---HELP WITH SUBMITTING A QUERY---
To make your query work harder for you remember the old rules of news
reporting and include as many of the following things possible:
WHO: State the name of person as completely as you can.
WHAT: Try to limit your query to one or two specific events or bits of
information. Post another one or more later with additional questions
rather than load all your questions into one. In this way each of your
questions will stand out and get attention.
WHEN: Dates are important, if you don't know the day, month and year try to
put in a period (1790's, late 1800's etc.)
WHERE: Mention the location in the body of the query. Include a more
specific location if you can.
WHY: Why are you searching for this(these) individual(s)? Describe your
connection to him/her.
HOW: How your query appears will often get subscriber's attention. Check
spelling, grammar and format. Apply the KISS SYSTEM: Keep It Simple Simple.
SUBJECT FIELD: To get the most from your query, place the surname,
locations and years in the subject field. Remember, many subscribers belong
to multiple list servers. Some go through their mail looking at subject
fields only.
REPETITION: Once you have an acceptable looking query, save it. Use it
again about once a month, because new members join often. Also, you may use
it on web sites that accept them.
EXAMPLE: Here is an example of one of my standard querys. Look for the
ingredients mentioned above.
---Begin Example---
FROM: gnbf(a)gate.net
SUBJECT: JOHNSON,James William, (1860-1934), (TN-AR)
MESSAGE: James William Johnson migrated from Roane Co., TN to Sevier Co.,
AR in the late 1800s. He married three times: Sarah Jane (-), Dempsey
Tennessee Clark and Rosa Ellen Ayers.
Offspring are:
By Sara Jane... Charles Parker, Murray California, Ida Pearl, Elsie Jane.
By Dempsey Tennessee...Lois Dempsey, Timmy Toy, Robert Henry, Allie Mae,
Geraldine, Pompie Franklin.
By Rosa Ellen...James Harris.
James William Johnson is my GGF; he was an early Arkansas pioneer, a
stockman and Deputy U.S. Marshall. He is buried in Sevier Co., AR.
---End Example---
REMEMBER: Your goal is to get information. A list server (discussion group)
such as this is an excellent means for helping you reach it. Make the query
work!
By following these recommendations, your query stands a better chance of
being read and you may make that great contact that you need because GOOD
QUERIES CONNECT!