Posted By:	Laura
	Email:
	Subject:	Re: I had no idea...
	Post Date:	September 17, 2008 at 12:08:47
	Message URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/rector/messages/2599.html
	Forum:	Rector Family Genealogy Forum
	Forum URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/rector/

Katie: It does seem overwhelming when you first start but keep this in mind: We were all new to this once and like all of us, you will make your share of mistakes and move on by learning from those errors. If you plan to utilize the forums, the best advice I can offer you is to read this "How to" by Ted Pack: http://www.tedpack.org/genhead.html (be sure to read "posting a good query") Try to read several posts AND the responses before posting on a forum. For example, the General Forum: http://genforum.genealogy.com/gen/ is NOT for assistance in finding your family. It is for general questions and discussions about genealogy (which is actually where this message could have been posted). If you read the postings AND the responses you will know this...and be ahead of the crowd! One of the biggest mistakes newbies make is to post their personal information and that of living relatives. While there are many different opinions on this subject, most agree this is not a good idea and it can come back to haunt you in a variety of different ways...mad relatives, ID theft, etc.... Just remember there are many of us out here who are willing to help, but not write your family history for you. You will have to do your own "leg work" and everything you want will not be online. Most of all you will patience...as you will find out! I hope this helps with your searches. Good Luck! Laura