Others changing your tree without permission
Multiple times I have had people change my tree and not give valid documentation to do so and the system allows them to do this. I go in and change it back and they change it again. We do a really good job of documenting what we put up. Not everyone else does. There should be some way to do like Google docs: anyone can view it, but, nobody can change yours if you restrict it. I should have to accept the change to mine, instead of having to remember and have a changing "war". Some have even been malicious. I'm all for help/suggestions, but, nobody should be able to change my tree but me!
Answers
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The FamilySearch Family Tree (FSFT) is a collective family tree for all humanity. All FS users can edit deceased persons in the FSFT, and no one owns any of the profiles or information. Thus you cannot say that people are editing "your" tree. It is just as much their tree as it is yours.
For this system to work well, users need to communicate with others, share sources, and be open to new evidence even if it contradicts what you thought you knew about your relatives.
If you encounter vandals or users who are very rude or extremely incompetent, and you are unable to resolve the situation between yourselves, then you should report the situation in this forum as you have done. Hopefully a FS staff member will respond and ask you to send them a private message so that you can explain the details. However be warned that it is rare for FS to take action.
There are plenty of other websites and software packages that allow you to build a personal family tree that no one else can edit. The FSFT doesn't work for everyone, and just one malicious user can ruin your experience with it.
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Bryan
Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Most of us TOTALLY understand your frustration ...
You are not alone ...
Many of us have had 'wayward' "Changes" made to our "Ancestral" Lines ...
But ...
That Said ...
Technically, there is no way to STOP another User/Patron working along the SAME 'Ancestral" Lines.
Unfortunately, such CANNOT be prevented.
As, basically, we are all related.
Your "Ancestral" Lines, are most likely ALSO another User's/Patron's "Ancestral" Lines, in fact, probably, that of quite a few other Users/Patrons.
Now ...
That Said ...
Basically, you DO NOT have, a "Tree", in "Family Tree", of 'FamilySearch', than is common misconception.
And, OTHER Users/Patrons, DO NOT need/require, your "Permission", to "Change" the information/details of "Deceased" individuals/persons, in "Family Tree", of 'FamilySearch'.
Here an old 'standby' of mine, that I have previously proffered on occasion ...
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Most new (and, some old) Users/Patrons DO NOT understand the basic 'nature' and 'premise' of "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch', when they join in.
Please let me explain ...
We do not have our OWN "Tree" in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch'.
We ONLY have "Branches" (ie. Ancestral" lines), that are interconnected, in this SINGLE "One" World "Tree", for all of us, that is "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch'.
"Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' is NOT like 'On-Line' "Websites" (eg. "Ancestry_com"; or "MyHeritage_com"; or, the like); and/or, 'standalone' personal (computer) programmes (eg, the OLD, now no longer supported, "PAF"; or, "Ancestral Quest"; or, the like).
We DO NOT have "Private"/"Personal" 'Trees' in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' like other 'On-Line' "Websites"; and/or, 'standalone' personal (computer) programmes.
We do not even, own; or, manage; and, are NOT even responsible for, the "Deceased" individuals/persons in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch'.
And, most importantly ...
We DO NOT even, own; or, manage; and, are NOT even responsible for, Our OWN "Deceased" Ancestors/Family/Relatives in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch'.
"Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' is built on a "Open Edit" Platform - hence, why any registered User/Patron can "Edit" (ie. Add, Delete; and/or, Change) ANY "Deceased" individual/person in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch'.
I hope that this gives you some, insight; and, perspective.
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In other words ... "Collaboration" ...
Of course ... often ... easier said, than done ...
[ Sometimes, no matter how hard one tries, "Collaboration", does not work ... such is life ... ]
Plus ...
We ALL make MISTAKES ...
NONE of US are PREFECT ...
None of us want to have our "Ancestral" Lines 'messed up'; but, unfortunately, it happens.
FIRSTLY ...
That is exactly why, many Users/Patrons, ALSO maintain their own PRIVATE "Database(s)" (ie. Copies) of their "Ancestral" Lines , on 'On-Line' "Websites" (eg. "Ancestry_com"; or "MyHeritage_com"; or, the like); and/or, 'standalone' personal (computer) programmes (eg, the OLD, now no longer supported, "PAF"; or, "Ancestral Quest"; or, the like).
And ...
SECONDLY ...
Unfortunately, some people like to ... 'look at life through rose coloured glasses'.
Some people, 'see' ONLY what they WANT to 'see', regardless of ALL the supporting evidence (ie. proof) that is provided/supplied/attached.
Honestly, we can ALL be 'one-eyed' like that ... at times ...
Truly ...
It is a matter of "Watching" (oops, sorry, 'old school', "Following") our MOST important Ancestors.
Just to keep on top of any 'wayward' changes.
One can "Follow", up to a Maximum of x4000 individuals/persons, at any given time.
'FamilySearch', sends one, a 'Weekly' NOTIFICATION, of ANY "Changes", that are made to those individuals/persons one "Follows".
Better still, I DO NOT 'Wait' for that 'Weekly' NOTIFICATION ...
I check, the "Changes", to those that I "Follow", on a "Daily" Basis; so that, I can keep on top of things.
More often that not, nothing needs to be done; but, at least, I have the opportunity, to be abreast of things; almost as, they happen/transpire/unfold.
Such is not the best; but, certainly better than nothing ...
Just my thoughts.
Brett
Remember:
Such, is the basic, premise; and, nature of, "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch', the SINGLE "One" World "Tree"; where, we ONLY have "Branches" (ie. Ancestral" lines), that are interconnected.
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It looks like others have answered to explain the SHARED Family Tree concept so I would like to add that the Family Tree is designed for users to collaborate, reason together , document every name, date, place and relationship in order to improve the accuracy of the tree.
1) ALL changes are tracked (see them on the righthand column of each Person Page) so that you can view them and message them through FamilySearch. Polite listing of your sources and reasoning can be exchanges.
2) The "Collaborate" tab (just under the top name banner on the Person Page) allows you to leave notes clarifying your research, facts that lead to confusion about the ancestor or distinguishing data that separates your ancestor from others with the same name, etc.
3) I use the "Life Sketch" area to note essential information family researchers need to know and why NOT to merge this person with another with the same name because they are two different individuals, etc.
4) I EVALUATE carefully every source document that I attach to make sure I attach documents that that belong to that person. SO many errors occur when a document is attached and information in it is moved into the tree BUT the document is actually for an unrelated person.
Most users are not careful researchers but patience and polite collaboration will pay off as we help each other.
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