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Disappearing Info-Where Did The Time Go?                   2018 01 02
Lesson 027...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

Defining The Problem...
By any number of ways, the documents verifying information we "know" can be suddenly unavailable.
These documents are the proof that show a persons existance in a given time and place.

Because there are many mediums to gather information, there are also many ways it can be lost.
For instance, there are personal interviews, cemetery's, document copies, databases, etc..

Each information recovery method holds a particular set of problems requiring a preparedness.
Whenever a method has been ignored for too long, new rules will apply for continuing.

The current "new rules" may be anything ranging from software or hardware, to pay-memberships.
Todays world is a monetary environment. Expect to pay for any real information you use.
Information has a "real-world" value depending on its use, or its misuse.

Defining every problem for each method would take more space than this one page can allow.
Hover over each type for a quick view of their basic problems-Obviously there are more!
Interviews---Cemetery Listings---Obituary's---Document Copies---Databases---etc.


How Did That Happen?...
Far too many micro-reasons contribute to the disappearance or erasure of information to list here.
All seem to come from three distinct areas of human behavior and each take their toll.
They're not pleasant, but we must understand them to navigate them.

Power, while seemingly the least likely, is a major force.
It succeeds because of a mis-interpretation in regards as to how power achieved.
Its quiet sleuth is like an anaconda slowly encircling a victim until the outcome is inescapable.

Greed uses a cover of helpfulness, political correctness and even education as a deception.
Outward denial and justifications always accompany any discovery of the behavior.
Professional/employment status, personal bias's are a few of the reasons.

Ignorance (And complacency) are more common and involve millions of persons.
By longterm unawareness, others with a more deliberate plan are free to continue effortlessly.
This most damaging reason is oddly the most un-noticed, likely due to un-earned blind-trust lifestyles.


What's Been Done To Fix This?...
The shining star here is that todays web based infolines are still available at no cost--Search them out!
Numerous small websites promote their own nitch, and collectively they can save much!
They may also lead to places that have the resources to hold more data!

Many persons have been made aware and continue to do research and spread knowledge.
By informing others of historical facts usually ignored, we become a more enlightened people.
Someone may be apt to check your info on the web, be surprised and become historically interested!

Many official Local-State-Federal document copies are available for genealogy purposes!
This is an excellent way of showing heritage of a particular ancestor!
These are available (For a fee) at town hall clerks office.

Obituary and cemetery listings while not 100% complete, are easily found.
Many specialty websites include tombstone/headstone photo's.
Obituarys sometimes state the place of burial as well.

Overall, the best result is the collective efforts of many persons such as yourself, saving a portion.
Whether that effort encompasses only a few characters or thousands is not the point.
The idea is to focus on saving historically accurate data/images for all time.


Where Can We Find The Lost Data?...
The internet is by far the fastest, easiest, and the least costly method to start your research from.
Look for names, birth and marriage announcements, obituaries, cemetery listings, and more!
Even websites that do not list their sources properly can still be useful as "leads".

Your local library has more resources than you know-Your entire states librarys can be checked out!
In addition to the obvious "How-To" genealogy books, there's access to many historical records!
There are microfische sheets and CD's available of records, newspapers and much more!

"Early Town Records", "History Of" and "Vital Records" can provide very detailed descriptions.
They are available online or as re-prints for most towns-Though some charge "fees".
History books cannot stay in business by disclosing truths occurances.

In our elders memory are locked some of the most minor details never recorded on forms.
They've had a lifetime full of firsthand viewing for thousands of family events!
More than simply recording events, they also know why they happened!


What Did We Learn From This?...
Information availability is dwindling due to many factors.
The fact that it happens does not preclude us from saving as much as possible.
Collectively, historians pose the greatest single obstacle to those who would have us forget.

We also know that there are many resources availble ranging from no-cost to fee-for-product.
Finding information and obtaining proof are two seperate actions. Finding is usually free.
Obtaining certified tangible copies are likely to be costly should they be required.

Our own close family elders are possibly the best source for free and accurate information!
They will also undoubtedly have photos and documents that are unavailable elsewhere!
Without the stories, family trees would simply be a timeline connecting some names.

Vital records are a used by hobbyists and professionals alike.
They list each persons name by town for birth, death and marriage.
Be certain that the copy or version you work from is a direct transcription.

Information accessibilty on all platforms is fast becoming a pay-to-play activity in a variety of ways.
Understanding the basic difference between a report and a source is essential for fact finding.
"Sources" are sometimes mis-represented. A true source is present at the occurance.


The Basic Rules...
First...
The sooner anything is started, the easier it will become to navigate its problems.
This is especially true with genealogy both for gaining expierience and by outside factors.

Second...
Though it's costly to obtain legitimate copies of true sources now, it will only become more difficult.
Industries push for legislation to regulate items citing humanitarian reasons. Genealogy is no different.

Third...
Your own family relatives are easily accessable, a true source, and free!
Use this resource wherever you can while it's still available before it fades into the past!


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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