Contributor does not respond
A contributor is adding information to a person in "my" tree that I know is incorrect. I've messaged this person and they do not respond. What do you in a situation like this?
Best Answer
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HI
As frustrating as it is to have so many incorrect changes there is nothing we can do when a guest does not answer your messages.
Thank you Family Search
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Answers
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what is the PID of the record they are making changes on?
also note - even if they don't respond - you can still gather organized details about why you think the information they have submitted is incorrect (doing so tactfully and respectfully) and add it to to various sections of the profile in a professional presentable format.
such as "Life Story", Memories Story, Sources etc.
also add sources to the profile which support your facts.
if you feel the change is blatantly false/incorrect - and you have had no luck getting the person to respond - then don't hesitate to correct the information as you know it to be correct - adding comments for your supporting evidence.
in most cases when you do the above - the person will back down - and your corrections will stick.
here are examples that I have put together - when I try top correct erroneous info in FamilySearch
http://yanceyfamilygenealogy.org/earliest.htm
http://yanceyfamilygenealogy.org/errors.htm
pdf copies of many of the above links - I have added to FS Memories to a corresponding profile - so that people will understand WHY I believe a certain way - and it will all be in public forum - and what supporting evidence there is - rather than just messages with lots of emotions going back and forth between two users - that often doesn't resolve the real issue.
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Thank you for your answer Dennis and taking the time. I will use those suggestions.
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I sent you a private message.
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Dennis has offered a lot of good suggestions. I would just add this:
To me, these incidents tell me there is a problem with the tree. I look for the problem and fix it. Almost never do I need to confront another contributor.
Think about why that other contributor is confused, what changes they are making that are wrong, and how they got to the person page.
- Is the family somehow conflated with another family? Detangle it. This can take days of research and editing, but there are people here who can help guide you.
- Are there sources attached that don't belong? Detach them.
- Are there sources attached to 2 different families? Use the source linker tool to examine all the sources. Reach it from the Sources page by clicking "View Source" then "Review Attachments".
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agreed
Try to see things from the perspective of the other person
in some cases it may be that they are blatantly careless and totally clue less as to genealogy research
but in many cases - it may at least be in part due to things that dontiknowyou alludes to.
try to build up the sources/facts/memories of the FamilyTree profile to to better reflect the supported facts and try to understand and then clarify as to those things that are causing confusion and error.
Try to keep an open mind and let the facts and supporting evidence guide you with as little pre-disposed bias - and then try to leave the profile in a state that is much better reflects what you feel are the supported facts - that can then help others avoid all the confusion and clashing facts.
then as new people come and go - the profile will be much less at risk of being taken over by false information
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You are far more charitable and patient in your approach than myself. I think this problem is a flaw in Family Search that they should address.
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FamilySearch Family Tree - is simply a "collaborative platform" - that we as users use to house our collaborative combined data.
The quality of the data to the large degree is up to the collaborative users of the platform.
When we see things - we can correct them - and if we also upload notes, source etc - in the majority of cases the correction will "stick"
Dont get me wrong - There surely are some things FamilySearch can do to help ensure better data quality - and I totally support that - but just about anything they do do - is limited in its effectiveness. There are literally millions of FS users - there is no easy way to "police/referee" conflicts of data between millions of users with a very limited volunteer force of administrators. (especially since there is no incoming financial stream from paid users - because FS is always FREE to everyone).
But if we update a profile with as many sources, notes, analysis and supporting evidence - it will be much less likely for people to mess up - our well organized and fact supported correct info.
BUT Hey - give us some idea as to how you feel the system could be improved.
and yes . . . please be charitable and patient with your cousins [fellow users] (we are all cousins to some degree). In a collaborative system interpersonal relations and how we handle them (or not) is even more important at times - than how we handle our "data". Also realize that in some cases - a lack of response - may simply be because the person isnt getting your message - for one of various reasons, including email changes, and even death.
Also realize there are many options (outside of FS) out there for a person that wants to build their own private family tree - and keep it totally in their control - let me know if you are interested in learning more.
