Attention: ..Serious Researchers
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If you have a question, please post ALL you know about your subject (space is cheap, but organize it so that the reader understands it.) ..Some expect a lengthy explanation for a very brief question which costs us an inordinate amount of time. ..Have ALL of the data up front.
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It amazes me that some present a scant bit of data and expect us to unearth scads of info.
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For years, others have said that I am a lucky researcher. ..Well, I get e-mails, letters, and phone calls
regarding family sheets and letters that I sent 20 years ago to libraries with requests to stow in their vertical files. ..Yes, serious researchers are still finding them, ... and me.
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Secret. I always included on EVERY PAGE sent to libraries for their vertical files, my:
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1) then current address plus my permanent address (i.e., my mom's address). ..I've moved twice.
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2) my e-mail address, that I've had since about 1995
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3) and yes, my phone number. ..Including a phone number lets the reader know that you are sincere about your research.
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Conclusion: paranoid people will never be very good researchers.
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I'll jump off my soapbox now.
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Patti, prochette@Juno.com
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