Internet Genealogy » Cyndi's Soapbox

Genealogy has many possible sources for data, for learning and for sharing. The Internet is only one of those possible sources. See the list of numerous other tools below.

• We don't refer to "library genealogy" or "archives genealogy" or "FHC genealogy," so why would we refer to "Internet genealogy?"
• The Internet is just one of many tools in the genealogical researcher's toolbox. I believe it is the most powerful tool we have because it saves us time and money and helps us spend our research time in a more productive manner.
• A genealogist cannot use just one research tool and hope for reliable or complete results.
• Genealogists are only successful when they combine the use of all of their tools and make the most of all available resources -- online and offline together.

Remember these things:

• The Internet is not your only starting point for genealogical research.
  (See: Beginners, Education, How To, How To: Tutorials & Guides)
• The Internet is not the place to end your genealogical research.
  (Trust me here...your research will never be finished.)
• You will not find everything you need on the Internet.
• Not everything that you are looking for can be found on the Internet.
• There is not a web site or an online database for everything you need in your research.
• Just because you assume your research materials will be online, doesn't mean they will be online.
• Just because you want your research materials to be available online, doesn't mean they will be online.
• Finding data online does not mean that it is correct, thoroughly researched or well-documented.
  (See:  Citing Sources,   Genealogy Standards & Guidelines)
• The Internet is not the cause of poor genealogical research or undocumented data. False pedigrees, family myths and research errors were a part of genealogy long before the Internet. The difference is that these things are more easily found and duplicated online, so the Internet is the recent target for criticism.
  (See:  Citing Sources,  Genealogy Standards & Guidelines,  Myths, Hoaxes & Scams)
• Finding data online does not mean that you are "finished" with your research.
  (See:  Citing Sources,  Primary Sources)

The Internet is the latest, most powerful tool in our research toolbox, giving us:

• A learning center (i.e. tutorials, articles, veterans and professionals).
• A meeting place (i.e. mailing lists, newsgroups, chat rooms, message boards).
• A place to publish our research questions, concerns, results and advice.

The tools in our research toolbox include the following (to name a few, and not necessarily in this order):

• You and your family members
• Your personal records and family memorabilia at home
• Libraries
• Archives
• Courthouses
• Museums
• Churches
• Cemeteries and funeral homes
• Newspapers
• Your local LDS Family History Center
• Local and national genealogical and historical societies
• Professional genealogical researchers
• Genealogy books, CDs, microfilm, microfiche and software
• The Internet