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Archiver > TMG > 2002-08 > 1028236500


From: Terry Reigel <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] Source standards -- was Mills Source for Memorial?
Date: Thu, 01 Aug 2002 17:15:43 -0400
References: <KBEEJNHPFAMCGLNKDFEFIELLEHAA.rdamon@beltronicsinc.com> <000f01c23994$275acb80$c735dd18@master>


Cliff Soderback wrote:

> I believe the object is to prove or disprove the unverified information.
> The danger is in misleading people in the future that the information is
> fact, when it has not been verified.

Agreed!

> <SNIP> I really don't think either one of them implied
> that
> the source should be Aunt Martha's diary, with the repository as her top
> dresser drawer.

I don't have Lackey's book, but Mills certainly did. Look at the example for Bible Record, pg 65 - note that
the example is privately held. And especially at Diary or Journal (Manuscript) pg 79, which is exactly that - a
personal journal whose current location appears to be uncertain. Or at E-mail Message, Electronic Database
(Family File), or Electronic File (Image from private files - annotated) pp 80-81. Or Electronic File
-Listserve Message, Electronic Website, or Family Group Sheet (with annotations) pp 82-83. Or Interview, pg 85
- note that the subject in the example is now dead and the transcript is privately held. Or Newspaper Clipping
(Unidentified) pg 93, in which the only known copy is privately held.

> Many times there is no way of ever verifying the information and it should
> be recorded as such. One never knows that maybe sometime in the future you
> will be able to verify the information(this has happened to me many times).
> My point is that information should not be implied as verified, when it is
> not.

That is exactly why I record every source, as accurately as possible - so the exact character of the source of
the information is fully disclosed. Then the reader can judge accurately how well the information has been
verified.

And I take special pains to accurately describe one of a kind sources, so the information in them can be
preserved and distributed the best way I can. I leave it to the reader to judge if he or she trusts my reading
of them, but at least they know of the information and everything I know about the source.

Terry Reigel

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