Genealogy Chat

...how long do you leave it before you send another one? What's a reasonable length of time? I mean I know everyone's busy, and could even be on holiday at this time of year I suppose, but I'm pretty sure of a family connection and would love to chat about it, suppose I'm just too keen!! What do you normally do? Thanks! Sharon

I usuall think a month is about right, but perhaps I am a bit slow.......... when they still don't reply, thats when I don't know what to do!

I would think a month is long enough to wait, but unfortunately you may find that not everybody responds to your emails, I have been fortunate as I have had replies from everbody I have contacted, but if you read some of the other threads on here you will find other people have experiences of people not replying. I hope you get a response to your email it is a really satisfying feeling when you make contact with another relative no matter how distant. Good luck with your research Roseamry

Hi Sharon. If you are fairly certain there is a connection I guess I would suggest a month or so. (Most of my emails were answered fairly quickly -- the others were just guesses anyway and I don't think I sent a second email.) Going through this myself right now, the person could also be having computer problems and not able to check their mail, or able to answer you. Also, family illnesses or other personal reasons might make the person not too interested in genealogy right now. Hope you hear from them soon. Keeping my fingers crossed, Lisa.

Im having exactly the same thoughts!! i contacted someone, only a few days ago and im already itching to send another email!! A month is going to seem like forever, but i think thats a good time limit to leave it. Can people get your emails if they are no longer a member?

Don't give up is my advice............I thought I'd never get a reply BUT I DID!! If you can't wait a month.........it's VERY nerve wracking waiting...........then why not try 3 weeks. Ann

Yes, Robyne, I believe non members do receive e-mail sent to them:) via Genes Reunited. Ann

If you are contacting someone through GenesReunited then include plenty of detail. I get some that just act to see my tree - they usually are ignored. Others have a vague query about Fred Bloggs when I might have a dozen Fred Bloggs in my tree and give no reason for the query. Make clear who you are asking about. Include a summary of why you think you are connected or why you are interested. Either send an EMail address or if the person sends you his and ask your EMail address then reply direct. I find that it is a lot easier than sending messages through GenesReunited. It can be very productive - I have sent a load of information to a couple of people in the last few days. One distantly connected and the other with no likely relationship. MB

I've just had a reply from someone... they replied to me as if I had contacted them yesterday.. 16 MONTHS AFTER I SENT A MESSAGE!!! So many people put info here and don't return, registering with an email address they hardly use, just send another message saying ''Apologies if I'm being a pest, but I'm not sure if you received my last message'' I never ignore anyone, even if they just ask to see my family tree, I put that down to their inexperience, I just ask for more information. Sam