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General => Technical Help => Reference Library => Topic started by: Berlin-Bob on Wednesday 06 April 05 08:19 BST (UK)
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The RootsChat Surname Interests Table SIT
The Surname Interests Table is now officially "open for business"
We are still testing some aspects, you may still see test messages appearing.
To access the SIT go to the top of any RootsChat page, there you will see
(http://www.rootschat.com/forum/Themes/history/images/english/surnames.gif)
Click there to log on !
ADD a Surname Interest:
- Please only add ONE name per line, with variations as separate names.
- All input will be automatically converted to upper-case before storing
SHOW just my Surname Interests:
- click here to to check your entries
- click here to EDIT any of your entries
- click here to DELETE any of your entries
SHOW all for the entered name:
- click here to examine the Surname Interest Table. You can search for
exact names, names beginning with '...', or names containing '...'
SHOW all with my Surname Interests:
- click here to show all your Surname Interests, and, anybody else searching for these names.
RootsChatters' names are also links to their Profiles, you can send a Chatter a PM by clicking on this link, and then "Send this member a PM".
Frequently Asked Questions:
??? - Can I edit my entries, or do I have to delete them them and start again ?
at the moment you have to delete an entry and re-enter it.
An EDIT function has now been added !
??? - I keep seeing this line (or similar):
"Warning: mysql_fetch_array(): supplied argument is not a valid MySQL result resource in /home/vhosts/boco-test.rootschat.net/sit-main.php on line xxx"
Have I broken it ?
No, you have not broken it, but this is definitely an error. Please let me know (copy and paste it into a 'Reply' on this topic) along with any details of what you were doing when it appeared, so I can sort it out.
One instance of this I call the O'Crikey Syndrome - Names with an apostrophe (O'Connel, O'Mara, etc) produced this error. This has now been fixed.
If you have a problem, that isn't covered here, please post a reply on the SIT: Help-Line (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,48233.0.html)
If you have a suggestion to improve the SIT please join in the discussion in SIT: Suggestion Box (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,48522.0.html)
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Hi All
Version 2.01 of the Surname Interest Table is now up and running.
You can search by County and or Place Names
The County-Search automatically searches for the Chapman 3 character code or the full county name.
Still some tweaking to do, but try it and see ....
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Hi All
Version 3.01 of the Surname Interest Table is now up and running.
You can now enter a county and a place name as part of each entry.
This is optional, but if you want to find out who else is searching for SURNAME in a particular county, or place, then it's well worth doing.
Edit your existing entries to take advantage of the new features
and if your ancestors were in more than one county, add a line for each county.
Still some tweaking to do, but try it and see ....
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In response to popular demand, suggestions from SIT-Users, bribes, threats, etc,etc,
I have added some new features to the Surname Interests Table (SIT)
If you haven't already done so,
please edit all your existing entries to take advantage of the new "search and find" features.
Please see
Topic: Surname Interests Table (SIT)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,89589.msg395080.html#msg395080
or go direct to
[Copyright] [Free RootsChat Webspace] [Your Surname Interests] (http://surname.rootschat.com) [About Us] [Terms of Use]
at the bottom of any page.
Bob
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Given the new facilities ...... where an entry covers several counties e.g I have Edwards from Herefordshire Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire ..... do you wish / recommend seperate entries for each county ?
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To take maximum advantage, I recommend all entries to be "one name, one county"
Then
- if anybody searches just for a county, your names for that county will always be found.
- if anybody searches just for a name, your entries for that name will always be found.
If there are several names on one line, then we have to use wildcards for searching.
Bob
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Very neat BOB - had a bit of trouble locating the buttons at the top though - exepected them to be at the bottom!!
(Masculine trait - if all else fails, read the instructions!)
A ;)
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Hi Bob
Great work. Thanks
Jane
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I love it I love it I love it!!!
Thanks
Anna x
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Isay Bob old fellow!
Very swish,one could say elegant even.
Good one!
Goggy. ;) ;D
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Hi Bob
Have used the Surname Interest Table a few times lately and I must say I do like the new touches. :)
jericho
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The only problem (tongue in cheek) is when you have a family as prolific as the Holmes, spreading over about 5 counties and 5 countries, that it needs more entries!
Bob
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First come, first served ....
We still have space on the SIT server, so for any name, you can enter a new line for each county.
