This is an online group which discusses genealogical methods and resources. You can participate through e-mail or through USENET news. Either way, the discussions you see should be identical. The discussions are archived and are intended to be searchable and retrievable, although we are -- continually, we sometimes think, in a state of transition on just how to do this. More at a later time, on this topic!
The methods group is one of a great many online genealogical groups. For pointers to many of these see the ROOTS-L Home Page. Most of these groups focus on particular geographic regions or ethnic groups. Others specialize in particular topics: surname queries, computers and genealogy, genealogical ads. A few are general purpose.
The methods group is a moderated group which is intended for helpful discussions of the (non-computing) research methods, resources, and problems that genealogists have in common, regardless of the different families or different cultural groups which they study. Those who develop specific questions or problems in their own research may solicit suggestions from the group on how to attempt to resolve a research problem. Those who discover useful research resources and strategies are encouraged to share their expertise.
Postings from both experienced and inexperienced participants will be welcomed. The philosophy of moderation is to be light-handed and to offer extra help behind the scenes for new participants, who may be experiencing problems with e-mail addresses or net customs or the like.
While the methods group does not carry surname queries, it is desireable to provide specific details (date, place, names, events) about a particular research problem you have run into. Don't expect to turn up a long-lost cousin from your methods post, though. The followup discussion is much more likely to focus on the methods and resources that you can use to resolve your research puzzle.
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If you decide you want to change to a different distribution format, you must unsubscribe from your present format and resubscribe using the address for the new format.
There is a fourth address, too, the one you use when you want to say something to the entire group:
[email protected] for sending an article to the group
In this case, follow the usual e-mail conventions:
soc.genealogy.methods. You will have to tell your newsreader to show you articles for this group. Use your news software to post articles to the group; don't be surprised that your article does not appear immediately -- a delay is normal because this is a moderated group.
Moderators are: