Genealogy Chat

Just read the on-going thread regarding silly names etc. A serious site where help is given by members to others and does not seem to be cluttered with nonsense is Rootsweb. It is free and only requires registration to use the notice boards. I joined very recently as only one GR member appeared to be researching the same line as myself but not as far back. As I was getting nowhere it seemed worth a try; responses have been very swift and, although no success in finding the two persons creating brick walls yet, there is hope ! Agree it is time the rubbish names were removed but expecting a reply to e-mail complaints........ !!!! Bee of Bromley

Bee - I have subscribed to several rootsweb mailing lists, had tremendous help from others there, and found family connections there, too. One can even post O/T (off topic) with the list owner's permission obtained, as I did yesterday on the Suffolk one. :-) Joy (born Beckenham)

I have belonged to various Rootsweb message boards over the years, depending on the area I have been researching. They are particularly useful if you want a specific look-up in parish records or have a query about a local history issue or some other request for information not readily available online. Some of the people on the boards are real experts in particular areas and have helped me enormously. Rootsweb is now owned by Ancestry, so I don't suppose GR will like it being advertised here!!

It is included in the ''BEST WEBSITES LIST 22/08/05'' thread, with many other useful sites. :-) Joy

Another site is Rootschat this is also free and members give help, is also easy to use Bev

I guessed a number of GR members would already be using the site but sometimes ' help ' messages are put on by novices - and I'm still very much one myself!!! Found it easy to use as county boards are available for messages and a general one for London that seems to include various parts that were shown previously under some of the surrounding counties e.g. Middlesex which seemed to cover an enormous area. Obviously Ancestry.com would be involved as they seem to get in everywhere but at least they now have come to an agreement with the GRO and all info is free for anyone who can get to Islington or Kew which must be of enormous help to people too far away from London to get there.

Sorry, told you I was very much a novice. The details The Peaceman needs is actually Roots Chat. Put in www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board to reach the message boards and go to the bottom of the page where ther is a yellow box. Enter the county you are interested including London Lookups if relevant. Seems to be the quickest way to reach them without going through all the pages/links.