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Wondering about how to address an unkind comment

DianneFrossard
DianneFrossard ✭
August 21, 2021 in General Questions

Recently a comment was added to a life-story of an ancestor I added to my family tree.... William Mark Green 1695 – 1779 • GZRS-MQ4

The comment suggests, in 2 instances, that information I used was stolen. I don't steal anything. The information I used was collected by my Mother-In-Law and her family before her. She did not lie or steal. I have thanked the contributor for sharing his research but I do find the comments to be mean spirited and need to be toned down. I'm not interested in on-line battles and as such I would choose not to provide the contributor attention and affirmation by engaging. Not sure what my options are. Please comment.

Dianne Streich Frossard

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Best Answer

  • A van Helsdingen
    A van Helsdingen ✭✭✭✭✭
    August 21, 2021 Answer ✓

    I agree that the comment was rude and mean spirited. However I also think that the comments are broadly correct. The contributor has pointed out a number of factual problems with the profile. I think what he said was done for the right reasons but was done in a completely inappropriate way.

    IYou should start by providing sources for your information. If it came from an older relative, then name the person and if possible scan documents. Always seek out primary sources. So for example if you mother-in-law saw a vital record and told you the information that was on the vital record, then make sure you cite the vital record. Your mother-in-law's testimony will be much more reliable and trusted by others if it is backed up by other sources.

    There is no need to engage with the contributor if you don't want to, and if you make sure that all the facts are backed up with reliable evidence he should stop annoying you.

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