Fixing the tree
I'm trying to fix my tree again for Roots Tech. It is a mess. Branches are gone, wrong persons are linked to spouses and children. Why can't we establish a standard where verified information can be locked so people cannot change it? It is unfair that others can undo all our hard work.
Best Answers
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Melinda
Furthermore ...
Just in passing ...
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 ...
All that one can really do, is 'Monitor', one's "Ancestral" Lines, for 'wayward' CHANGES, by OTHER Users/Patrons.
Nothing more, nothing less ...
As an aside ...
IF, you were not already aware; THEN, ...
In "Family Tree", of "FamilySearch' ...
We have the ability to "Watch" (Oops, sorry, 'old school', "Follow"), up to a MAXIMUM of x4000 individuals/persons, at any given time.
Basically ...
It is a matter, of "Following", one's MOST important Ancestors.
Just to keep on top, of any 'wayward' CHANGES.
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; as, they happen/transpire/unfold.
Just my thoughts.
Brett
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Melinda McRae I maintain my tree in both FamilySearch and Ancestry, and actually have multiple trees in Ancestry. I feel sorry for people who seem to have others sneak in and change the FamilySearch tree. That has rarely happened to me and when it has I have sent them messages with links to sources explaining why I believe my updates are correct, or their changes are incorrect. I let them know I will be making changes and to contact me if they have any questions. That situation is extremely rare, and my changes in those cases were not reversed. Most of the time when someone actually responds, I end up with a good collaboration experience. I have had the best collaborative experience in FamilySearch, to be honest. I have come in contact with relatives who are so distant we probably aren't DNA matches, and one of them set up a private Facebook group for us to collaborate on a particular branch. Most of them are in Europe, some don't speak any English and it is quite an incredible experience. We have exchanged some pretty amazing and unique information, again, probably not possible through DNA connections. Additionally, as a separate topic, I have also been able to make available much information about family friends and business clients of my ancestors. I have inherited QUITE a stash of such information, and uploading those memories and sources to non-family records are simply not productive and will never become properly searchable in places like Ancestry. In FamilySearch it is possible to update these person records because of the world tree.
I recommend you spend more time nursing your tree along and try collaborating with people updating those records. It might be just as interesting as the RootsTech contacts.
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Answers
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Melinda
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Just in passing ...
You are not alone ...
MANY; Many; many, of us, ... have been there ... done that ... still do ...
Many of us have had 'wayward' "Changes" made to our "Ancestral" Lines ...
Now ...
That Said ...
Your Question:
Why can't we establish a standard where verified information can be locked so people cannot change it?
Short Answer:
Because, one DOES NOT have a "Tree", in the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch'.
Please be aware, that technically, you DO NOT have a "Tree", in "Family Tree", of 'FamilySearch' ...
Please let me explain ...
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, we DO NOT have, a "Tree", in "Family Tree", of 'FamilySearch', than is common misconception.
And, OTHER Users/Patrons, DO NOT need/require, our (ie. one's) "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.
Just my thoughts.
I know, that this certainly does not help/assist; but, I hope, that this provides you, with some additional, insight; and, perspective.
Brett
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thanks Brett. this really only becomes an issue at RootsTech as I don't maintain my tree on FS. I probably should just give up and check on the folks who show up as my relatives and then follow up if they really aren't. Like when I find my great grandmother suddenly turned into another person.... annoying.
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Gail - that is a good idea. I'm usually doing this frantically for RootsTech and ignoring it the rest of the time. I need to look at this as another resource.
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@Melinda McRae, that's a hoot! I would just wait for the RootsTech kerfuffle to pass.
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Enjoyed reading all your comments about other people changing the information on your Tree ( sorry everyone's tree) even though the tree is in your name Hmmm, strange!!! when I know for certain the information is correct.
I do realize all this is a work in progress, but...when you have proof positive, such as birth, marriage, death certificates and actually lived with some of these ancestors and someone comes along and randomly changes it, it is very frustrating!
Like most of you, I have several trees, one with Ancestry and my personal Family Tree Maker which actually (paid for) does belong to me, I do appreciate the Value of Family Search, they provide a great service to us researchers without any cost and after all is said and done, we chose to submit our information!
Happy researching everyone.
Betty P.
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I am one of those "fixers" that is probably not too popular with some folks, but I do try to only make changes I am sure of for the most part. Unfortunatley when I make a mistake, which does happen to all of us, I can't figure out how to fix it. And I can't seem to get anyone to help me figure out how??
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@lesliechapman1, well, it rather depends on exactly what you need to fix... Perhaps you should start a new thread (go to https://community.familysearch.org/en/categories/family-tree and click the blue "+Ask A Question" button at the top of the right-hand column). Include the specifics of your question, such as the IDs of the profiles involved, what it is that's currently wrong, and what the correct conclusions should be. There are many helpful people here on these forums who will be happy to help you sort things out.
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