CCCCCHA..... CHING! My two cents worth ~

On several of my genealogy websites I make a special request
that anyone email me if they find any mistakes, errors, or
have suggestions or questions. I welcome positive, well
intentioned input.

Once, I made note of several typos on a popular genealogy
site and sent it to the owner. In return he thanked me and
offered me free access for my proofreading services.

Then, I mentioned to a cousin that there were mistakes on
her website. She informed me that someone else created the
site for her, and that she was too grateful for the
assistance and felt uncomfortable making any comment on the
person's work.

I realize that we all have various differences in education,
approaches to problems, manners, physical abilites, and
importance on grammer and spelling, etc.

I say make your own call and take responsiblity for your
action. Even good intentions can be misinterpreted via
email. How we preceive what is written often is based on our
own feelings at that moment. So, if someone has a bad day...

I have a background in Desktop Publishing and was taught
that it is best to proofread your text twice, and even
better to have someone else proofread your work, and the
more proofreaders the better! But we can't always do that.
Most people misspell the same words repeatedly and don't
notice their own mistakes. And I know from experience that
when I have been on the computer for days I tend to send
messages that look like my cat typed them! But when it comes
to names, dates, and places on genealogy I take special
care.

I have a great appreciation for all those who took the time
to use good handwriting. A census taker that didn't care, or
wasn't well educated made it more difficult for all future
genealogist. Same with websites, and archived messages. If
we send mis-information some future searcher will have to do
like we do... find supporting proof. Would be best if there
were less mistakes, but we are human.

We are not all the same. And I would hate for anyone to feel
as if they didn't spell or type well enough to send a
message for fear of all the critics. I welcome info. And
if'n ya'll rite differenter than me I ain't gonna think I is
betterin you. Just gets the dates and names rite and do's
the bestest you can! All interested parties welcomed! Heck,
I gots to live with facts an de truth. Ya don't have ta be
high filuten to be freindly!

I do the best I can under whatever the circumstances, hoping
others will not be too judgemental towards my mistakes, and
that I treat others as I would like them to treat me...
sound familiar?

My advice:  question your motive.

Some people are teachers, and some are critics, some people
are still learning, and others just don't care.

Progress, not Perfection,
Janet