As below
I have been asked by our Ward Family History Consultants Group to ask you questions regarding procedures to be taken when we have a problem of other people inserting information etc. on our family line in Family Search. Examples to follow:
1. A member of the church insists on inputting female family names using the married name for surname rather than the birth name, he has been contacted and explained that the maiden name should be used for clarity and temple ordinances, but he insists that is the way he was taught in Mexico and every time the name is corrected and cards printed for temple work, he proceeds to change it back. So if the persons birth name is Jane Doe and her married name is Smith, he will input it as Jane Doe Smith.
2. Non members using Family Search, merging names that are proven to be incorrect.
3. Members merging names that are incorrect and temple work being done for both correct and incorrect information.
4. Non member inserting incorrect names such as nicknames or abbreviated names and merging with correctly input names. Example Constance input as Connie, or Margaret as Betty and so forth.
In the cases of non members contacting them and explaining the correct way has not shown any results of change and further contact could upset or discourage them from doing research.
5. Regulations regarding still born children who have been named and buried but not registered and adopted children where you have the birth name and parent and the adopted name currently being used.
I thank you for your patience in helping us resolve some of these issues.
Tricia Ross
Answers
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The great thing about a collaborative tree is you can make the corrections. There are help articles on most of these topics and you should look at them and share them, maybe they can help. Search maiden name rules, Stillborn, merging, etc.
Because you cannot usually change other's behavior, yes you can alert them with a kind message but I find usually the best thing to do is if the change is correct--you are making it to follow the guidelines which for example not having a nickname -- then make the change. You do not always need permission, leave a good reason statement. Make sure alternate names are listed in the correct section. If you are leaving the person better off, that is good. Teaching others we work with the guidelines helps too, but we can only do so much.
I have had both good and bad interactions when trying to communicate with others, most do not like being told they are doing it wrong. But I helped a younger cousin, learn the correct way to do it. Assume everyone it trying their best and make corrections when needed and ignore some things if that is best too. It is not worth and edit war.
Always follow the documents and sources when merging and give good reason statements and information. The tree will never be perfect but we can always try to make our little branch better.
Cindy
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I agree with Cindy - the wonderful thing is we can make corrections when mistakes are entered - nothing here is set in stone.
compare that to the way things used to be with the IGI - where it was almost impossible to change things.
here is a writeup on the subject that I did:
https://community.familysearch.org/s/feed/0D53A00004Z18D0SAJ
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As to Maiden name versus Married Name
simply share people the guidelines
https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-to-enter-names-in-family-tree
and tactfully let them know they are not following guidelines if they enter women under their married name.
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and I dont think its non members who are the majority of the problems
we have just as many issues with church members.
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In the case of names - alternate names can be entered - bith nick names and legal names - they can all be entered - simply as alternate names.
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Many thanks to all of you for your help
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education, training, sharing of guidelines and policies, and patience and tact go a very long way . . ..
in the end this is a collaborative system - where people can choose not to follow the guidelines. But most people will usually respond to tactful guidance.
in the end - if they adamantly choose to enter their family in a certain way - so be it.
we are not the "police force" of FamilySearch. and in many of these cases it does not invalidate the record/temple ordinance.
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