18 February 2013

John Grenham favours the imprecise

In his most recent Irish Roots column John Grenham gives the rationale for not being too precise in conducting your genealogical searches online.

http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/irishroots/2013/02/17/cast-the-net-wide/

1 comment:

Paul Jones said...

I know that minimalism has become the preferred search strategy of the experts, but I don't think it's the most efficient use of your time.

Minimalism is my step 2. But first I enter a number of items in the search boxes, preferably unusual or distinctive names or places that should be recorded on the record. (This is not the same as entering everything I know.) About half the time you will get the record you're seeking in a matter of seconds. If it's not immediately apparent, yes, then cast your net wide as the experts suggest.