Later, when we have a few thousand more RootsChatters in the SIT, we may have to start imposing limits, but not yet .... ;D
so enjoy,
Bob
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Hi All,
we've added a new feature :) :) :)
click on the new button, Surname Search on the Surname Interests Table (http://surname.rootschat.com/).
Ideal for checking name variations :)
These lists will be updated daily, automatically.
Enjoy,
Bob
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Keep adding your names !!
We now have a new search facility, to show lists of surnames ....
see Topic: Surname Interests Table (SIT) (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,89589.msg727636.html#msg727636)
Enjoy,
Bob
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Love the new Button Bob,congratulation's, another job well done ;)
Celia
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Yet another new feature ;D ;D ;D ;D
I've added a HELP button to the SIT.
I'll add to it, or correct it as needs be.
Bob
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Thanks Bob,
what a great job and it is easy to follow.
I might even have a link already - fingers crossed.
Margaret
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Thanks, Bob!
Much easier to use (both to search and edit).
Let us hope all RCers register, we may get some good links.
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After cracking the whip a few times, the slaves* got their noses to the grindstones and produced the following change:
You can now enter the COUNTRY in a seperate field.
You will need to confirm the Country, and then for some countries, you will be offered a menu of regions within that country.
As usual, you can leave these fields blank if your ancestors can't be pinned down :)
The Surname intersts Table is now bilingual, as I will shortly be adding it to a german site.
For those interested, click on the language flag at the top right of the page.
I shall be adding countries to the list, but if I've missed any that you need, let me know :)
Enjoy,
Bob
*aka Berlin-Bob
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I have added some new features to the Surname Interests Table (SIT)
If you haven't already done so,
please edit all your existing entries to take advantage of the new "search and find" features.
Please see
Topic: Surname Interests Table (SIT)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,89589.msg1513026.html#msg1513026
or go direct to
[Copyright] [Free RootsChat Webspace] [Your Surname Interests] (http://surname.rootschat.com) [About Us] [Terms of Use]
at the bottom of any page.
Bob
ps.
If you had already used the County field, then I have already put the relevant country (ENG, IRL, ENG, SCT or WAL) in the new country field, but ....
One (known) glitch:
My apologies to anybody with ancestors from Kinross - I put some of you in England :-[ :-[ :-[
Please check your entries, and if necessary, edit them - Sorry :'(
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All my names edited, and a few added, before any limit is put on ;)
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penna
I don't think a limit will be put on how many names you can add! We are desperate for all rootschatters to add more surnames.
If you look at the figures out of the 50,000 RCs there are very few have actually added surnames.
Kerry
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I'll add mine if I can find the table ???
Cheers,
Leonie.
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Hi Leonie
Link at the bottom of every page that says Your Surname Interests.
That reminds me I've some more I must add!
Kerry
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Original title: Special Interest Groups in the SIT ??
Feedback wanted !!! :)
We have several interest groups which span countries and occupations and are therefore harder to search for.
For instance:
- jewish
- huguenot
- romany
I'm thinking of adding a new search field in the SIT for such groups.
What do you think about this ?
Would this be useful ?
Good idea ?, bad idea ?
Other groups ?
Your feedback please ....
Bob
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Morning BB,
Although I have not delved too deeply into some of my tree's as to which "group" that they would belong to I can see the benefit of this being applied to the SIT board. Many of the names that we are all researching would touch into these at some stage (I know, I have Jewish and also possibly Romany links way back in the mist of time). If someone's family came from the east end of London for instance then there is a good chance that somewhere there would be a link and to have the SIT with these sections in it would help as it would save trawling through some of the more common names to find a possible connection.
OR.
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Hello,
I do agree with "old rowleys" comments, as I am in the same situation, anything that's helps track down the more elusive members of anyones family has to be of great use.
regards
dafpilot
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Hi Bob
Is there likely to be any overlap between the groups? You might need more than one field
Linda
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Hi Bob
Absolutely Brilliant Idea :).
Could it be done?
Would need some thinking about?
Thinking totally off the top of my head and forgive me if you think I am going too far or on the wrong track.
I do realise that some of these are covered by other sections. These are just ideas and you will know RootsChat and it's capabilities far better than me.
In no particular order & certainly in no way comprehensive.
General headings with sub-sections?
Some examples:
Church Denominations and Religious Followings section: Roman Catholic, Church of England, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu & etc, etc
General discussion section.
