Any guidance on simply getting started?

Question

Hi All,

I’m relatively new to genealogy and online genealogy. While I can generally navigate Ancestry and Family search rather easily, I’ve not found this place to be… as intuitive. My normal routine is learn by searching, etc. I did countless searches and didn’t find any of my family going back a few generations, so did upload a limited selection of my ancestors from Ancestry. That’s been somewhat helpful, but I’m not entirely sure I’m processing the comparisons correctly.

Is there a “group” that ever meets on something like Zoom or whatever for tutorials and/or general guidance? I just want to make sure I’m doing this place correctly and get a better idea of what to expect when researching and working my tree here.

Thanks in advance,

Gordon aka Khalil

Answer 1

Welcome to WikiTree Gordon! Your Greeter left a message on your profile when you signed the Honor Code; that message contains a link "How to get started on WikiTree". Go through the steps in that link and see if that helps. Also, on your Navigation page, there are links to some videos that you might want to watch - they are brief but might be of help.

One way to begin is to go to your profile page and add each of your parents. Then add your grandparents, etc. When you have questions look at the Help topics or come back here and ask.

We are happy you have joined and we look forward to your contributions!

Comments

Thanks Patricia for the answer star; I appreciate it and hope it helps our new member!

Answer 2

My advise for a New WikiTree Genealogist is to use the help menus, look for introductions there.  There are YouTube videos available with good instructors which answer many questions while showing you the screens they are discussing.

There is a FaceBook group, also.

A ʻgreeterʻ probably has left a message for you with contact information and links. Take advantage of the personal help. You can request a Mentor if  you need more assistance.

And - come back here to G2G before you get frustrated, there is always someone here who can help you.

Good luck

Answer 3

Wikitree is a place where you can add your family with the hope of connecting to one global tree. We don't build out separate trees of our own like on Ancestry.com here. Once you can grasp that concept, then WikiTree will make more sense.

Your searching needs to take place on a repository outside of Wikitree. WikiTree is a place to enter profile records into.

Hope it helps.

Answer 4

There are monthly New Member Q and A sessions held on Zoom.

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:New_Member_Q_and_A_via_Zoom

Answer 5

Hi Gordon,

Welcome to WikiTree!

 

There are a number of resources to help you get started and when in doubt, just ask.  You will find the WikiTree community a very helpful and friendly bunch.

Here is a basic tutorial for beginners:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrsUSbOaZxs&ab_channel=WikiTree

Here is another series with a lot of information, Welcome to WikiTree:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76UUx8QAESc&ab_channel=WikiTree

I found these to be a good starting point and then you can explore the other videos on the WikiTree Channel.

Though the site is packed full of information, I sometimes found it difficult to locate the instructions on how to do something specific from within WikiTree.  However, I found by doing an simple internet search beginning with "WikiTree how to...", it would bring up the top search results with the correct WikiTree page.  Then I just bookmark them so that I can find them easily the next time I need them.

Take a look at completed profiles to see how they entered information to use as an example for creating profiles.  Here is a link to a page that has a few examples.

 https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Completeness_Checklist

 Another great way to become acquainted with WikiTree is to sign up for the Profile Improvement Program (PIP).  The goal of the Voyage is to develop the skills needed to improve profiles using the community developed guidelines.  You as the PIP Voyager are matched up with a Voyage Guide who will help guide you on how to build and improve one of your profiles on your watchlist.  It is a great learning tool as well as a handy badge to have if you eventually want to join any of the Special Project teams later on.

 https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Profile_Improvement_Project_Voyage

 Be patient as it is a learning curve; however, if you stick with it, I am confident that you will you begin to love it.

Happy WikiTreeing!