RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: AmandaStrutton on Tuesday 23 January 18 11:54 GMT (UK)
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I am so over whelmed with the size of rootschat. Am i the only newbie who is looking around and thinking....will i ever get to grips with this.
I guess its like a new job, its brain frazzling for the first few weeks but one day you realise you know what your doing...a few months later you are totally at ease.
As you can tell i am totally new to this but loving every minute x
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Welcome to Rootschat :)
Yes you will get used to it, you are off to a good start.
Rootschat is a series of boards, which you see when you click on “forum” even the county listings are boards, a separate one for each county, remember which board you have posted on.
If you click on your username it takes you to your profile, where you can see all the posts you have made
There wii always be someone to help, no matter what mistakes you make. :) :)
Mike
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Welcome to Rootschat Amanda. Don't worry - we've all been there but it isn't as scary as it first looks. If I were you I would just spend some time reading through some threads in the Common Room and the Totally off Topic boards. Jump in to any threads that interest you. Everyone is very welcoming and helpful. If you need any further help, just ask. There are all sorts of experts here and they can't wait to help you with your research.
As you say, after a few weeks you'll wonder why you felt so overwhelmed and by then you would have discovered all the other boards and will be a master of them.
Start small and work your way through at your own pace. Rootschat isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Rishile
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Hi, welcome from me also, I can only echo what has been said, you will be fine with it :)
I remember when I first joined and felt exactly the same as you do, just ask away with questions and if you see something you want to reply to on any of the boards just go ahead and do it, before you know it, it will all have fallen nicely into place.
Remember, all of the great people on here are here to help and were all in your position at some time ;)
Frank.
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Welcome Amanda , you will soon be zooming around the boards.
It's similar to going from Junior School to Senior School ,remember how overwhelming that was ? ;D ;D
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I’ll jut add a couple of points, don’t post names of living people, don’t post your email address, and when you post a question tell us what you already know, so we don’t go over old ground.
Mike.
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I’ll jut add a couple of points, don’t post names of living people, don’t post your email address, and when you post a question tell us what you already know, so we don’t go over old ground.
Mike.
And please remember everyone is here voluntarily - please remember to thank them. It goes a long way ;D
Rishile
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Welcome Amanda. We were all newbies once upon a time, you'll find your feet in no time. :D :D
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Don't worry - you'll be fine Amanda. :)
If it makes you feel any better there are some of us who have been here for years who are still learning all the ins and outs of the site.
I would recommend that you enable notifications of replies to your threads, so you get sent emails to view any replies and you don't miss anything.
Everyone has their own way of using the site. I like to click on the HOME button (on the far left of the brown bar near the top of the page) where I can see all the new topics and new replies. A good place to start is to just have a read through them. You'll soon get the hang of it - and you've already broken the ice by starting your own thread.
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Hi Amanda,
Like you I am also a newbie, however I did spend many months visiting the site before I decided to stick my oar in the water and join in, yesterday.
Based on that browsing experience I will echo the sentiments expressed above. Members are friendly, knowledgeable and keen to help.
Remember, The only stupid question is the one not asked.
Malcolm
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Welcome Amanda.
You have been given some good advice. I would also advise, when using a strange website, it always pays to check out the FAQS section, found on the Help page here, there you will often find the answers to your questions about using a site.
As well as the advice already given by other chatters, when you post a question it helps if you can stay around for at least ten to fifteen minutes. You may surprised how quickly people sometimes respond, often needing a little more information from you before they can proceed to help.
Good luck.
Jebber
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Welcome Amanda, I'm sure you'll soon find your way around the boards. Also welcome macwil, this is a wonderful site. :)
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And a warm welcome to Rootschat from me.
My advice - don't get bogged down in the myriad boards and posts. Have a look at the "resources" boards to get ideas, but the best way to start is to post a message asking for information about one of your ancestors. That way, you will find out about the sites we use to find information and how to avoid errors.
Remember - every Rootschatter started off knowing nothing - we received and shared knowledge, we learned from each other before we were able to help others.
Build your tree, build your knowledge and before you know it you will be helping newbies - it's such fun!
Philip
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Good evening,
Welcome Amanda to what is probably the best genealogy site there is. You will soon get used to it all and get used to all the experts.
There are many of them all willing to give time to sorting out your problems. What date, what medals, where is the house (we are really good at that now) Who were the parents, children, ggggggrandparents. May take a while or a few minutes but you will get an answer from them.
