-FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION-<<<<<

I need help researching the ..... records for information about .....  Do you
have any suggestions how I should go about finding help?

-RESPONSE-<<<<<

It is always possible that somebody has already published messages in one of the
many Rootsweb forums that might answer your question.  If the answer has not
been published yet, a message may have been published that would give you better
insight about how and where to research further your topic.

1. With the above in mind, the first step I recommend is to search for the
particular name you want to research the archive databases at
http://searches.rootsweb.com/roots-l.search.html or http://searches.rootsweb.com
on Rootsweb.

2. The second step I suggest is to search the archives again for keywords in the
subject you want researched rather than the name.  For example, assume you want
to research for someone buried at a Methodist Church in Sumter District, South
Carolina.  Then you might try checking the archives for messages with keywords
like graveyard, methodist, church, sumter, south carolina, etc.  You might also
want to try words like tombstone, headstone, cemetery, etc.  Also, try common
spelling and mis-spelling variations.

3. After you review the information from your searches, publish a message in the
most appropriate Forum asking for volunteers to help you do lookups, research,
or whatever work is needed.  

- In the message, explain as best you can exactly what you want.  Many people
post vague requests with little more than a name.  It is better to give some
details about the person and subject you want help with.  

- Give them a good idea of the details you already have so that they don't waste
time doing work you don't need.  

- Requests usually get better results when they are limited to one subject.  A
request that asks for help with a long list of names is intimidating to some
people.  Responding to requests takes time and effort.  Ask for too much, you
may get none.  Ask for a little and you may get more.

- Make sure the subject line is informative.  Include things like name,
location, dates, and key words for the subject matter about which you are
requesting help.  Many people only open messages if the subject line includes a
name, location, or topic that they are interested in.  Also, many archive
searchers only look for key words in subject lines.  So, think about what key
words somebody might be searching for weeks, months, or even years from now. 
Would everyone researching the same thing you are find your message in the
archives?

4. If you don't get the response you feel you need, try publishing a similar
help request in a different Rootsweb Forum.  Do not cross post messages to many
Forums.  Cross posting is often considered SPAM when the message is sent to many
forums.  So, it is best to carefully decide which are the best, most appropriate
forums where your request will be on-topic and welcomed.  Send a single message
to the most appropriate forum.  Wait a few days to see what kind of response it
gets.  Then, if needed, send a single message to the next most appropriate
forum.  Etc.

5. If you can afford it, and if it is worth it to you, then offering a reward
may get you more response.  If you do this, make sure you are very clear about
the exact terms of your offer.  

6. If you can, try visiting the locations where the information you want
researched exists and doing it personally.

7. If you don't get what you need from the above techniques, then it may be time
to seek the help of a paid professional researcher.  

8. Others may have additional suggestions, tips, etc., that might be helpful. 
So, consider sending a message to the forum asking for additional suggestions
about how to approach researching your subject.

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