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Archiver > GEN-MEDIEVAL > 1999-09 > 0938721417


From: Kay Allen AG <>
Subject: Re: Ruvigny
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 12:56:57 -0700


D. Spencer Hines wrote:
>
> This is so good it bears repeating:
>
> | As with all these "authoritative" works, the rule has to be: use
> | it as a guide, a starting point, but don't rely on someone else to
> | do your work for you - if you can, verify the information in original
> | sources. Any compiler tends to follow those who have gone before, and
> | it's amazing how something can acquire the aura of 'established fact'
> | just because the well-known X repeats what he finds in the works of
> | the well-respected Y.
> |
> | Regards
> | Peter Freeman
> | University of Leeds
>
> And, never rely on just a <single> genealogical source --- unless there
> is <absolutely> no alternative. Confirm a genealogical fact by
> "triangulating" with other independent sources --- if possible.
>
> One of the significant problems, however, as we saw right here on
> <soc.genealogy.medieval> quite recently, is that often, when one asks
> for confirmation from someone, they take offense.
>
> "What, you are questioning my genealogical data! How dare you!"
>
> Then, if you discover that someone _has_ made a transcriptional error or
> error of some other sort, they may get really heated.

People don't mind if they are asked in a gracious polite manner if they
might have made a mistake. However, your method of inquiry is usualy
perceived as being confrontational. This is why people react as they do.

Kay Allen AG
>
> "Why it was just a <typo>, a human error. I'm never going to give you
> anything again, because you embarrassed me in front of my friends and
> clients!"
>
> So, people back off and don't confirm data --- for fear that they will
> "offend" someone. I see it happen all the time.
>
> There are flawed GEDCOMS and other genealogical data all over the WWW
> that remain uncorrected.
>
> Why?
>
> Because, folks are afraid that if they draw the errors to the attention
> of the folks who have contributed the data, and/or put it up, into a web
> page, that they will cease cooperating and perhaps just pull the data.
>
> People often stay quiet out of fear and greed.
>
> D. Spencer Hines
>
> Lux et Veritas et Libertas
> --
>
> D. Spencer Hines --- Warriors --- "There is much tradition and mystique
> in the bequest of personal weapons to a surviving comrade in arms. It
> has to do with a continuation of values past individual mortality.
> People living in a time made safe for them by others may find this
> difficult to understand." _Hannibal_, Thomas Harris, Delacorte Press,
> [1999], p. 397.

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