APG-L Archives

Archiver > APG > 2001-12 > 1007249535


From: "Diane C. Russell" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Rootsweb CA birth indexes removed??
Date: Sat, 01 Dec 2001 18:32:15 -0500
References: <29.1eb12339.293a8a7b@aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <29.1eb12339.293a8a7b@aol.com>


1. The MyFamily/Ancestry/Rootweb suits have clearly betrayed their
customer base by deleting several databases containing publicly
available vital records. They have taken this action without any
consultation with, or opportunity for rebuttal by, or explanation to,
their customer. They should be advocates for the genealogical
community and for access to public records, not censors. This will
harm the credibility of Ancestry/Rootsweb in the genealogical
community. We ought to let them (the suits, not the help desk or
support people) know that they've made a big mistake and should
rectify it NOW.

2. A lot of this censorship is caused by sensationalism in the
hypocritical press. Newspapers publish scare articles about invasions
of privacy at the same time they routinely publish names and other
identifying information, and many newspapers (most notably the New
York Times) require some personal information before allowing access
to their online editions (who knows what they do with the data they
collect). Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! Every article
in the press that attacks genealogy as an invasion of privacy should
be answered with a flood of letter pointing out their hypocrisy.

3. Perhaps it is time for someone in the genealogical community to
start a database, website or mailing list that routinely identifies
and tracks the actions of elected officials, and major appointed
officials, at ALL levels of geovernment, who work to censor or
restrict access to public records or promote other actions that are
not in the best interests of genealogists. Many genealogists were
quick to praise the elected officials who supported the family history
month concept. With an election less than a year away, let's make
sure the people also know who the bad guys are.

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