Genealogy Chat

I have a fairly extensive tree on GR, the result of several years research and a lot of cash invested in certificates, buying PRs etc, but also the result of sharing info with other, distant relatives, whose trees I have incorporated once we have determined a definite link. Their trees are just as comprehensively researched as mine. I don't mind sharing my info at all with someone who is interested. What really gets on my nips though is people who send me a message saying "I am researching family XXX in town YYY. Can I see your tree?". No information about how they think there may be a connection, no please, not even providing me with access to view theirs. If I find a possible link, I always provide as much info as I can when I send a message. That way the recipient can decide to get back in touch/allow me access to his tree etc. Am I being unreasonable in ignoring such requests? Any suggestions? Ta

I have had a couple of similar requests. I don't see the need to allow them unless details have been exchanged and a link found.

I had a message like that last week. "I am researching **** in *** can I have access to your tree please?" I responded by sending a polite message back saying that none of my family with that surname came from the town mentioned so I didn't think there was a link. If they would like to elaborate further on what connection they might be, I would let them look. In this case I think the person concerned has just spotted the surname from the same city, in my view that is not enough for me to give access to my tree which has taken time and money for me to research the hard way! I do allow access if they can give presise details or there is a possible connection and I have found a distant cousin this way and we shared each others info on the particular family line. Sam

On a similar them lately I have been receiving very annoying "junk" emails from the US about being the last surviving member with XXXX surname of XX family, and I have inherited so many dollars. Not bad considering have yet to find any rellies in the US confirmed and not even using my correct surname! I had six in one day last week and they were all different surnames. Binned the lot! Kim

I must be quite lucky really because the (relatively few) people who have contacted me have never asked to see my tree at all! They usually say who they are interested in and tell me I can see THEIR tree. I certainly wouldn't let anyone who just baldly asked with no reason! Anne

When I make contact with someone,I would generally send the briefest of details to start with,and I would not be interested in seeing their Tree unless the reply I received was of a positive nature. Regards William Russell Jones Cefn Mawr Wrexham.