John915
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In the course of my browsing I have picked up numerous hints and tips which have helped my research technique, and I heartily agree with 'philipsearching' the resource boards are well worth browsing, they have provided several links to some very useful sites and some initially disappointing sites have provided further useful links.
So YES browse!
and Thank you to all the contributors to the many varied boards on this wonderful site.
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Welcome to Rootschat. I haven't been on this site for very long but have already found the people very friendly and helpful. The topics raised cover a lot of interesting, useful information and show that there are chatters who are willing to share their knowledge and it is great to show your appreciation.
I have found the surname list, British Home children and Watermen references to be worth a browse.
Good luck, Jackie
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Once you make a couple more posts, the Personal Message system will be activated, and you can correspond privately with other members. This is useful if you need help with anyone still living as we are not allowed to mention them on a public forum.
You've had a lot of replies and some hints and tips, so come back and let us know if you have any specific questions about rootschat.
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Hi Amanda and welcome to RootsChat. It is very daunting when you first join but if you take your time browsing the various forums you will soon find your way around. If there is anything that you need help with just ask, we have all been there. In the meantime, just join in and have fun.
Carol
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Welcome Amanda.
I have been a member for years, and I am still finding out interesting things I didn't know about Rootschat.
I have received some wonderful help from willing Rootschatters, and I try to give a little too, so I often check my local county board in case there is a nearby cemetery I can visit for someone over seas.
Oh, and I always try to remember to use the spell checker before I make a post.
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Amanda I notice you have logged in to rootschat today but you didn't return to this thread.
It can be a bit confusing at first working out how to reply to a thread. Just click on the blue "REPLY" button which you will see at the end of the replies and type your reply in the box that appears. Then click on "Post" in the bottom right corner.
Good luck.
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Amanda I notice you have logged in to rootschat today but you didn't return to this thread.
It can be a bit confusing at first working out how to reply to a thread. Just click on the blue "REPLY" button which you will see at the end of the replies and type your reply in the box that appears. Then click on "Post" in the bottom right corner. Good luck.
One of the things that confused me was that I don't get notifications of replies to messages on the Lighter Side board - though they do appear on "New Replies" of course, but that is a trick I only learned recently......
Added: But I found a notification today, so now I am REALLY confused!! :-\
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In that case Amanda should look right at the top of the page, and on the left she will see:
[Hi Amanda] [Unread Posts] and [New Replies]
Click on [New Replies] and you will see all new replies to all threads you have posted in.
(I hope that is right - I never use the "New Replies" button). ;)
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Hello everyone who replied I really appreciate it. Yes I did think how do I reply so I'm hoping this gets to you all.
I only found out about roots after I put my 2xgreat grandads name into Google and some old threads from 2015 popped up. I had set the man on a pedestal without knowing anything about him....someone described him as "a piece of work" and that he was a bigamist who went to prison. Lol my husband was very amused when I cried out "Nooooo!!! not my septimus machell" I will take my time to explore thankyou again for your time...and I apologise if it takes me a few days again to reply. X
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Hi Amanda,
No need to apologise, it will take time to read and digest all the replies we bombarded you with.
Take your time and when YOU are ready come back to us with any queries you may have. Members are keen to help. (As you've already experienced maybe a little too keen occasionally) ;D ;D
Regards
Malcolm
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I am so over whelmed with the size of rootschat. Am i the only newbie who is looking around and thinking....will i ever get to grips with this.
I guess its like a new job, its brain frazzling for the first few weeks but one day you realise you know what your doing...a few months later you are totally at ease.
As you can tell i am totally new to this but loving every minute x
Hello Amada, may I make a suggestion; I have been researching all my life and have developed various strategies when faced with new records and technology.
When I visit a new forum or mailing list etc., I don’t try to take it all in or even come to grips with the whole list; instead I will browse the new postings to see if any interest me.
If the site is arranged in counties, I will look at the section that covers the counties my ancestors were from to see if there is information that helps there, and so on gradually expanding my coverage of the site or forum as time permits.
I find it easier to get accustomed to forums by taking them in small chunks rather than trying to come to terms with the full range at the same time.
Happy researching
Cheers
Guy
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Hey look at me I've noticed replies!!!
I think I will look at the counties as has been suggested and take my time reading the threads and finding my way around the place. I have not joined ancestry or any other sites yet but was planning to once I had a little tree worked out on paper, but I realise I may need those sites to create a tree in the first place. Thank you all again. X
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Hello everyone who replied I really appreciate it. Yes I did think how do I reply so I'm hoping this gets to you all.