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I am aware of some of the other private options available. I don’t know if you are LDS but I am, and need to use FS so that temple ordinances can be performed on behalf of these deceased relatives. That’s why I stay with FS.
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I am LDS also
but I myself use a third party system - that allows me to keep my own private database - but allows me to upload to FS and to in turn submit temple work.
its not black and white decision
Many people like us use a hybrid approach - getting the best of both worlds.
I use ROOTSMAGIC and then upload/sync with FS
there are various software packages that interface with FamilySearch - and allow for the use of yoru own private database.
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My approach is neither charitable nor patient, really. I value peer review and collaboration, and I am much too impatient to bother with exporting and re-importing records.
Pedigree messes here are reflections of similar or worse messes elsewhere. I fix messes here in the knowledge that my trees are being copied off FT. That is gratifying.
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some of the links are out dated
but this is a write up I wrote some time ago":
http://yanceyfamilygenealogy.org/collaborative.htm
The thing I like about programs like Roots Magic and Ancestry Quest - is that I have my own database that stays clean and pure (according to my own rules) - and in doing that work - I can still do exactly what '@dontiknowyou refers to - - using that personal / private database to in turn correct messes that exist in FS - as well as submit work for LDS temple work.
I feel I have the best of both worlds.
There is a learning curve - but once learned - I dont think it is much more than the time and effort that other uses spend fixing the data messes here in FS - - and in the end - I have my own data version - untouched by anyone else. I love that.
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Debra
Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Do not disappear ...
There are some, actions that one can take; and, options available ...
For starters, part of which you have ALREADY attempted, without success ...
Here is a "Knowledge Articles" in 'FamilySearch':
How can I prevent other people from making inaccurate changes to Family Tree?
Next ...
SIMPLY just "Remove", the incorrect "Information", from the individuals/persons, in your "Ancestral" Lines, in "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch'.
It is always best to provide as much supporting evidence (eg, Sources; Memories; "Facts" in 'Reason Statements; etc), when making such "changes".
IF, the OTHER User/Patron persists; and, in particular, DOES NOT provide, supporting evidence (eg, Sources; Memories; "Facts" in 'Reason Statements; etc), when making such "changes"; THEN, that is another matter.
Plus, always try and establish, if the OTHER User/Patron, is DIRECTLY related to, the individuals/persons, in your "Ancestral" Lines; as, such can have a bearing on whether or not, it is even really appropriate, for the OTHER User/Patron, to even be making such "changes', in the first place; and, can support what comes next.
Now ...
After that ...
As you can 'see', "Collaboration" needs to be undertaken, which you have attempted, with no response.
But, when "Collaboration" FAILS (as, in this case, no response); and, OTHER User/Patron persists in "Changing" things; and, provided that there is NO "Abuse" ...
Here is ANOTHER "Knowledge Article" in 'FamilySearch':
How do I report changes or problems made by other contributors?
comes to the fore ...
In particularly, the last sentence in that "Knowledge Article"; which, is very IMPORTANT:
Quote
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If you have questions regarding inadvertent, suspicious or potentially malicious errors in records that you are unable to resolve per the instructions above, contact FamilySearch Support.
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Now ...
All that Said ...
IF, you have undertaken "Collaboration" with the particular User/Patron in question, causing concern; and, that "Collaboration" has FAILED; and, the OTHER User/Patron persists; and, in particular, DOES NOT provide, supporting evidence (eg, Sources; Memories; "Facts" in 'Reason Statements; etc), when making such "changes", provided that there is NO "Abuse"; THEN, advise of such in HERE in THIS post of yours; and, HOPEFULLY, the "Moderators" [ie. 'FamilySearch' "Support" (Personnel)] HERE in this "Community.FamilySearch" Forum, can TAKE this MATTER directly into the workings of 'FamilySearch' "Support", to help/assist you, communicating with you "Privately" via/through, ("Private") 'Messaging' through 'FamilySearch'; or, DIRECT "E-mail". BEFORE, other 'well meaning' Users/Patrons get involved.
You are not alone ...
Most of us have ... been then ... done that ... still do.
