unwanted search results
How can I do a simple direct precise search without getting a lot of suggestions that I don't want. When it does give me options that might be useful, with an actual document to look at, then how do I get back to the previous screen without having to start all over again?
Generally I want to look at b,m,d and census records for specific names, or locations, rather than looking for what someone else has posted.
I have done searches for a specific location in France, and end up getting records in the Netherlands and England as well as France. When I only want France and had ticked 'exact' why does this happen?
I find this new system very frustrating.
Answers
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Oh boy - you just laid the bait didn't you - ok here goes...
Official FamilySearch articles to help you with Searching (it's always best to first look for any official guidance):
Beginner search article - I recommend that you review this article first (pay close attention to 'filter')
The beginner article indicates FamilySearch guided research may benefit you as well (they are providing an alternative to help guide you to results rather than Search - it might be worth a shot. Perhaps this explains some of the changes in Search.)
Expert search article - it seems like you could get a little from this article as well (although it doesn't really go into much depth - after all those reading it are 'experts' right?)
Line by line individual response:
How can I do a simple direct precise search without getting a lot of suggestions that I don't want?
I know right - why cannot I get the results I want?! You "cannot have your cake and eat it too" (usually) - you have to use what Search FamilySearch provides (reality/ 'what is') - if you don't get the Results you want - you can:
Search> Records response:
1. Change your Search filters and continue narrowing the Results from the initial parameters/results - this reduces the number of Results from your initial parameter search. Theoretically and hopefully - after you filter - your desired search result will be near the top of the Results.
2. Do a new Search - Change your search parameters.
3. Try some other Search method - perhaps Search by Collection or Search by Place.
Extended general search responses:
4. If the person you are Searching already has a FamilySearch PID (person id) in Family Tree - you can search using FamilySearch's 'recommended query format' by browsing to that person in the Tree - and in the right-hand column click Search Records: FamilySearch. In addition there are other record collection organizations/businesses here that you can search - not only FamilySearch (sometimes this is helpful - for example I have heard one of the newer partners - Filae - kind of specializes in French records - which may be helpful for you).
5. I assume this (#4 above) is where Record Hints come from - so if you prefer an even more passive form of 'searching' (just let FamilySearch Hint records search for you instead of you actively performing searches) you can go to the main FamilySearch page (the start page when you login) and under Recommended Tasks choose Records (if you see more than that) - there you can review Hints generated by FamilySearch that are POSSIBLE records to attach to persons in your Family Tree (I say your because these hints will be for someone you are related to in Family Tree). NOTICE: Record Hints can be very bad and not a match to the person they are being hinted on - but that's not a problem - instead of attaching a record to someone it doesn't match - choose DISMISS MATCH. I have heard in the past this not only helps your Tree - teaching the Record Hint engine how to search for your relations better - but it helps those to whom the record may match (Record Hint engine knows to look for another match). Comment: I wish the Record Hint engine would see whether the collection is already attached in Sources.
6. If all else fails and you cannot find records or think you may have a brick wall in your research - try a Virtual Consultation with a FamilySearch representative. They can probably even help give you an idea/plan - along the lines of 'guided research' (above) to assist you with your search. I commonly find that I need to consult others that know more about the areas I am interested in searching - or that have some specialized knowledge concerning the collections available. Sometimes they just help keep me from being distracted and more focused on the next part of my search. I sure am glad for the direction I have gotten over the years to help me understand 'where to look' and 'what is and isn't available'. I still have brick walls - and I still keep searching... I ain't no expert and don't claim to be - just 'giving back' a little - hopefully it helps ...
When it does give me options that might be useful, with an actual document to look at, then how do I get back to the previous screen without having to start all over again?
Generally - use your browser BACK arrow or keyboard shortcut (Alt + Left arrow on Windows OS) - this should take you back - from a document or Index Result you found interesting - to the Search parameters and the Results that were returned.
Generally I want to look at b,m,d and census records for specific names, or locations, rather than looking for what someone else has posted.
Ok, great you know what sources you are after. You may want to use 'Search by Collection' or you can use Collection filters to narrow your Results to these types of collections. You will want to click on the Index icon - the little notepad looking one - or the Camera icon - to view the Index or the document image. These are typically found at right-hand side for any Result entry that your search returns. The Tree icon is for sources already attached in Family Tree (you mention you typically don't want to view that - but this is also where you would attach the record to your relation in Family Tree - if the record matches).
I have done searches for a specific location in France, and end up getting records in the Netherlands and England as well as France. When I only want France and had ticked 'exact' why does this happen?
Without your specific search parameters - it might be difficult to say why you got those results. You can get results from other locations for any number of reasons - including errors in indexing, errors/similarity in place names, search parameters from default 'Any' Life Event, etc. ... You may want to try 'Search by Place' - which should only return collections from that 'location'.
You ticked/checked the box Exact for the Place? Theoretically this should return only Results from the Exact location - but as I am mentioning there could be errors or other factors. If you want an exact response as to Results received then you will need to post your Search URL (copy the address of your Search and paste it into your post here).
I find this new system very frustrating.
Join the chorus - you will find these sentiments all over Community. Enjoy your Search!
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Thank you for your very specific answers to my specific questions. I wish searching was as straightforward. However, i will try your suggestions and hope for a better experience.
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