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Keeping your query simple, specific and to the point will increase the likelihood that someone will read it, recognize similarities in their family, and respond. | Keeping your query simple, specific and to the point will increase the likelihood that someone will read it, recognize similarities in their family, and respond. | ||
=== Search first === | |||
Before you post a query, search the message board to see if someone has already posted a query. It may be more effective to respond to someone else's query than to start your own on a similar subject. | |||
=== Subject line === | === Subject line === | ||
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"Need Help" or "Help Finding My Grandmother" does not communicate who, where, when, or any information that may lead you to an answer. | "Need Help" or "Help Finding My Grandmother" does not communicate who, where, when, or any information that may lead you to an answer. | ||
=== Message content === | === Message content === | ||
As simply as possible, share what you DO know and where you found it, or where you've looked. For example: | As simply as possible, share what you DO know and where you found it, or where you've looked. For example: | ||
*"I can find the family in the 1850 census in California, and the 1870 census in Illinois, but have been unable to locate them in 1860." | *"I can find the family in the 1850 census in California, and the 1870 census in Illinois, but have been unable to locate them in 1860." | ||
*"My great grandmother's death certificate gives her birthplace as New York, but the 1900 census shows Germany, and the 1910 says New Jersey." | *"My great grandmother's death certificate gives her birthplace as New York, but the 1900 census shows Germany, and the 1910 says New Jersey." | ||
=== Summarize your purpose === | === Summarize your purpose === | ||
Summarize your message by stating what you hope to find. Are you trying to find all the living descendants for a family reunion, or trying to match a missing piece of heirloom china? Do you want a photo of a headstone or help finding a marriage license? Be specific but brief.<br> | Summarize your message by stating what you hope to find. Are you trying to find all the living descendants for a family reunion, or trying to match a missing piece of heirloom china? Do you want a photo of a headstone or help finding a marriage license? Be specific but brief.<br> | ||
=== Include contact information === | === Include contact information === | ||
Be sure to include sufficient contact information so that someone reading your message a day or a year or ten years from now could contact you. For safety reasons, do not provide your home address or phone number. If the site you're using required you to create a log-in and password to post your message, keep a record of the site so that you can go back and update your information if you change internet services providers or e-mail addresses. | Be sure to include sufficient contact information so that someone reading your message a day or a year or ten years from now could contact you. For safety reasons, do not provide your home address or phone number. If the site you're using required you to create a log-in and password to post your message, keep a record of the site so that you can go back and update your information if you change internet services providers or e-mail addresses. | ||