Good Luck
I hope this helps.
Brett
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Good answer!
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How do you like Roots Magic? Pros? Cons?
I am thinking about using Ancestral Quest or Roots Magic, especially after the battle I have been facing!!
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Betsy
I have used "Ancestral Quest", which is an upmarket version of the old PAF (Personal Ancestral File).
IF, you have used PAF; THEN, "Ancestral Quest" would be a good way to go.
Of course, there are the OTHER "Third Party" Applications (like, "Ancestral Quest" ), that are "Family Tree Management" Programmes, that are "Certified" to work (and, INTERFACE) with "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch'.
Although, I really DO NOT use them, any more.
And, here is the direct link to the "Family Tree Management programmes" themselves:
https://partners.familysearch.org/solutionsgallery/s/list?category=family_tree_management
"Third Party" Applications that are "Certified" to work with "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' include, BOTH, 'On-Line' "Websites" (eg. "Ancestry_com"; or "MyHeritage_com"; or, the like); and/or, 'standalone' personal (computer) programmes ("Ancestral Quest"; or, the like).
Some of the "Third Party" Applications that are "Certified" to work with "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' have, BOTH, a Basic FREE version; and/or, a Premium PIAD (ie. "Subscription") version, the latter just having more 'Bells and Whistles'. The Basic FREE version is sufficient for most, the average, User/Patron. Whereas, the Premium PAID (ie. "Subscription") version is the choice of most experienced and 'power' Users/Patrons.
You can use ONE or MORE than one, of the the "Third Party" Applications, the choice is yours.
Most of the "Third Party" Applications that are "Certified" to work with "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' that are "Family Tree Management programmes, have INTERFACES that work/connect (directly) with "Family Tree" of 'FamilySearch' that can, "Download"; and, "Upload" (ie. "Transfer) between the "Third Party" Application and "Family Tree".
I know that this most probably does not help too much; but, I hope it gives you something to think about.
Brett
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I have never used PAF. I downloaded both Ancestral Quest and Roots Magic, and am noodling around with both.
Thanks for the information!
Have a good day!
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Realize that you dont have to start your local genealogy database (RootsMAGIC or QA) from scratch
you can download from FamilySearch an entire descendants/ancestral branch if you so wish.
and then reviewing it record by record and making your own updates / corrections etc,
Its totally up to you.
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By going to this link you can see third party vendors where you can manage your Family Tree on a private database:
FamilySearch does not recommend a preference of these but many of them allow you to import and export back and forth to FamilySearch.
We are here to help you in any way that we can and want your experience with FamilySearch to be a positive one. Best wishes and success in your continuing family history endeavors.
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Returning to Family Tree and the content dispute @SomchayDebraAnn1 has with another contributor...
@SomchayDebraAnn1, has this discussion helped you decide how to proceed? I hope you can see Family Tree and the other person's edits are not the problem, and may be the solution. But solution to what? The real question is Why is there any content dispute?
Here are some root causes of content disputes, in order of prevalence as I find them:
- Conflation of the person page. Examine closely the person's timeline and map (web interface only). Does it jump around? Are the jumps improbable?
- Conflation of the family attached to the person page. Do all the children belong in this family? Make a table: 1 row per person, 1 column per census or other event. Fill it in by examining the sources.
- Sources incorrectly attached. Do all sources belong? Are sources that name other family members all attached to the same family? Check all sources in the Source linker.
- The Details page contains data left over from an old bad match or conflation, that needs to be removed. Do the Residences, marriages, etc, match the attached sources?
- One or both of you are working from a family history that is not factual in some way that is important. This one is the hardest, psychologically emotionally, because the contributor who is mis-informed could be you.
- The other contributor is trying to build a pedigree with certain features to achieve an external objective such as membership in a descendancy society. Adhere to the historical record and try to help the other person by finding more ancestors. Are there brick walls? Focus on them.
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The link @chold shared is great - - but be sure you look for those items that actually are programmed to download and upload and sync with FamilySearch (if that is what you are looking for) . Many do NOT.
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