Is RootsChat losing it's way?

[toastbutler]

Point taken. I retract and apologies for the quotes.

[Joy Dean]

No. I love it.

[groom]

I totally agree with what has been said. The OP gave lots of names and dates implying that they wanted help. I think you will find that people who want to do their own research will phrase their query to make it clear that they are only asking for advice of where to look and how to proceed.  Most of the people who replied gave their sources so that the OP could check the information for themselves and will know where to look in future.  Like others on here, I am always delighted with the help I receive and the time that people spend trying to find information.

[Arranroots]

The OP makes an interesting point, though perhaps not exactly as we would have wished it made!

There has been debate in past about whether the "Oxfam" approach of teaching a person how and where to find the resources they need it more profitable and rewarding in the long term than a simple race to furnish the answers. I confess to having hugely enjoyed answering posts in competition with others, but equally have appreciated being instructed as to where to find the relevant websites, genealogy and family history societies so that I can eventually help myself.

Like some of the respondents to this thread I have been around since practically the beginning of Rootschat and have seen both approaches used to great effect. Maybe the "correct" way is to supply an initial response and then be a little patient, to see how the person who posted the thread responds and what additional help can be offered.

Just my thoughts!

Kind regards, Arranroots  

[eadaoin]

I agree a bit with toastbutler ...
sometimes it's good to show people HOW to find things, when you've pointed them in the right direction, give them a day or so - then come back and ask how they're doing.

I feel it's the difference between giving a man a fish, and teaching him how to fish!

If it's a very specific query, that's different

eadaoin

snap!

[silvery]

Nice one Arranroots.   I agree the original poster makes a good point.
 I think your approach may be the best way to go.  

[Captain2]

As one of those involved in the original thread, I would like to say that I most certainly do not pressume to call myself an 'expert'.
 I (like so many others on here) try to be helpful when I can, offer guidance when asked, a warm welcome to anyone new to the site, and have never 'pounced upon' or 'force fed' anyone. 

Infact, if you re-read the post in question, you will find that those who kindly contributed gave no more than the OP had asked for, and for which she was very grateful. 

I also learnt something very interesting from the post - the short birth certificate details - this will then help me (and any others following the post)  in my future research  (thanks for that)

I thoroughly enjoy this site and as a long-standing member I have been fortunate to have learnt so much from countless kind and helpful researchers - a big thank you - and please keep on giving!
 

[toastbutler]

Point taken. I retract and apologies for the quotes.

[Arranroots]

Ok team - let's leave it at that, shall we?

Post locked.