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Archiver > APG > 2000-10 > 0972490608


From: Lehmkuhl <>
Subject: Re: [APG] An Internet question
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 09:16:48 -0700


At 24/10/00 Tuesday, you wrote:
>I have recently researched several cases in which I have located information
>on the Internet and its bulletin boards or on CD-ROM disks which the client
>himself or herself created. In all cases, the clients did not inform me
>ahead of time about that information. In a couple of cases, this involved
>significant new information not listed in the records the client sent to me.
>In my client reports, I have noted the existence of the information, for two
>reasons: first, because I belive that doing so is required by genealogical
>standards -- it is part of informing the client of the research process that
>I used. Second, I describe the Internet information in the report because
>reports are often distributed by clients to their relatives, and these
>relatives are not as intimately familiar with the background as is the
>clients.
>The problem is, several clients have become extremely upset by this. They
>view it as sending them back information that they already knew. But, as
>noted above, it was information that they did not provide to me when I
>started reseaerch. I add value to the information by comparing it and
>contrasting it with the primary sources I examined during the research
>process. However, this explanation does not mollify the clients. What am I
>doing wrong? (if anything)

Hi there
I have experienced the same problems.
In my brochure I have a line that states: "To enable research to commence,
I need to know what your requirements are - who are you looking for, how
far back do you want to trace, what info do you already know, etc... It is
important that you provide as much detail as you know, including any prior
searches and the results, so that I have a full picture with which to start
researching and do not duplicate any research work."
Also, my research contract states: "I have provided to said Anne Lehmkuhl
all pertinent information on the subject(s) to be researched."

If I come across info on the Internet, posted by the client, which was not
given to me and impacts directly on my research work, I let the client know
that I found the data and add a line that the Internet data should've been
given to me as it has impacted on the research work I've done/am doing.
Some clients have been upset by this, but then I refer back them back to my
brochure and contract.
I have found that I too have added value to the Internet data, which
usually doesn't note the primary source.

The clients who have given me problems with this type of thing, are mostly
those who want an "instant" family tree (regardless of facts) and I have
learnt to try and avoid this type of client.
Anne Lehmkuhl (trading as Write Stuff Productions)
Professional genealogist specialising in South African genealogy & family
history research. Member of the Genealogical Society of South Africa.
Publisher of Generations - a monthly South African genealogy newsletter.
Website at http://www.rupert.net/~lkoo

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