Sub-section = Clergy look up (many clergy moved around & were less likely to marry so are harder to find, but they all had parents etc)
Ethnic Groups: Romany, African, Huguenot, West Indian & etc, etc
Industries: Mining , Cotton, Printing, Wool, Farming & Agriculture (massive, pre industrial revolution), Communication’s , Maritime (other than Fishing), Fishing,Ceramics, & etc, etc
Trades & Occupations:
(possibly as a sub-section to the industry sections)
Have a general discussions section.
A look up section for obscure and hard to define occupations.
Diaspora: Irish, Jewish, Romany, African, & etc, etc
In my experience all these help the genealogist to understand the social, economic, political, & religious reasons for the movement of our forebears.
Regards
David
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Thinking totally off the top of my head and forgive me if you think I am going too far or on the wrong track.
No problems - keep it coming ;D
I need to get some ideas of what would be useful to others.
Bob
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Hi David,
on re-reading your reply ...
some of your ideas sound more like suggestions for forum boards. Some of your points are covered on the Travelling People, and Occupations boards. I don't think a seperate board for religious questions is needed as such questions can be raised on any board (for specific people) and in the Common Room for general questions.
This topic is only about the SIT (Surname Interests Table (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/Themes/history/images/english/surnames.gif) (http://surname.rootschat.com/)
regards,
Bob
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Church Denominations and Religious Followings section: Roman Catholic, Church of England, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu & etc, etc
My idea (so far) is
- jewish
- huguenot
- romany
Would it be useful to search on other religions ??
Ethnic Groups: Romany, African, Huguenot, West Indian & etc, etc
Apart from Romany and Huguenot, is there enough "demand" for other groups ??
and if so, which ??
regards,
Bob
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It's not a search that I personally would use, but I will support it if it will be of benefit to others.
Another suggestion which may be covered elsewhere (and if so, please ignore ;)):
'Non Conformists'
I think you are doing the right thing in keeping the headings very broad Bob.
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I've now added the possibility of entering special interest groups in the SIT.
Using a drop-down menu you can now enter (and search for) Huguenot, jewish or Romany ancestors.
Other groups can be added if needed/necessary/desired.
regards,
Bob
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Hey Bob, I'm surprised you haven't received more feedback on this thread. It might be an idea for you to put an alert or note on the "Welcome" page (or elsewhere) to let everyone know that you have added this to the SIT otherwise your hard work might go unnoticed. ;)
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Hi Bob,
This is not exactly a 'Special Interest Group', but I was wondering if it would be possible to tag a surname as a One-Name Study in the SIT. I know there is a board for people saying they are doing a one-name study, but it would be nice to take a glance at the SIT surnames in my tree and see if any Rootschatters are specialists in each surname.
Alexander
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Hi Bob,
This is not exactly a 'Special Interest Group', but I was wondering if it would be possible to tag a surname as a One-Name Study in the SIT. I know there is a board for people saying they are doing a one-name study, but it would be nice to take a glance at the SIT surnames in my tree and see if any Rootschatters are specialists in each surname.
Alexander
That's a really good idea. Do you see this as being for rootschatters who are doing a one name study, or for any surname registered with Goons? (or both?) :)
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I was thinking just for Rootschatters' ONSs. I don't think there is any way (or need) to include all names registered with GOONS.
I should add that not all one-name studies (such as mine) are registered with GOONS.
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I should add that not all one-name studies (such as mine) are registered with GOONS.
No I understand that. I was just trying to clarify. ;)
I like the idea. :)
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I was wondering if it would be possible to tag a surname as a One-Name Study in the SIT.
In principle, yes. The question remains how best to tag it. I think this would best be done with a checkbox by the surname, rather than entering "ONS" in the "special interest groups" list.
regards,
Bob
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Hi Bob,
I think that would be a great way of doing it.
I was having another think about Special Interest Groups, and I was wondering if "Quakers" could be another one. I know other non-conformists have been mentioned on this thread, but Quakers had an early and long standing presence in the UK. I have several Quaker lines in my ancestry, and I think it would be a useful category to add to the SIT.
Cheers,
Alexander
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While we are still thinking about it, perhaps the tag should be extended.
There are several Rootschatters who are either doing
- a One Name Study ONS,
- a One Place Study OPS, or
- a One Job Study OJS (i.e members 'collecting' footballers, cricketers, boxers and tennis players come to mind)
Bob
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A new version of the SIT (Surname Interests Table) is now up and running.
