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Archiver > TMG > 2002-08 > 1028416391


From:
Subject: Re: [TMG] Re: Questionable Source Cites; Internet
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 2002 19:13:11 EDT


All genealogical information published, whether it be published in a
traditional method or on the Internet, requires full source citation. This
is discussed in full on pages 3-4 of The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual
(Washington, D.C.: Board for Certification of Genealogists, 2000).

The source citations need to accompany the material they document; a note
indicating that the citations are available upon request really isn't good
enough.

If the reason given for not posting sources along with data on the Internet
is simply concern that one's work will be copied without proper credit being
given, then why bother posting it at all? With or without proper source
citation, our work may be copied. That is a risk we all take when publishing
online. But, copying is not unique to the Internet. Published work can be
copied from books, journals or other media just as easily.

On the flip side, it is very important to cite the data as we found it. If
data is found online that cites a will, it is not enough to cite the will:
we haven't actually used the will. We did use the website, and that is the
source that should be cited. The source citation for the website can in turn
note that the website author used the original will. (TMGs excellent Sources
for This Source feature makes this simple.)

One other note, finding a source is wonderful but it is only half the battle.
The real job is finding the best source among all the possible sources.

Mark

Mark

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