NEW-ZEALAND-L Archives

Archiver > NEW-ZEALAND > 2005-06 > 1119389200


From: "Chris Bartlett" <>
Subject: RE: [NZ] NZSG
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2005 09:26:40 +1200
In-Reply-To: <017701c57641$d625cb00$0200a8c0@IBM9FC0657401A>


Hello All

I am also a member of the NZSG but had completed most of my
research before I joined. Most of my research was done at the
NZ archives, Auckland library and from LDS films but with a
huge amount of help from lists which have made contacts and
sharing so easy. Some of the information once available at the
archives is now only available from the NZSG.

I believe the NZSG needs to reassess the release of information
and help to others outside the society particularly those who
are overseas. The internet has changed the way we research and
the present policy is out of line with the way other FHS now
think. I am sure most New Zealanders would have found themselves
in the same situation as myself when searching the United Kingdom
and would have had to join 10 or more FHS if they all had the
same attitude.

I remember the same arguments on English lists 5 or 6 years ago
from different FHS but the attitude has not persisted. Many have
had a change of heart, some now publish on the net and others
provide assistance to all their relevant lists. Some have helped
me directly without me being a member. Oxfordshire is a good
example where anyone on the list will receive help and in return
the OFHS benefit from sales of CDs and fiche from their library.
CambridgeshireFHS now has the equivalent of our NZSG index CD on
the net available for all and they make their income from sales of
the backup information.

Going back to the original request that started this tread. The
request appeared to be for specific family information written by
someone of the same name as the person making the request and
possibly related. The information was probably provided free to the
NZSG so others researching the name could find and obtain the
information. I think a bit more flexibility is required here. Yes,
there is copyright but I would be very upset if I had provided that
information and it was not passed on the another possible family
member.

regards
Chris Bartlett

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