ETHICS-IN-GENEALOGY-L Archives

From: "Valda Napier" <>
Subject: Re: Mailing Lists and Web Sites
Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 11:09:18 +0200

A very big thank you, to all of you in replying to my query regards the above subject, on and off the List. All the replies were very informative.

I was asked what I meant by "family particulars" and if the CD was being sold to members of the family or advertised to the general public.

I was referring mainly to names and dates. However, private information has also being incorporated from other people's Web sites and Mailing Lists. The information has being compiled by a person, in connection with the Early Settlers who came to South Africa and private information from Mailing Lists and from other Web sites, which apparently the originally Owner, has not been acknowledged. The CD is being sold and advertised to the general public. I have not seen the CD, nor do I have any desire to purchase it.

The reason I put this question to you, is because we do not have the Census, or an Index for Birth Marriage and Deaths, that the public can sight. Therefore, researchers much use other means. Books, have been compiled about the early families who arrived in South Africa and needless to say, there are many errors in them, as you well know. These books are sold and people purchase them. Yes, I do purchase one set which is from A to S and it will be another two years before they finally publish Z. However, as a professional Genealogist, who does abide by The Code of Ethics, I take everything as a guide only and verify all details myself.

From these books and other books, many people on Mailing Lists, request SKS (Some Kind Soul) for information on their family and people have actually scanned pages from books, and passed it on to the people. Researchers, who request money from their clients have also photocopied pages and sent them to their clients, which is by rights incorrect, as the information can be taken from the text to assist the Researcher to verify the facts, but certainly not to photocopy the full text and pass it on their client.

At the moment, all Death Notices ( not Certificates), that give personal information and that have been transcribed, are being collected and very possibly put on a CD to be sold. I do not know for certain, but could look into this. If this is so, I personally feel it is un-ethical.

Thank you for your time.

Best Wishes
Valda

This thread:

• Is Anyone on the List ? by "Valda Napier" <>
  • Re: [Ethics] Is Anyone on the List ? by Valorie Zimmerman <>
  • RE: [Ethics] Is Anyone on the List ? by "Chris Eddy" <>