New:
Berlin-Bob (England | Dorset | Blandford Forum / Blandford St- Mary | -- | -- | or VACHER);
the details for chatters interests are now in a proper table, with table headings.
This should make it easier to compare records.
- The 'Surname Search' is now called 'Quick Search'.
This brings it into line with the DBSIG 'Database for Special Interest Groups'.
- Surnames are now stored with a soundex-code too.
Clicking on a surname in the 'Quick Search' will now bring up soundex-variations of this name.
This may help to find some variations in spellings. Good examples for this are "Quatermain" or "Quy".
(But be warned ! you may also find some very unexpected soundex equivalents ;D )
- The Links to RootsChat usernames have been changed.
There is now an icon next to every name (as in the profile details in your postings).
This is a link to the RootsChatter's profile.
The name itself is a selection link to "all (entered) surname interests from this RootsChatter"
- "Quaker" has now been added to the Special Interest Groups.
Would it be possible for all changes to the SIT to be posted automatically to the forum?
Not possible without a major re-write of the SIT software, but ....
I've added a new feature to the SIT index page: "New arrivals ..."
The 10 newest entries are shown here. If there are more than 10 entries a day, and you only look once a day, then you won't be able to see all the new stuff, but it's the best I can do at the moment :)
Enjoy,
Bob
ps. The jury (me) is still out on flagging up OxS (ONS, OPS, OJS, ...).
I'm still considering how best to do it.
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Hi Bob,
I really like the new layout, set out in table format. It makes it so much easier to look down the column and see which entries are of interest.
I've been trying to add some of my Quaker ancestors (thanks for adding that, by the way), but the form doesn't seem to be working at the moment. I can't select a Country/SIG/Occupation or submit a new entry.
Thanks
Alexander
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Ooops ! I was a bit too fast uploading to the server - there are still a few errors on on adding a new record.
The rest - i.e. editing existing records - is working OK (for me :) )
Alexander, can you add the "quaker" SIG to existing records ??
Try it (and delete later if they are not quakers)
regards,
Bob
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Everything else is working great. I've added Quaker to a few entries and it worked fine.
Alexander
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That's a relief ;D
I've temporarily disabled the ADD button, so I don't get deluged with complaints from unsatisfied customers.
It's a bit late in the evening here, so 'normal service" will be resumed tomorrow :)
Bob
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The ADD function is now working again ;D
Bob
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Excellent! Thank you Bob for all your hard work on this. :)
Alexander
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ps. The jury (me) is still out on flagging up OxS (ONS, OPS, OJS, ...).
I'm still considering how best to do it.
I have now added ONS and OPS as Special Interest Groups. The biggest problem with categories is when someone needs to be entered in more than one category ....
The current SIGs ("Special Interest Groups") are Huguenot, jewish, Quaker, Romany.
I don't expect anyone will have 'jewish huguenot' or 'romany quakers' as ancestors, so that should be OK like that. I think for the ONS, OPS etc, it is better to add a new field, so that's what I've done.
In the table-view they will appear as ONS or OPS and in the editor they will be written out in full.
I'll leave it at ONS/OPS for now, as I think an OOS (One Occupation Study) makes more sense as a DBSIG project (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,613454.0.html), as this is more likely to be person-orientated than surname-orientated.
regards,
Bob
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Hi Bob,
I think that's a great way of doing it - I was able to add both "Quaker" and "ONS" to one of my surnames.
Cheers
Alexander
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... and I found them immediately using just ONS in the "advanced Search" ;D
Bob
ps "including FRIGNELL, FRIGNAL, etc."
Probably better to create individual records for each of these names, so others can also find them :)
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I've found 32 spelling variations of the name to date, so I just entered the main three variants. I didn't want to clog up the SIT too much with every spelling!
Alexander
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After noticing that some people were interpreting "One Name Study" as "One PERSON Study", rather than the usual definition of "One SURname Study", I've changed the description for ONS and OPS.
- "One Name Study (ALL with this SURNAME)"
- "One Place Study (ALL from this PLACE)"
Hopefully this will be clear enough to everybody now ;D
I've also removed a small bug, that entered a Zero when an ONS or OPS was deleted.
regards,
Bob
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The soundex procedure is sometimes throwing up too many "way-out" results,
so I've changed it to a more precise method using the Metaphone algorithm.
