🧵Protocol When Asking Your Questions
Creating a Community of Courtesy, Clarity, and Collaboration
Hi GenFriends,
This week, we’re continuing our focus on how to ask good genealogy questions. At Genealogy Just Ask, we’re more than just a group—we’re a gathering place for kindness, learning, and discovery.
But like any thriving community, we rely on good protocol to make sure everyone is heard, respected, and supported. Whether you’re new to research or have years of experience, these simple reminders help us all grow together.
🤔 What Kind of Group Is Genealogy Just Ask?
We’re a strict research group, not a social space or general discussion forum. That means we ask questions—and we answer them. That’s it.
Why? Because staying focused helps everyone move forward in their research. We keep our group positive and productive so every GenFriend can walk away with clarity and encouragement.
You’ll find our groups by visiting Genealogy Just Ask. We have regional and topic-based spaces that help tailor the help you get.
✅ Best Practices for Asking a Question
When you post a question, make it easy for others to understand and help. Here’s how:
Ask only one question per post. Don’t overload your thread with multiple searches.
Be concise. A few short sentences will do—stick to the essentials.
Post in your own thread. Don’t jump into someone else’s question with your own.
Include name, place, and time. This gives helpers context and clarity.
✍️ Example: “I’m looking for Carrie Vance, born around 1863 in South Carolina. I’ve checked the 1870 census in Laurens County with no luck. What would you suggest next?”
That’s a perfect way to get help quickly.
🙋♀️ When You’re Helping Someone Else
If you’re answering questions, thank you! Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Read the question carefully.
Ask where they’ve already looked.
Be kind. If it’s not your question to answer, it’s okay to pass it up.
Remember: many of our members are beginners. Be the gentle guide you wish you had when you started.
⚠️ A Quick Word About Group Rules
Yes, we have a few firm rules—and for good reason! They keep our group safe, legal, and welcoming.
❌ No searching for or discussing living people
❌ No selling, venting, or photo uploads
❌ No sharing paid subscription images—use links instead
✅ Use full names (e.g., Find A Grave, not abbreviations)
❌ Don’t use ALL CAPS—it can feel like yelling
❌ No sharing LDS-access-only records
Please read our full rules when you join!
💬 Understanding Overcomes Offense
In genealogy, we’re all at different stages. Some know how to cite every source and verify every detail. Others are just trying to make sense of what Grandma told them.
That’s why we teach this often: correct with kindness.
If someone has posted a mistake or assumption, take a breath before you respond. Instead of correcting, start a conversation:
“Hi, I also descend from William Tucker! I noticed a different birth date listed. Would you like to see the record I found?”
These kinds of messages build bridges—and lead to better research.
📸 Sourcing and Sharing the Right Way
Two common problems that spark offense:
Posting trees without sources – Always back up your data.
Using other people’s photos without permission – Always ask first.
We’re working together to preserve family history. Let’s honor the labor and ownership of others.
🤝 Newbies and Veterans Learning Together
Back in the day, we had to order microfilm and wait weeks. Today’s tools are faster—but the wisdom of seasoned researchers is still gold.
At Genealogy Just Ask, we love when newbies show up with fresh questions. We remember being there too. And now many of those same beginners are leading the way for others.
This community works because we help each other up the research ladder—step by step, name by name.
🧭 Your Turn This Week
Take a moment to:
✅ Read a question from a fellow GenFriend and offer a gentle, helpful reply.
✅ Post one question you’ve been meaning to ask, using good protocol.
✅ Share this post with someone who’s just getting started.
Let’s build the kind of community where every researcher feels welcome and equipped to keep going. If you can give us any other suggestions, put them down below. We will see what you share there.
With clarity and kindness,
Robin R. Foster
Your GenFriend & Author
Following your suggestions will make everything much easier for us to do and help us to really enjoy the task at hand.