Citing sources guide

[vinpip]

Hi
Can someone point me in the direction of an idiots guide on how to properly cite sources please.

Much appreciated

[KGarrad]

Citing sources is surely just putting something down that enables you to find the source again?
I've never considered a "proper" way?!

So, for censuses, I usually quote:
Class (HO107, RG09, RG10, etc)
Piece Number
Folio Number
Page Number

For Civil Registration, I quote:
Type of event (Birth, Marriage or Death)
Year
Quarter
Registration District
Volume Number
Page Number

Anything else, I quote:
The title of the document
Where the document can be found (the repository?)
And identifying marks to enable me to locate the document
The volume/page numbers where applicable.

[Rosinish]

I do all of the above as KG does but where possible I also add a web link to pages.

Annie

[vinpip]

Thanks KGarrad and Rosinish

That's very helpful indeed!
I've always relied on Ancestry saving the information for me, so now I've decided to download family tree software I'm a bit at a loss.

Thank you again. I'm on the right track now

[StevieSteve]

Googling idiots guide on how to properly cite genealogical sources shows it can get complicated (I would say painful & tiresome)  depending on how you define 'properly'

https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Citation_Baby_Steps

[vinpip]

  I need an idiots guide to the idiots guide StevieSteve !

[KGarrad]

I would add that the only "proper" way is . . . . . whatever works for you!

As long as you, yourself, understand the references, what does it matter whether it's "proper" (whatever that is!).

Try using FamilySearch?
Then omit any reference to FamilySearch itself (unless it's a film number) or Ancestry, or FindMyPast, or any other online database.

[Marmalady]

I just make a note so that I know where the info came from so that I can find it again if needs be

so I might say "1851 census" or "freeBMD" or "email from xxx"

It is "my" tree compiled for my benefit -- so if anyone else doesnt like how I do it --then tuff! 

Cross-posted --but seems KGarrard sees it the same way too

[vinpip]

    Thanks Marmalady & KGarrad it's good to know that!

I do tend to cripple myself about wanting to do everything "properly" it's a bit of an affliction