{"id":149,"date":"2014-01-17T03:55:16","date_gmt":"2014-01-17T08:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tngenweb.org\/hawkins2\/?page_id=149"},"modified":"2017-06-20T22:45:40","modified_gmt":"2017-06-21T02:45:40","slug":"queries-message-boards-mailing-lists","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tngenweb.org\/hawkins\/sharing\/queries-message-boards-mailing-lists\/","title":{"rendered":"Queries, Message Boards & Mailing Lists"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most valuable benefits of the Internet for family and local historians is  the ability to share information worldwide, usually instantaneously.  Someone thousands of miles away, previously unknown to us, may have the solution to a decades-old research problem.  Likewise, we may hold the answers to others’ long-term mysteries.<\/p>\n

The Internet makes it easy to find and contact other researchers that share our ancestry and interests.  We can broadcast our problems and brick walls for others to review and respond to.  This process of “broadcasting” is known as a “query.”  You may also wish to publicize information you have collected, such as an index to a book.  This is known as a “help,” but queries and helps are grouped together in on-line forums.<\/p>\n

There are two basic methods for publicizing your queries and helps.  One is a message board, where you post a message on the Web.  Others read and respond to your message  in their own time.  The other is an e-mail discussion list, where messages are posted and read through your e-mail program.  Please note that there is on-line etiquette, known as “netiquette,” that you should practice.  An old, but still applicable, source is Mailing List Manners 101<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n

If you are new to family and local history research, you may need help developing queries.  Click here<\/a> for a very good, short instruction message.  Here are some recommended guidelines:<\/p>\n