Genealogy Chat

I'm hoping someone can give me some advice. I've had a few contacts recently and, although it's likely that there is some link in our trees, we've as yet been unable to prove anything. Fair enough, time will tell. When I logged on today I noticed that one of these contacts had given me access to their tree and low and behold has added "fake" links and dates to tie up our trees including my own date of birth (35 years out!). I think this site is a really good idea but will become a farce if people don't check their facts properly. Should I just let this go or politely ask the person not to jump to conclusions just yet?

I would say, just be careful, this family tree business is new to a lot of people, so you have to watch what info you give out until you are sure about who you are in touch with.

I think this person is jumping to conclusions, by adding stuff to make it look like there could be a connection you need to find out more details before you decide there is a definate link. I know of someone who has been tracing the wrong tree for years. catherine

Thanks for the advice. I think perhaps the soft but firm approach might work. I'm happy to help everyone (that's why I've joined this site!) but don't want to end up with a made up tree. I've spent many a long hour playing detective, I guess I just forget that others are still new to all this and it's tempting to get carried away at the beginning.

Angela, I would mention it to this person but at the end of the day, if they decide to leave their tree as it is, it doesn't affect your tree in any way as you are the only person that can add, change or delete information - this is one part of GC I am very grateful for!!