Difference between revisions of "Help:Overview"
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There are also a few things that the site is ''not''. These needs are better met by [https://familysearch.org/tree FamilySearch], personal genealogy databases, published books and documents, etc.: | There are also a few things that the site is ''not''. These needs are better met by [https://familysearch.org/tree FamilySearch], personal genealogy databases, published books and documents, etc.: | ||
| − | * ''Not a database.'' Every fact about every person of interest does not belong here. The goal is to extract the most interesting bits from existing databases and records, and use them to tell a story. So, for example, it's rarely useful to talk about the date on which something occurred: | + | * ''Not a database.'' Every fact about every person of interest does not belong here. The goal is to extract the most interesting bits from existing databases and records, and use them to tell a story. So, for example, it's rarely useful to talk about the full date on which something occurred: just a year is usually sufficient. |
* ''Not authoritative.'' Generally, every fact about a person should be backed up by an authoritative source. In the wiki, while it's good practice to clarify which facts are speculative, we're not concerned with properly citing the source of every fact. Instead, the citations are implicit: FamilySearch or a referenced document should provide the source details for all information on the page. | * ''Not authoritative.'' Generally, every fact about a person should be backed up by an authoritative source. In the wiki, while it's good practice to clarify which facts are speculative, we're not concerned with properly citing the source of every fact. Instead, the citations are implicit: FamilySearch or a referenced document should provide the source details for all information on the page. | ||
* ''Not public.'' Since the wiki is private, things posted here will not directly benefit anybody outside the small circle of users with access. Since genealogy work benefits greatly from collaboration, it's a good idea be engaged in public forums, too. | * ''Not public.'' Since the wiki is private, things posted here will not directly benefit anybody outside the small circle of users with access. Since genealogy work benefits greatly from collaboration, it's a good idea be engaged in public forums, too. | ||
It should be clear that this is not a replacement for other Family History resources—it's complementary. For example, each family page contains links to FamilySearch; personal databases can be uploaded and shared; work in FamilySearch and elsewhere can be coordinated in discussion spaces; new sources can be uploaded, made public, and referenced from other sites; etc. | It should be clear that this is not a replacement for other Family History resources—it's complementary. For example, each family page contains links to FamilySearch; personal databases can be uploaded and shared; work in FamilySearch and elsewhere can be coordinated in discussion spaces; new sources can be uploaded, made public, and referenced from other sites; etc. | ||
Revision as of 20:15, 31 July 2015
What Is This?
The Ludlow Family Wiki is a place for family members to learn about and share our family history. It was created with a few major goals in mind:
- Accessibility. Most importantly, the site makes it easy to learn about our ancestors. Its focus is on telling families' stories, designating a page for each ancestor family that presents a complete picture of family members' lives. Photos, stories, and landmarks are featured prominently, encouraging a personal connection.
- Free-form structure. The software is flexible and can be used in whatever way is convenient. A certain basic structure is encouraged on each page, but within that framework, text, tables, charts, etc., can all be put to good use. Special-purpose needs can be addressed with special, nonstandard pages.
- Collaboration. Anyone with access to the wiki can make changes. This lets us share our knowledge and resources, rather than leaving each person to rediscover the same things. Logs, email notifications, and discussion areas facilitate cooperation.
- Privacy. Access is usually restricted to family members, as determined by membership in a Facebook group. A big benefit of restricted access is that we're free to document details about living people—and it's often much easier to collect this information while they're alive!
There are also a few things that the site is not. These needs are better met by FamilySearch, personal genealogy databases, published books and documents, etc.:
- Not a database. Every fact about every person of interest does not belong here. The goal is to extract the most interesting bits from existing databases and records, and use them to tell a story. So, for example, it's rarely useful to talk about the full date on which something occurred: just a year is usually sufficient.
- Not authoritative. Generally, every fact about a person should be backed up by an authoritative source. In the wiki, while it's good practice to clarify which facts are speculative, we're not concerned with properly citing the source of every fact. Instead, the citations are implicit: FamilySearch or a referenced document should provide the source details for all information on the page.
- Not public. Since the wiki is private, things posted here will not directly benefit anybody outside the small circle of users with access. Since genealogy work benefits greatly from collaboration, it's a good idea be engaged in public forums, too.
It should be clear that this is not a replacement for other Family History resources—it's complementary. For example, each family page contains links to FamilySearch; personal databases can be uploaded and shared; work in FamilySearch and elsewhere can be coordinated in discussion spaces; new sources can be uploaded, made public, and referenced from other sites; etc.
