Genealogy Chat

I've certainly been guilty of ''harvesting'' names for my tree - but I always try to make sure I credit the sources (apart from anything else, it means I know what to be wary of if anything starts to look iffy!). I regard that info as a starting point - I shall want to get my own back-up eventually, but it gives me an idea where to start looking. In fact I don't put all my info on GR anyway - a lot is just on my home computer (whcih may be a cause of confusion when people wonder why I'm asking about a name which doesn't appear to have much significance on the tree - especially if I open up my tree and forget there's not much there for them to find. I try to get some more info onto GR if they remark on the gaps - or send them a copy of the relevant bit from my home tree. Christine

If you want to remove permission for someone to look at your tree go to 'messages' and 'your contacts' and un tick the box. I have made contact with some lovely distant cousins on here though so don't be too zealous! ;-)

Hazel, click on Messages, then Your Contacts, and uncheck the box against that person's name that says 'Let them see your tree'.

I'm fairly new to doing my family tree. & until last week didn't have a tree on here, because although I know some of my ancestors names dates were eluding me.... When I didn't have my tree on here I explained to the person I contacted why I didn't have a tree buut where I believe a link between us may be providing as much identifying information as possible. I have made a connection to one lady on here & sent her some information on an illegitamate child one of her relis had. Despite saying she waould she hasn't forwarded any info which would help me. However when she visits my area later this year I'll only be too happy to show her round & tell her what I know regardless of whether she helps me or not. I'm prepared to do all the research myself if someone can help me great if I can help someone else great...the information I have is for sharing.

I understood the whole point of this site is to share family history information. This person has attempted to send you info - it is not their fault you are unable to view it is it? I do not understand why you are so upset. Liz

hi this is something i have mixed feelings about. i have had help on my tree from people on GR and would still be stuck on my brickwall without having seen their tree, but i have also had people contact me ,prove a link ,take all the contents from my tree and never hear from them again. i think that you have to let some see your tree but make them prove a link, show you that they have done SOME work and make up your mind each time, that way your being fair to others and to your own tree claire

I understand the concern, I share my tree with anyone who can prove to me they are on the same branch but it does up set me when some are not willing to return the favor. I find sometimes it just one name that will help you more on to increase the branch. I say thanks to any who've helped.

same thing happened to me how do u close permission so that same person cannot get back in to my tree as i have got lots of info to update on my tree but dont want to do it as they will pinch all my dates.

I like some of the posts on the Success Board that say something like: ''GR is GREAT - I only joined yesterday, and now I have found my ancestors back to 1742 - Thanks GR'' Note the phrases ''I have found'' - should read, ''Someone else has found'' and ''Thanks GR''....well, yes, maybe GR has made it possible, but it's not GR that did the tree!!!! Merry

My tree is firmly locked barred and bolted to EVERYONE. If I think we share a rellie, I send the bare details of a previous generation and wait to see what happens, offering more if they are interested. Unfortunately, once my contacts learn that I am not prepared to open my tree under any circumstances, I never hear another word. Nor have I ever received any information in return. It would appear that my tree is far more 'complete' than the people who are asking to see it and I am getting fed up of giving out information and getting nothing in return. If that makes me a miserly old Crone, I don't care! Olde Crone

it's a bit dangerous just to copy loads off someone else trees anyway, how do you know if it's true.... (I'm not saying it's lies) but you have no proof that someone else would double check everything is correct or research the same way you do, so unless you can verify it i woudln't copy it. Kim

tom, as jean says, you could ask the tree owner if it is ok, i had one contact ask first if he could take down some names which i said yes---i thought that was polite of the person.

I know what you mean Tom I have been really lucky lately and had some contacts who have gone back to the 1500s whereas I have only been doing it for a while and only go back to about the late 1700s , I always ask if I can use any of the info, and always offer any copy certs or whatever I may have in exchange.

I am sure if you ask they wont mind you taking names off thier tree as the person is related to you. I always find I find new info from people but I always feel guilty when I can't give anything back Jeanette

I undertand what you are talking about, I have just been in touch with someone who has given me the mother's maiden name of my great great grandmother, I would have got this info as the birth cert is due anyday soon, and they have traced that line back to 1645. My poblem is that i do not want to appear to just be stealing the names, and whilst I have told them all the info I know, I just feel as if it could be miscontrude as me being greedy, i don;t really know what to do.

Well I never let anyone see my tree on here, if they are connected then I will send the relevent information that I have from my PAF I always untick on here. Sue..........

Quite right too! I have seen many messages to this effect, so have learned that my tree is closed until I am asked, and then only with evidence that will suggest they have the right person. If there are still doubts, I close it again. T x

don't let any one see your tree! some one who was connected to one of my rellies contacted me a few weeks ago, this person allowed me to view there tree, and they didn't have many on it, and they said they were going to send me a cert, which they did,but i couldn't view so i let them know, they were going to re-send it, also they had some photo's to send, so i thought 'fair enough' i will send them one of my certs,which i did------'more fool me!'i paid good money for my certs and for finding my info!!!!-----so i have clicked on the box and now they can't see my tree! i am p****d of with people contacting me and getting info for there tree so they can build it up then don't get in touch again! well-----i've got that off my chest!-----let it be a warning to you all!!! when i contact anyone now i untick the box so my tree isn't shown.