RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => Topic started by: jillruss on Saturday 29 November 08 16:13 GMT (UK)
-
Can you I just make an appeal for Rootschatters to take 5 mins next time they're online to complete their profiles.
It's very helpful,when trying to respond to look up requests, to know where you're from - no point recommending sources in the UK if you're from Australia or Canada; or even sources in the north of England if you're in Cornwall!!
The inclusion of a few of the surnames/locations you're researching could also help you get messages from people researching the same names.
So, basically, it's helping you and everyone else!! A win/win situation!!! ;D ;D
So, go on...... do it.....now!! :o
Jill
-
Hi Jill
Excellent idea
Perhaps the location field should be enabled as a mandatory field when registering
-
Yes, I do so agree, especially when an entry is made that they live on Mars or that their age is 102!
And if you have found information about people on your Profile then update at least.
Spring
-
Yep I agree, when someone replies it is helpful to know where they are from in order to assess the information.
Also when replying to queries - I MAY know the area better than they BUT I may not, and the quality of the reply relies on this.
-
I don't worry about gender or age but the location can be very helpful. I think Carole's idea of having it as a mandatory field is a good one. It wouldn't have to be too specific - Country and then by County or State for example would be enough.
Gadget
-
I agree that ages and even male/female is not important.
Other websites use the drop down menu for county/state so it should be possible. It would also eliminate Yes, I do so agree, especially when an entry is made that they live on Mars
-
you've made me feel guilty jill so i have just went and added a location to my profile ;) all be it a general one.
it was very easy to do and would take only about 1 minute of anyone's time.
tony
-
I think every now and again we all need a timely reminder .. I filled my location in when Wendi started this thread two years ago .. :)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,198494.0.html
Can't believe it's that long ago .. ::)
-
We have a RC member on Mars?? Who is it?? Wow.....
;D ;D ;D
-
I've added my birth location (Centre of the universe - but not Mars!). However, please look at the footnote to see the areas I'm currently researching.
Thudders
-
Thudnut - you aren't alone in having a large geographical spread of ancestors - I think I'm lacking some in SW Wales and one or two of the East Anglian/Home Counties. I have Canadian, US, Australian, South African and Malaysian links as well. Also, I've lived in lots of places and have done masses of social/records research in Scotland so I at least know lots of areas.
I think it's current location that is preferred rather than birth location.
Regards
Gadget :)
-
I know it shouldn't make any difference but I must admit that I like to know whether I'm talking to a man or a woman. As for you Jill, it's just as well your name is on your posts cos I always think I'm talking to the bloke on your avatar! I remember a thread about that some time ago, I think it's quite common!
-
I never put more than basic details in profile any longer. Had bad experience online which is still going on which I certainly don't want to repeat.
-
I may not be 102 but am 105! ;D but it is not really important how old I am, as long as my gender is down , my avatar also mentions my country, I think that is more important than my birth age.
I do agree it is annoying when you see a new post asking for help when you have no idea where they are from, give them names of libraries etc to visit and you are then told "Sorry but I live in so and so and I can't visit"
Cheers
KHP :D
-
I don't know about making anything mandatory - some people just don't like giving anything away - and I take Dancing Master's point about giving info online. I think country and/or county isn't too much to ask - not so bothered about gender and age.
I'd also like to see a few research surnames as well. Perhaps I'm odd (it has been said!) but I always read them and have occasionally contacted someone with a matching surname interest. I know we have the Surname Interests Table but not that many people seem to take the trouble to add their surnames to that either.
Believe me, folks, if you 'give out' a little more, you'll almost certainly get a lot more back. Speculate to accumulate, and all that....
Oh, and Rhubarb, if only you could talk to my gg grandfather (my avatar), you could ask him why he moved from Aberdeen to Worcester!!! ::)
Jill
-
Completely agree on country and vague idea of area of that country as being helpful to those who want to help !
Gender/age unimportant ...
Surname and area interests are also useful ... but an appoximation of where you live seems to me to be the most essential thing to put on your profile.
-
Well - everybody seems to agree that county/country is an important part of a profile so how do we progress it to make it a mandatory field on registration and how do we progress the thousands of existing Rootschatters who have no location shown
-
I don't see how anyone can force members into putting something onto a public site if they choose not .. Data Protection .. ?? :-\
-
how do we progress it to make it a mandatory field on registration and how do we progress the thousands of existing Rootschatters who have no location shown
The short answer is: we don't :)
There are no plans at present to change any of the data fields in the user profiles.
All profile data is, and remains, optional, and can be entered, or not, according to the wishes of the individual members.
Bob
-
And I agree - please don't let's make anything mandatory.
I was just trying to make a gentle suggestion that anyone who saw the benefits in adding the info to their profiles should do so.
People are entitled to make that decision themselves.
Jill
-
We have a RC member on Mars?? Who is it?? Wow.....
Please Miss, I know the answear it Chinakay ;D ;D
Celia
-
Agree with most of what has been said. I think the reluctance is due to fear id theft etc.
-
I have had in the past had to have protection because of the job I did, and I would not wish that on anyone.
As I don't ask for help regarding my area, or my family tree, its not as relevant, but I try and help other people regarding historical facts and about areas I know about, so details for me are not as necessary.
-
Would just country be OK with most people?
-
I posted this on the same subject
'newbies
« on: Thursday 28 August 08 08:18 BST (UK) »'
sorry I don't know how to link the posts. :-[
Can someone do it?
Yes, just country would do!
Kooky
-
Hi Kooky,
I posted this on the same subject
sorry I don't know how to link the posts. :-[
Can someone do it?
Kooky
Here you are .. ! :)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,323974.0.html
-
Thank you Pels!
Kooky
-
Country would be a big help - and shouldn't run any security risks for those who feel they need their anonymity.
If you have made a conscious decision to withhold any personal info - we can only respect that decision.
This is aimed more at those who just haven't got round to it! ;)
I reiterate; it will help you and anyone trying to help you, so please complete your profile - and then we won't have to go on about it on this thread, or any other!! ::)
Jill
-
I have tried to help 2 posters today. In both cases I was hindered by the fact that I had no idea where they are.
Just a country or county would help!!!
No one should have identity theft problems with just a user name and a county? ::) ???
Kooky
-
Hi
I always keep my profile filled in with the surnames that I am researching. Makes the chances of getting a contact more possible.
Ben
-
I filled in my Profile earlier today. I included a website. I don't see it listed at http://surname.rootschat.com/lexicon/reflib-websites.php (http://surname.rootschat.com/lexicon/reflib-websites.php) - is it just a matter of time, or do I have to do something else to register it there?
-
Hi Talmage2,
no, it's not automatic - you have to send me a PM with the website and I'll add it.
regards,
Bob
-
Hi. Not a bad idea, have just added my general location...if I've done it right! Cheers frostyknight