Building your genealogical research on time-tested methods and developing good research habits will pay huge dividends. There isn’t a genealogist who hasn’t wished they’d done at least one thing differently when they started. (See “Regrets” below.)
 
Use the standard format for dates: day of the month, month written, year written. Example: 31 January 1801.
 
Use the standard format for U.S. locations: town (if applicable), county, state. Example: Redding, Shasta, California.
 
Don’t place too much significance on the “creative” spelling of an ancestor’s name. Transcribe and spell the name exactly as it appears in the source.
 
Record a female’s family or birth surname. If you only know her married name, record it in parentheses. Example: Sarah (Robinson).
      
Keep a Research Log for each ancestor.
 
Record information as and when you find it. Don’t rely on memory.
 
Cite your sources.
 
And remember, some people did not always tell the truth or may have embellished it. Others, relying on memory 50 years after an event, could have confused or forgotten the facts and details. Keep an open mind.
 
• Regrets
Following is a list of the Top Ten Regrets of Genealogists from a recent survey posted on the Association of Professional Genealogists discussion list. The top three regrets (in order):
  Not interviewing family members
  Not citing sources (at all, or enough)
  Not being organized
 
Honorable mentions (no particular order);
  Not noting negative research
  Not taking genealogy classes earlier
  Not photocopying records
  Not keeping a research log
  Not doing collateral research
  Uncritically using published sources
  Not identifying photos before it was too late
 
While identified as unscientific by the survey’s author, I believe it correctly reflects that every researcher wishes he or she had done something differently as a beginner. I’m no exception.
 
I believe every genealogist can relate to this list. The No. 1 item on the list (not interviewing family members) was also my No. 1 regret. How often I wish I’d asked my dad about his school days or Aunt Anita what it was like growing up with her sister, my mom. It’s too late now as they’re all gone.
 
Now I’m part of the senior generation and perhaps one day some genealogist will regret not having interviewed me! Ah, history repeats itself. 
 
We can’t undo the past but we can learn from our mistakes. I also feel it’s important to lend a hand to beginners and help them avoid those same mistakes. 
 
• Brick-walls
There isn’t a genealogist who hasn’t hit a brick wall. Don’t despair; it happens to everyone sooner or later. Review that brick wall or problem line and develop a research plan. Consider creating chronologies, maps and time lines for the people and families involved. In certain cases it may be a good idea to “re-start” from scratch. Reread research guides for the locations where these people lived. Check to see if any new materials have been published that might apply to the problem.
     
Remember: Not finding what you’re looking for isn’t failure. Quitting is.
 
•And have fun

Plan to have fun. Genealogists often take themselves too seriously and forget that there is a life outside of genealogy. Do something non-genealogical and reduce your genealogy stress level. Read a non-genealogy book, keep in touch with other family members or pursue a non-genealogical activity. Become a less stressed, more effective and happier researcher.

One more thing:

Need a change of pace? Go to a conference . . .
 
Genealogy is an ongoing learning process. Attending a genealogical conference is an excellent way to sharpen one’s research skills. Conferences provide educational opportunities through lectures and presentations by some of the best genealogists. Topics range from simple to complex and offer everyone a chance to learn new techniques and methods.
 
Local conferences in the north state are few and far between so if you are within driving distance of Chico, I urge you save Sat., Oct. 18 to attend the second annual day-long “Treasures of Your Past” conference sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chico Fourth Ward.
 
For more information visit www.Chicostake.org/treasures
 
Until then, watch for my next column: Relationships.

Carllene Marek has been chasing ancestors for more than 25 years and chasing her muse for many more. A second-generation Californian, she has helped with several computer user groups, family associations and genealogical and historical societies. She has also compiled numerous indexes for assorted publications and written book reviews for various historical and genealogical publications.
 
Carllene currently writes a monthly newspaper column, “AncestreeSeekers” for the Chico Enterprise Record and the Oroville Mercury Register. She and her husband live in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California with a blended family of eight children, 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.