree for 2 years and was new to computers too. This site was the first I joined and had no idea how boards operated. I relied totally on the good will of the members of this site to answer my queries and steer me along the right road. Without them I could never have made the progress I have in both family history and computer know how. If I had joined this site and seen this thread it would have put me off completely. To anyone who thinks answering questions on this board, no matter how trivial, is a waste of time then I suggest they don't and leave other members who don't mind silly questions to answer. Jean.

Gillian Most people have to use computers for their work these days, but as a self taught 'Silver Surfer', I know exactly how difficult it is to use this newfangled technology!! The internet has been around for a little over 10 years, however did we manage with our family history before that? 'Common Sense' has been around since time began, and there is an old saying which says 'Use it or lose it!' I do not remember anyone saying that Genes Reunited was only for people who were new to Genealogy/Family History although most of the time it does look as though it is only for those just starting out. At the top of this page is the following message: You can search for specific words found in the title of threads eg '1901 Census' followed by: Enter Text then a box to enter key words such as: Army, Navy, Google, Thread, Pubs, Irish/Ireland, Ag Labs etc. etc and search. Over the years masses of threads have built up on on Genes Reunited on every subject under the sun with regard to Genealogy and Family History and people only have to key into that box a keyword to help them look for what they want, instead of expecting instant success without lifting a finger to help themselves. Many people over the years have explained what a search engine is and as for 'google', if you put 'google' into this box you will find that others have explained what 'googling' is. I know I explained exactly what it was on my own thread 'First Steps In Irish Family History'. 'Thread' has also been explained. We all had to learn these terms initially. The bigger issues are the same old messages regarding Army, Navy messages and the addresses to write to for further information, the same Irish information that is repeated ad infinitum, which is why some of us have tried to bring information together on one thread on various subjects, but even then you find on the same page several people asking for the same sort of information and this is happening so often these days. This is why people are starting threads like this one, and bringing back to life the one on this same page about 'googling.' Please use this box first before posting a thread, you may well find the answer to your question without you having to post the question in the first place. As a silver surfer I very quickly learnt the art of 'googling.' You cannot even begin to use the internet without knowing what a search engine is. Janet

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH KNOWLEDGE IS A WONDERFUL THING

Well thats the power of google and something we should all take a positive from.

Dennis If you had keyed in 'Woolwich' into the search box you would have realised that Woolwich was Kent, not Middlesex, as you have just so erroneously told somebody else!! Janet

well said brenda thats what its here for. and the quicker we re invent the wheel for the less fortunate then the quicker we can all make tracks into our history.

nudge Caz

Joe I do heartily endorse what you have to say but I have been around these boards for 4 years now and the same old questions are quite unbelievable, to the point where I for one have got fed up with the site altogether. If you have any problem on any point of Family History or Genealogy, all you have to do is key in the Key Word and up will come thousands of answers from the previous years, much of which will be lost if not used by 'Newbies' and even not so 'Newbies'. The way we all waste time and energy on this site reinventing the wheel is quite incredible. I am not sure that I am prepared to go on wasting my time and effort in this way, Time is too precious. Janet

There is a Search facility on this Board - youn can see it just above these threads. If you are searching basic information such as for Marriages, Births, Civil Registration, Certificate ordering, Censuses, Adoption etc., Please use this facility. Daily the same questions are asked and same replies given. If you dont find the answer here then try Records Board which has a similar facility. Yiou will find this saves you time in not having to wait for a reply and saves the Researchers having to cover same grounds yet again. For more in-depth information you may find that GOOGLE will give the answer all you need is the address www.google*co*uk and your questions will be answered thousandes of times ! In the address replace asterisks with a dot. One last Tip - Please thank the Researcher for info you receive, he/she is a Member, as you are. . Thankyou. You will also see that on the front page of this site there are articles on a few subjects.