Mass creating profiles via FamilySearch?

Question

Are there rules for adding profiles to WikiTree with only a FamilySearch tree link? It's come to my attention that a member is mass-creating profiles with only a FamilySearch link as a source and no other records.

Not only do the profiles look rushed, but they also make WikiTree look like a name-collecting website with no thought.

Other opinions are welcome.

Comments

I've noticed a number that only have the FS XXXX-XXX number, not even a link.

Because these are all post 1700 (actually most are post 1850), such qualifies as a "source" just as much as "unsourced family tree".

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This Sources FAQ help page section gives some guidance:

Is there a limit to how many profiles a member can create using unreliable sources?

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I understand the frustration. It can take hours to create a small number of well-researched profiles. Meanwhile someone has created hundreds of profiles with no valid sources.

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Might be worth filing an MIR - sounds like the person could use a mentor.

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Yes, they clearly need some guidance.

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If the profiles conform to the very loose sourcing standards for post-1700 profiles, why would either an MIR or even "guidance" be called for?

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Because it’s good sourcing and documentation that set Wikitree apart from other on-line genealogy sites.  New members don’t necessarily understand that, so it’s worth helping and educating them for the benefit of everyone.

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No, "good" sourcing does not set WikiTree apart, because the profiles here with what the serious genealogical community would consider "good" are very much in the minority. And that will remain the case, as long as the published guidelines are as they currently stand. I do not believe that anyone should be called to task if they are following those guidelines, no matter how much I wish they were more stringent.

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Has anyone reached out via private e-mail. Someone's good intentions may be a matter of being over zealous or un-informed. This sight is a little overwhelming if not computer savvy.

Answer 1

I use Family Search sources if they are from a State that issued to documents...i.e.marriage, birth, death.  Since I don't pay for a subcription to Ancestry, this is my only access.  I do pay for a subcription to Newspapers.com to confirm their exsistance in printed form if I can locate it.  Most counties have a genealogical society and might provide information.

Comments

Campbell's issue is not with people using the sources from FamilySearch (which is a good thing), but with people simply posting a link to FamilySearch.  I have a similar issue with people who don't even post a link, but merely state their source is FS # XXXX-XXX, which is not really very useful at all, as those numbers are not necessarily permanent.  (I've had links in actual citations from FS disappear for no stated reason.)

Answer 2

If you use Wikitree X, you can quickly create familysearch based profile that don't look completely crappy.  Wikitree BEE can quickly fix them up aesthetically.  There are a few different sourcing apps.  It is a quick way to populate Wikitree with basic profile.  I think that a major week spot of Wikitree is that there are not enough profiles created.

Answer 3

I completely agree with you! I wished WikiTree had a more indepth requirement for Post 1700 profiles.