Respectfully add #11. Search out the siblings. Nearly all of my big breakthroughs are due to researching collateral lines where you stumble into newspaper bios, obituaries and random photos.
I definitely have committed many of these. I still struggle with #2. I create a way to track but never stick with it, and the cycle repeats every time I start searching a repository and realize I've likely done the search before.
That’s a toughie and probably one of the hardest to “not commit”. It really does take a lot of discipline to do this. Plenty of online tips and ideas, but you just have to find a way that works for you and stick with it.
I recognise myself in many of these. As a young researcher I committed many of these sins. It took me years to realise I did need to record my research.
In my early years I committed them all which is why I decided to make the list. The importance in all of this of course is not repeating those same mistakes again
So many great additional ideas in the comments. I've never heard of commercial registers, but have found 19th-century registers for general stores to be invaluable. Also, don't forget to check the neighbors in census records. And special collections at libraries and colleges have yielded up diaries, letters, photos, and even silkworm cocoons. So yes, perhaps a part two is necessary. ;-)
So wonderful Paul! I wish you could research my family tree for me! I have a HUGE family tree from a genealogist that was started in the past but I don’t know that it has ever been held up to the modern day technology that exists.
It's easy to fall into no. 5. That's why no. 6 is so important. Reviewing research with a fresh mind months later helps find discrepancies, typos, and allows you to stand back and ask "does this really fit"?
When I first starting doing genealogy in the 1980s, there was no internet. I used record books in the court house and if I was lucky if the state archives had microfiche. Then my military duty stationed changed to an area with a Latter Day Saints Church library and I spent every hour possible there. Now they have FamilySearch.org online and if you talk to anyone at the library they tell you to do your own fact-checking and not take what is linked to the tree as fact.
Thanks Cyn. Like you, I started long before the internet, and in many ways it was a lot more fun. Waiting for a certificate you’d ordered to arrive in the post and the anticipation that came with it, was priceless.
Of course, there are huge benefits to having instant access to so many records now, but I must admit, I do miss the old days sometimes!
lol… I dare say I think I’ve made every single one of them. I feel proud now that I’ve learned a few lessons. The good news is that if you’re not too full of yourself that generosity of others just might help you along. I owe so many of you right here for those generous tips.
Respectfully add #11. Search out the siblings. Nearly all of my big breakthroughs are due to researching collateral lines where you stumble into newspaper bios, obituaries and random photos.
Thanks David, another good point. Maybe we could start a part 2? Share further idea like this with each other.
I wrote a piece very much like this on another media platform a while back.
I would be interested to hear what your thoughts were David.
Im out in the field today. Will copy paste it in a day or two,
Absolutely no rush just whenever you get a moment 👍
I definitely have committed many of these. I still struggle with #2. I create a way to track but never stick with it, and the cycle repeats every time I start searching a repository and realize I've likely done the search before.
That’s a toughie and probably one of the hardest to “not commit”. It really does take a lot of discipline to do this. Plenty of online tips and ideas, but you just have to find a way that works for you and stick with it.
I recognise myself in many of these. As a young researcher I committed many of these sins. It took me years to realise I did need to record my research.
In my early years I committed them all which is why I decided to make the list. The importance in all of this of course is not repeating those same mistakes again
So many great additional ideas in the comments. I've never heard of commercial registers, but have found 19th-century registers for general stores to be invaluable. Also, don't forget to check the neighbors in census records. And special collections at libraries and colleges have yielded up diaries, letters, photos, and even silkworm cocoons. So yes, perhaps a part two is necessary. ;-)
Excellent advice, Paul. I sometimes lost entire months chasing leads. Double checking always paid off.
It’s important to learn lessons and share our experiences 😊
#3, 8, and 10 are so important!
Thanks Anna
So wonderful Paul! I wish you could research my family tree for me! I have a HUGE family tree from a genealogist that was started in the past but I don’t know that it has ever been held up to the modern day technology that exists.
I’m always happy to help and give you pointers Bethany 😊
This is great. I totally would forget and have to start my search again!
Here’s another one. Newspaper archives are continuously being digitized — so an unfruitful search 6 months ago may bear a windfall tomorrow.
Great advice Diane! I will add that to the list
Great list Paul. Geography is a biggie.
It's easy to fall into no. 5. That's why no. 6 is so important. Reviewing research with a fresh mind months later helps find discrepancies, typos, and allows you to stand back and ask "does this really fit"?
Wise words Mel they naturally fit together 👍
When I first starting doing genealogy in the 1980s, there was no internet. I used record books in the court house and if I was lucky if the state archives had microfiche. Then my military duty stationed changed to an area with a Latter Day Saints Church library and I spent every hour possible there. Now they have FamilySearch.org online and if you talk to anyone at the library they tell you to do your own fact-checking and not take what is linked to the tree as fact.
Thanks Cyn. Like you, I started long before the internet, and in many ways it was a lot more fun. Waiting for a certificate you’d ordered to arrive in the post and the anticipation that came with it, was priceless.
Of course, there are huge benefits to having instant access to so many records now, but I must admit, I do miss the old days sometimes!
Guilty of most of those sins.
Me too 😊
This is a great article! Even if you have been doing genealogy for years or are just starting out!
Thanks Kristi I’m glad you found it useful 😊
Great advice for those of us just starting out.
Thanks Kathy 😊
lol… I dare say I think I’ve made every single one of them. I feel proud now that I’ve learned a few lessons. The good news is that if you’re not too full of yourself that generosity of others just might help you along. I owe so many of you right here for those generous tips.
I have committed them all myself Barbara hence why I made the list. The secret of course is not repeating them 😉
Oh! I’ve been doing it wrong! 🤭
#5 is my nemesis. I need to use the research logs you recommend so I can find my way back.
It’s always hard to stay disciplined Greg