Genealogy Chat

Margaret, You have achieved a huge amount with a lot of hard work and I take my hat off to you. If someone finds a link with you they are going to be very happy!! Some people are not as confident or as well educated or as able to achieve without help and encouragement. They need a bit more TLC and let's face it there's not always a lot of that around in this old world! Don't judge them too harshly...some people also need to be able to help others because it makes them feel good about themselves..let them have that opportunity. It doesn't detract from anything you have achieved and if people are nicer to each other along the way isn't that a good thing? One of the huge differences in the way we live today and in the days of our ancestors is that they had such a stronger sense of community all helping each other...let's keep that alive!!! Beryl, Darlington DUR

Jean Yes I know what it is like to be disabled. My husband is recovering from a serious spinal operation and we can no longer trail everywhere. All I am saying is that some people don't try to find the info for themselves and are happy to jump in with a question that has been asked on countless occasions before. I have helped a lot of people out when the question was a sensible one, not one that could be answered by simply going back a few pages or clicking on the links page. I help new "cousins" out but have no intention of handing over years of work to someone who doesn't give anything back. Some even claim that the work is theirs later, as I know to my cost. Margaret

I am a beginner too and did the same as Jennifer a few days ago - asked for a 1901 look-up. Apologies to everyone, of course I know very well you have to pay on that site, but on that particular morning I think I was having a `senior moment' I felt a right twit afterwards. Until I joined G.C I didnt know that there was so much you could do online. I have learned so much from all the NICE people who bother to read and answer messages and hope that I can do the same sometime. And yes! it does feel like a family. Oh! and by the way I've been to the library, I've bought some books,and I'm planning a trip to the local Record office. Sue.

Margaret You may have thousands on your tree but how much do you know about the history of each individual? In defence of Jennie, if you read her message, she only asked as some people have posted a message saying they have money spare to use up on the 1901,after you reaction I bet she wished she'd never asked!!! A bit of charitable help never hurt anyone,and I don't think people on this board expect anyone else to do there searching for them it's just another tool to use so lighten up. Ann,Darlington

Diana - well said! Jennifer - lets form a new club! The i've asked for a free lookup on 1901 Club. I did it too a couple of days ago!!

Diana - well said! Jennifer - lets form a new club! The i've asked for a free lookup on 1901 Club. I did it too a couple of days ago!!

DIANA, Well said, I agree with you entirely. June,Nr.Preston.Lan.

Hi Everyone, its me the instigater of so many replies!(Oh No!) I would have loved to do all my research painstakingly on my own but thats not possible as I cant trek around the country, I live in Shetland, have a large young family and not much cash!.Yes I felt a right wally realising I`d asked someone to look up something that would cost them, but hey, I`m obviously not the first and I`ve found some excellent tips through asking.I guess if you dont ask you dont find out ! I think you all sound great, yes Margaret too, Id've never realised what I`d done without her and we are all entitled to point things out, but for me this is fun and not a majorly serious exercise. Happy searching everyone !:) Jennie

Wow! Reading this feels like school where everyone jumps in & picks on the one who is different. Everyone has the right to an option.I have suggested sites & had them picked over but the saving grace is someone always says thanks. When you read the replies - feedback varies so much. Sometimes when you get little response you do wonder why.

I think that Margaret also forgets that some people have to work, and don't always have the time to go searching for things on foot. I work part-time and have so far done all my searching online, but know that soon I will come to the point where I need to find the time to put in some leg-work. I also don't drive, and have husband who is not interested in dead people! At the end of the day Margaret, if you don't like what you read on here, you don't have to reply to it! Maggy, West Yorkshire

I think this has gone on long enough! Jenny made a mistake asking for something she could have found herself. Margaret pointed that out. Maybe she could have worded it better. When you have spent a lot of time on this site it can get very wearing to read the same questions being asked time and time again. I understand Margaret's frustration, particularly when a look-up involved money. The fault is in the way the message boards are displayed. When I joined, I spent hours trawling through all the messages on the tips board making notes as I went. This is not now a practical proposition. It would be so much better if there was a search facility to enable people to find previous messages on a given topic. Everyone has to let off steam sometimes but it really shouldn't get personal.