This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wUI.2ACIB/140
Message Board Post:
Posting or replying to the Message Boards
Learning how to post successfully to the message boards will greatly
increase your chances of receiving positive replies to your post. It will
enhance the Search Engine's ability to scan these messages and file them in
such a way that other people searching for similar information can find your post.
The word “QUERY” means ‘question’. So any question /query that you have
about your genealogy should be categorized as “Query.” If you have data
such as a Bible Record, Cemetery, Obituary, etc. that you would like to post,
there is a category for such data in the pull down menu when you post your
message. This feature is also great for filtering when you only want to view
a particular category.
Keeping your post on one subject but listing as much information on that
subject will help someone compare their records first before replying. This
will save you time by not having unnecessary responses to your message and
also getting to the depth of the question quicker for those who do have
pertinent information to share.
Post more than one message if you have questions about other ancestors
instead of placing them all in one post. This will help you get a more
direct reply to your query.
The SUBJECT Line should contain a brief summary of your message. Even if
you are replying to a message, your SUBJECT line should always relate to the
content of YOUR message. Have you noticed, especially in surfing a
message board, how many times you have clicked on a message to find
out the subject had nothing to do with what was inside the message?
By using informative SUBJECT lines, the time saved can be spent in more
productive pursuits for everyone.
Always list the SURNAMES that are in the BODY of your message in the Surname
Box. If you want ALL the surnames that you are researching listed in the Surname Box,
then put them somewhere in the body of your message plus any others Surnames
you have mentioned. Even though YOU may not be researching the spouse
of your Great Aunt, by listing each name in the Surname Box may help someone
who may be looking just for that person who is their brick wall.
Listing Surnames correctly helps the Search Engine locate them in your message.
It has been recommended to list surnames like this example: Smith, McDonald, O'Rear
A comma must be placed between each name so they will be picked up independently.
I wanted to share these tips so that you will have more success with your
message board post. As more people become aware of how to post
successful Queries and Data to the message boards, more positive replies
will result. Then everyone’s Family Tree will blossom with many twigs and branches.
Ann Glasgow
Volunteer Administrator for the CHANNELL Surname Mesage Board