However .... whatever I do will please some people and annoy others ;D
so ... if you look in the advanced search, you will see I've allowed everybody
to make their very own personal choice - you can choose there whether you want an exact name, or to search by metaphone or by soundex algorithms ;D
I'll get round to updating the Help-pages soon, but for now, I've added a screen shot below.
regards,
Bob
ps. for those interested (probably a small minority of -1 ::) )
Soundex keys have the property that words pronounced similarly produce the same soundex key, and can thus be used to simplify searches in databases where you know the pronunciation but not the spelling. This soundex function returns a string 4 characters long, starting with a letter.
This particular soundex function is one described by Donald Knuth in "The Art Of Computer Programming, vol. 3: Sorting And Searching", Addison-Wesley (1973), pp. 391-392.
From: http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.soundex.php
and:
Similar to soundex() metaphone creates the same key for similar sounding words. It's more accurate than soundex() as it knows the basic rules of English pronunciation. The metaphone generated keys are of variable length.
Metaphone was developed by Lawrence Philips <lphilips at verity dot com>. It is described in ["Practical Algorithms for Programmers", Binstock & Rex, Addison Wesley, 1995].
from: http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.metaphone.php
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I've now update the help page.
It still needs working on, so that will come, bit by bit ..., but I need your input too.
- what is missing, what still needs to be described in the help-page ??
- is what I've written understandable ??
regards,
Bob
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More Help-page updates,
Add: http://surname.rootschat.com/sit-help.php?show=ar#ar
Edit: http://surname.rootschat.com/sit-help.php?show=er#er
Please think about it carefully, before adding ONS to your surname interests.
Too many users are still confusing a One Name Study (EVERYBODY wth this surname) with a One PERSON Study.
A "One Name Study" about
"SMITH, Comments: George Arthur, born 1865, married Emily Jones"
just doesn't sound plausible ::) :o ;D
Perhaps a short note in the Comments section, to clarify that this really is an ONS ??
Bob
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The "soundex" and "metaphone" searches are throwing up too many hits,
so I've removed them from the Quick Search.
But they are still in the Advanced Search, where it is your choice, whether you use them or not.
Bob
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henry
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henry
Hello, welcome to RootsChat.
I assume you want to add the surname Henry to the Surname Interests Table.
You need to go to the Surnames Interests Table and follow instructions there to include surnames in the list. You will probably find the surname Henry already on the list with user-names of people on RootsChat researching the name.
This thread was started by the SIT moderator and is a guide to it. It's not the place to add surnames.
If you need help about member(s) of your Henry family you can post a specific enquiry in the Forum.
Read the "Help" section for guidelines on how to make best use of RootsChat. It's a big site and can be confusing to newcomers.
Hope this helps. If you get stuck, ask for advice. :)
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Hi
I have no idea how to add a my interest in SIT: Surname interests table or where to add a message, must be the long haul from NZ to UK.
I have added stuff quite a while ago, so long I cant remember my user name and I have a new email
Where am I going wrong
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Catherine, welcome back.
Did you put names on the Surnames Interest list when you used RootsChat before or can you not remember? Click on Surnames Interest on the brown section at foot of this page. When you get there do a search for some of your surnames and see if anything which comes up jogs your memory. Each entry has a user-name beside it. If you don't recognise any as yours you can start putting your surnames on.
I've just looked at Surnames Interest. It says there's housekeeping going on. This is the time of day/night that maintenance occurs. It's sometimes difficult to post during those hours. Try again around dawn in UK.
You can also go to the search page for the Forum. Click on "Search" on brown strip at top of this page. Put a name in the search box and see if you recognise any topics which appear. Warning; if it's a common name the list of topics might be pages long. On the other hand, if it's an uncommon name with few posts and you reply, you may find you're trying to have a conversation with your former self.
You could also post in the Common Room section of the Forum saying that you are back after a long absence with a new user-name, say you're finding you're way around again and mention some of your surnames and places. Someone may recognise them and point you in the right direction.
Hope this helps.
P.S. You could try the chatroom. Click on chat at top of page. There are 7 people at the moment. I'm not sure about entry rules. I've only been in once.
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help please
Researching others on here with PELLOW family Cornwall
Thank you
Heddwch
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help please
Researching others on here with PELLOW family Cornwall
Thank you
Heddwch
http://surname.rootschat.com/sit-surnames.php?letter1=P&letter2=4&surname=PELLOW#top_tv
also check for alternative spellings:
http://surname.rootschat.com/sit-surnames.php?letter1=P&letter2=4#top_data
Gadget
You could also do a search:
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?action=search