Duplicate Data

LegacyUser

James K. Arbuckle said: I am frustrated with some aspects of the way data can be added, particularly when I add new information or corrections to existing data. I often, by accident, create duplicates. I must be missing something in this process.
To explain, first of all the data I input is my families data, the names, DOB, DOD, DOM, the locations of this data is from our families history log's, bibles, etc. I have spent hours accumulating and entering the information then I find data been already added. The really issue is the process of data reconciliation, getting the data down to one reliable source. I have used the on-line chat service, procedures have been emailed to me - I go through procedures and still end up with errors.
Bottom line I have data for at least 75 people and I have more coming, BUT I give up. I am not going to waste my time anymore adding data and trying to help. I'll still use the product, but I am not adding data confusion.
Thank you Jim

LegacyUser

Jeff Wiseman said: James,

Sorry for your frustration. But welcome to the FamilySearch Feedback forum on GetSatisfaction.com.

I first just wanted to make sure that you are aware that the FamilySearch FamilyTree is a huge (over 1.2 Billion names), SINGLE tree that is open edit and shared by everyone. Many people who come onto this site initially are confused because they think that the site works like many commercial sites such as Ancestry.com where you have your own personal space for you to record trees and other data in where no-one else can touch them.

Your private space on the FSFT, is only for recording persons that are still alive. As soon as someone is deceased, they become accessible for viewing and modification in the FamilyTree by anyone else in the system.

As far as your other ancestors and relatives go, you will find that many of them are already in the system. Furthermore, the "errors" that you are seeing on those persons may very well be correct. You will need to look at all the sources and notes that are attached to those individuals to see if your information is more correct or not.

If it is more correct, you need to change the data on the record and then add the sources and notes that support your decision to make the change.

LegacyUser

Jordi Kloosterboer said: Usually, when you add a new person, it checks the database and looks for possible matches. Then, you can open those matches in a new tab and see if it is a match before matching it to the person.

LegacyUser

JimGreene said: Hi James, I think the others have explained well some of the differences between this Family Tree and other online trees and services. I just want to add that your natural inclination to add your family's information is correct, but you just need to do some of the steps in a different order. Rather than add the information first it would be better to establish what part of your tree already exists (remember, any person who lived over 100 years ago or more can have hundreds, even thousands of descendants alive today. Those from the 1600's can have millions. Some may well have beaten you here.), then look at what information is missing and only add what is missing in a well sourced and noted way. In other words use the existing tree as your baseline and not your own data, and build from there. I think you'll see it works a lot better that way. I hope you are not too discouraged. The community approach to tree building is proven to lead to better results. Please stay with us.