I saw a couple of really bad queries lately. Since I appreciated Jim's
reminder, for I have been guilty of bad queries also, I thought perhaps
this might be of help to other lists. Thus all the lists to which I
belong is getting a copy of this.
Thanks, Jim
Submitting a Query Sat, 06 Mar 1999 09:59 From: Jim & Mary Pat Young
<myoung(a)icok.net>
To: DILLON-L(a)rootsweb.com
To make your query work harder for you... keep in mind the old rules of
news reporting and include as many of the following as possible:
WHO: State the names of people 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 (1790s, late 1800s 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,
LOCATION, YEAR in the subject field. Remember ! ! ! ! Many subscribers
belong to multiple list servers; therefore, many go through their mail
looking at subject fields only.
Unfortunately, messages with "My Family", "My Line", "My
Grandfather",
"My JONES", etc., as subjects are deleted without ever being opened.
REPETITION: Once you have an acceptable looking query, save it and
update it as necessary. Use it again about once a quarter to touch base
with new members. Also, you may use it on web sites that accepts queries.
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.
GOOD QUERIES CONNECT...
by Jim Young Dillon List Moderator and RootsWeb Donor