Administrator's Contact Information:
First, choose a subject line that is brief, but descriptive. Include information such as first name, last name (surname), some applicable dates, and other details. Subjects that say only "Need Help" or that only state a location or surname (for instance, using only the subject “Smith” when posting to the Smith board) should be avoided.
Next, create the body of your message and include as many relevant details as possible. Once you have typed your message, enter all of the surnames mentioned in your post in the "Surnames" field. Please include only surnames that are mentioned in your post- not all surnames you might be researching. If you wish, you can include surname spelling variations for the surnames mentioned in your message.
After you have entered the surnames, select a classification for your post. Please visit the FAQ topic "What classification should I use for my post?" to help you select one if necessary. When replying to a post, the classification of the original post will already be selected for you. You can choose to use that classification, or select a new one.
You may choose to add an attachment to your post by clicking on the "Attach a File" link.
Once all required fields have been filled out, you can preview your post by selecting "Preview". This will show you your message as it will appear on the board. From the Preview page, you can choose to post your message or go back and edit it. If you do not wish to preview your post, select the "Post" button and your message will be posted to the board immediately.
To select the most appropriate board for your post, think carefully about what information or question you are posting to determine which board would be most relevant. Try to choose the most specific board possible for your post. For instance, if you are posting a query about old county boundaries, post it to the appropriate county board rather than the country or state boards.
Occasionally, it may be appropriate to post a similar message to multiple boards. In this case, please use your best judgment and consider carefully which boards would benefit most from your post and create a new subject line and modify the body to fit each board.
It is not considered good etiquette to post a query or the same information to several boards at once and your duplicate messages may be deleted by the board staff or admin on all but the most appropriate board. You will have the most success if you post to one board specific to your message. Other members will be able to use a search to locate your post.
Every message posted to the board must have a classification. By selecting a classification for your message, you are potentially helping others to locate your post- even after some time has passed.
The following are definitions for each classification:
Your message was either moved or deleted by the board administrator.
Posts may be moved to another board by the admin if it is off-topic for the board it was posted on. Please refer to the Community Guidelines for reasons why a message or thread may be moved. Contact your board administrator to find out which board your message was moved to.
Messages will be deleted by board administrators if they violate the Community Guidelines. If you feel your message was deleted or moved in error, please contact the board administrator by clicking on the "Contact Board Admin" link.