I only found out about roots after I put my 2xgreat grandads name into Google and some old threads from 2015 popped up. I had set the man on a pedestal without knowing anything about him....someone described him as "a piece of work" and that he was a bigamist who went to prison. Lol my husband was very amused when I cried out "Nooooo!!! not my septimus machell" I will take my time to explore thankyou again for your time...and I apologise if it takes me a few days again to reply. X
Make sure there are not two "Septimus Machells" :) Don't hesitate to ask if you need help to make sure he is yours.
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Hey look at me I've noticed replies!!!
I think I will look at the counties as has been suggested and take my time reading the threads and finding my way around the place. I have not joined ancestry or any other sites yet but was planning to once I had a little tree worked out on paper, but I realise I may need those sites to create a tree in the first place. Thank you all again. X
Other good places to start are the Beginners and How to use Rootschat threads. The Search box is always very useful too. Try entering family tree software or constructing a family tree.
Whilst the commercial sites are convenient there are plenty of free sites covering almost everything you need to start, see Resources thread.
Got to go, Dr appointment.
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I have not joined ancestry or any other sites yet but was planning to once I had a little tree worked out on paper, but I realise I may need those sites to create a tree in the first place.
Hallo, Amanda
Small piece of advice 1: Don't spend money before you need to!
Small piece of advice 2: Don't trust the information in online trees unless there are quoted sources you can check!
Find a free treemaker online you can download (as long as it lets you create a peculiar thing called a gedcom).
Add the information you know.
Keep a note of the sources for your information.
Check out the free sites for Birth/Marriage/Death records (lots of sites, depending which country/countries you are looking in.
Once you get your tree going back a century you should find censuses.
Once you get back before BMD registration you should find church records
And, most important - keep enjoying the discoveries. Our relatives were sometimes ordinary, sometimes wonderful, sometimes very odd!
Philip
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Hi, I believe he is my man as he had the same wife and was a picture framer at pinners brow in Warrington. I read my nan's memory notes and she had that information in them also.
Can I ask what is the buddy button all about. I pressed it for the lady mentioning septimus as I figured she may have information on him. I haven't heard anything ref that but to be honest I'm not sure where I would notice that, and as it was a 2015 thread it may not log it. Plus of course the lady may think who is this person? X
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Thankyou everyone
I will hold off with the ancestry sites and do as Philip suggests for the time being. One day I will get my DNA done but I'm in no rush as I am the result of my then teenage mother having an affair with a married man. Not ready for those skeletons just yet lol. So I will only be following my mum's side x
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Legacy is a good free family tree program, I have the paid for version but my husband just has the free program. Many people on here use Legacy.
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I agree with Philip beware of on-line trees and unsubstantiated records.
Verify everything yourself, then verify it all again, preferably using another source AND THEN verify that you have copied everything correctly.
There is nothing worse than discovering you are following the wrong line because of duff info. I had my G'g'dad as the son of his uncle and married to his brother's wife, because I made incorrect assumptions. It took some sorting out because I hadn't properly recorded the sources. I have other info I know is correct because I have found corroborating info elsewhere but I still cannot find the source of the original info.
So document where you found the info, book/document titles, authors, ISBN, Chapter/Page no., the place where you found it, internet website, library, the person who gave you the info. etc. etc.
Oh yes and beware of family stories.
I discovered an elder brother for my g'dad, "Oh yes, said an Aunt, "that was the pilot that was killed." After 2 years of searching I discovered he had been killed "by a fall of roof" in a mining accident the day before his 28th birthday.
Above all retain your sense of humour and enjoy your hunting.
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Amanda, I'm not sure any of us is sure what the Buddy Button is for. :)
If you can locate the thread mentioning Septimus, click on the name of the person who you wish to contact and you can send them a PM. Of course you can also reply on the thread itself and hope that the person is receiving emails. :)
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Hello everyone who replied I really appreciate it. Yes I did think how do I reply so I'm hoping this gets to you all.
