Is it appropriate to discuss family media/memory policies here?

Gordon Taylor1

Since there is currently no memories policy limits or definition as to content, we are suggesting a minimum of 5-10 Pic/media per person as primary/secondary sources (if possible). We are also planning on a step approach with vital data first with sources, if possible. Then timeline/events with sources and media to follow related to personal history/genealogy.

AnneLoForteWillson

@Gordon Taylor1 You can add these policies to your Family Group Rules, but be aware that FamilySearch has not set any policies of this sort.

Bosch

Since there is currently no memories policy limits

There is a limit of 1000 memories per individual. In fact, I was worried about what would happen if after the creation of family groups someone wanted to merge a copy with 401 photos and another one with 601 photos.

American Family Historian

Gordon,

I think those would be great guidelines for a Family Group. I would definitely include that in your group's description, if you would like your family members to share what is truly important to them. Obviously for deceased ancestors, Memories are a great way of documenting facts, and ensuring that details aren't accidentally changed or lost over the years.

As Bosch points out, we do currently have a limit when it comes to tagging people in Memories. Only 1,000 memories can be tagged to each person. There is no limit to the number you can upload to your Gallery, but if you have more than 5 to 6 thousand in the "My Memories" folder, people have noticed their Gallery may stop loading thumbnails. This is an issue we are working to address.

But in the meantime, it's a great idea to teach family members what is important to share on FamilySearch, and maybe what is better left on Facebook or in Google Photos.

Everyone has different feelings on what is important. Maybe for you, 5 photos that document the most important moments of your life are enough. For others, the 1,000 limit seems shocking and surprising, as they would love to share every vacation, holiday, and special event. We don't wish to discourage anyone, and we are doing our best to support the growing number of photos and stories being uploaded each day.

Definitely do be careful when sharing documents about living family members. Some are better left offline completely, such as, birth certificates, driver's licenses, social security cards, passports, etc. Documents like these should never be shared, unless completely necessary. (Or at least, not until long after a person is deceased and identity theft is no longer a risk.)

Thank you for the feedback!

~Stacy L.