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Source vs. Report - What's The Difference?         Published Monthly
Lesson 064...                                                                                                            2021 02 28

Defining The Problem...
Many people use the word "source" as a coverall to express where they found information.
With such a major difference between the two descriptors, they're frequently used far too loosely.

Some may have gotten by "just fine" before running into a higher standard and lack understanding.
This may work well for minor topics of unimportance, but are dangerous at higher levels.

Like anything else, all is fine and this is just another "moot point" until something happens.
Trusting reports is of course much faster than researching through documents ourselves, but risky.

What qualifies something as a source, and how is that different from a report?
Speech habits in our everyday life is much different than during research.
Most peoples "research" is limited to news or social media memes.

There are many reasons for the spread of mis-information, both natural and deliberate.
High on the list of natural reasons is our accepting of a general loosening of the english language.
The US is multi-cultural, so schools focus on graduation, not education. As a result, articulation is lost.


How Did That Happen?...
Responsibility for un-learning of the english language is largely due to news and social media.
Blame also falls to the school systems for "dumming down" curriculums in order to pass students.
Ultimately each household shares fault for accepting losses by being submissive in exchange for ease.

Aside from accuracy and bias issues, both tend to refer to any spoken or written words as "source".
As a result, the public has moved toward accepting even an un-named person as a "source".
Credibility becomes a larger issue with each lowering of criteria for the word "source".

Accepting the un-verifiable as a source is only a portion of the problem.
This is not to suggest that the information found is false or should not be given.
But rather that a notation should be made explaining how the conclusion was arrived at.

The word "source" has also become misused or "stretched".
This is perhaps the more common issue, arrived at due to "dumming down".
Whether less explaination is given due to time, space or abiltiy doesn't matter when it's lost.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
Raising the bar comes from first understanding the seriousness surrounding the difference in terms.
The bulk of the problem is that a better way has simply not yet become known to the researcher.

A source (whether person or item) was present at the moment in time that is being discussed.
A report is someones view about that moment (written or spoken) containing their interpretation.
"Source" has become used so liberally, that we as researchers have adapted toward "True Source".

Serious genealogists accept nothing less than a "true source" to prove their work.
While it is true that many "brick walls" are not crossed with them, notes are left to inform.
Eventually enough info is found through the help of pro/enthusiast researchers for solid conclusions.

Unfortunately, the language looseness has crept its way into the field of genealogy.
Many smaller family trees still list a larger well known tree as a "source".
While good to note, a more accurate term might be "credits".

The main point is to describe your work accurately, whether true source (Source) or report (Credits).
Finding the information before it becomes lost in a sea of more information is important work.
Someone will eventually build upon your findings, so provide them a solid foundation.


Where Can We Find The Source Data?...
There are several ways to locate any actual "true source data".
Simplest is that if it's already listed in the report you're reading is to go there.
Good reporting is done this way, and it's something we should all strive for! But it adds manhours!

If a family tree or other report has respected reporters listed as their source, consider it just a lead.
Many reports may list other reports as "sources", so be prepared to follow several places.
The objective is to find the originating source of data (Not a transcription of it).

Depending on which type of information is needed, most data is easily available.
The more information you want, the more it costs, so concentrate where it's most effective.
Town halls have certified information at clerks offices, but websites and CD's have document images.

Finding and listing sources are two separate actions working together to spread accurate information.
They are each important to your work whether for your own use or for someone elses later on.
The former settles accuracy and gathers information, while the later proves it to all others.


What Did We Learn From This?...
The idea of listing a true source within your report serves at least two main purposes.
The info is ready for adding connecting members, and the credibility makes you the "go to" for others.

Your family tree report will eventually be left into other hands. Hopefully to gain more information.
Whether starting from scratch or from anothers research, adding people and data takes time.
Giving the next tree holder a good start is important to the survival of your family tree.

Reports sometimes list other reports as a "source". Follow several linked reports to a "true source".
Even the most trusted report are only transcriptions without images of the actual items.
Having access to verified source images is imperitive for report accuracy.

Gathering multiple actual/tangible source reference documents is expensive.
Joining groups or clubs may be a better option than some monthly based websites.
Websites offering document images and websites offering family info are not the same.

"True Sources" are the items that were present at the time of the happening proving that it happened.
Item's other than documents are considered "true source", though some rank higher than others.
Tombstones, photographs, video images, voice recordings, receipts, personal belongings, etc..


The Basic Rules...
First...
Understand the difference between report and source. Be aware that others may use them incorrectly.
Do not lower your standards to meet others expectations, make them raise theirs.

Second...
Use caution when viewing un-sourced information, and use them as a lead or guide only.
Verify their existance by the facts you find in actual documents.

Third...
List information found in documents as sources, and reports as credits.
It gives credibility to all your work.



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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