I only found out about roots after I put my 2xgreat grandads name into Google and some old threads from 2015 popped up. I had set the man on a pedestal without knowing anything about him....someone described him as "a piece of work" and that he was a bigamist who went to prison. Lol my husband was very amused when I cried out "Nooooo!!! not my septimus machell" I will take my time to explore thankyou again for your time...and I apologise if it takes me a few days again to reply. X
Amanda, something that might help you if you are tracing this man's family, the name Septimus indicates that he was the seventh child born to his parents. I found this fact very helpful when tracing the children of my great grandparents, I hadn't managed to find six children before Septimus but carried on with my research and found that some had died in childhood. I then had Septimus in his rightful place. :)
Good luck with your research, I can only reiterate that this is a great site with lots of helpful people. :)
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All super advice. Start from what you KNOW, and can verify, with certificates, etc. Don't rely too much on family legends. When you've set out all that you know to be the case, decide what line you want to follow first, and frame a question for help on that.
It's far less confusing than if someone posts a "scattergun" wanting several people tracing at once.
Check, when you've written it that places, names, dates are all as close as you can get ( we've all typed an incorrect date! Very confusing) and post it, if possible on the "correct" board.
As others have said, hang around for responses. People are superbly helpful.
The really good feeling comes later - perhaps weeks, months or even years later, when you find YOU can help someone else! That really makes you feel you are taking part!
Enjoy your researches. I think many of us have almost stalled on our own lines, and are very happy to keep on using our "An*****y" or other subs, to look things up for free, and help out, or even to trot to local record offices or churchyards, to help each other - and it IS that. We all are willing to HELP each other.
Happy hunting - oh, and a belated welcome, as everyone else seems to have got there already!
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Thankyou everyone. I think I'm going to enjoy myself here. I do believe that the house and garden may get a little wild this year, but my tree will take shape. Thanks again x
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Welcome from me as well :D
I do believe that the house and garden may get a little wild this year
Dust bunnies, I think some of us on here, have adopted them and they live wherever they find space ;D
Sometimes it is easier to have your location mentioned in your profile, we don't want to suggest you visit a library in Australia when you may live in Timbucktoo ;D
Cheers
KHP
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Thankyou everyone. I think I'm going to enjoy myself here. I do believe that the house and garden may get a little wild this year, but my tree will take shape. Thanks again x
Haha. I think many of us are in the same boat - I know I was especially in the early days. It can get very addictive.
oddly enough people on rootschat are just as interested in other's ancestors as their own, so you will get loads of obsessives helping you, which I found a great help when I first started.
One thing though - you need to be prepared to spend a bit of money on certificates in order to prove relationships and often to go back a generation. The number required can depend on many factors. Some people purchase birth marriage and death certificate for all branches and all members of the family, others limit it to only the neccessities on the direct line. It can add up, but it is something you need to be willing to invest in.
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I will have a look at my profile and see if I need to add bits. Thanks for the tip.
I don't mind spending a bit of money, but im just a minion for a large supermarket so supply is limited. I've purchased some old Warrington maps from the Scottish library with the streets my nan mentions in her memory notes. Going to be looking at those this weekend and re reading the notes
Thankyou all again x
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I will have a look at my profile and see if I need to add bits. Thanks for the tip.
I don't mind spending a bit of money, but im just a minion for a large supermarket so supply is limited. I've purchased some old Warrington maps from the Scottish library with the streets my nan mentions in her memory notes. Going to be looking at those this weekend and re reading the notes
Thankyou all again x
Slow down a little, you mention purchasing "Warrington maps from the Scottish library" unless you really wanted paper copies of the maps you could have downloaded them to your computer free of charge rather than buying them.
In a similar way there are many free resources available that can help with your research. One of the things forums such as this are useful for is to inform people of the free resources available.
Other resource are available online on subscription sites but some subscription sites open their records to everyone at various times of the year at no cost.
The major subscription sites are often available free at libraries up and down the country a few of these libraries also allow their members to access the resources from their own homes.
Family history can be expensive but with care it does not have to be.
Cheers
Guy
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Visitors to my house are welcome to decide for themselves whether they want to study my family history research or look for dust bunnies.
Martin
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An excellent free site for maps:
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/find/#zoom=6&lat=53.3995&lon=-3.0305&layers=102&b=1&point=0,0
Have a play with it. You can enter address or if the exact address does not show up, select tha town and try to scroll around to find the address. :) You can select side by side view from the top middle, which compares old and current maps, and is a great way to see the changes that have occurred. Different map series show different details - select from the menu on the left to find the one which gives the best detail.
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I did want paper maps so was happy to pay, it was about 15.00 with postage and they are huge. I plan to visit my auntie this year so it will be nice to look at them whilst revisiting my nan's, her sisters memory notes. I'm hoping that looking at the maps will jog her memory as well.
I've saved the link to the map site you recommended ruskie.
Thankyou all x