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Archiver > NORCAL > 1998-02 > 0886357316


From: "RUDECINDA LOBUGLIO" <>
Subject: Re: Just the Facts!!
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 10:21:56 -0800


My 2 cents worth:
But, we have to be specific about which is which. I am an editor, and
have insulted many people when I demanded verification of their statements.
Family legends and stories are acceptable ONLY if specifically stated they
are that, or footnoted as same. Unfortunately, lately it seems that if it
appears in print three times, it becomes fact, and that is very, very
dangerous.
Repeating and error, or exaggerating the truth, does not make it fact.
And in genealogy and history (and there is a National Genealogical Society
Publication whose title is: "Genealogy, the Hand Maiden of History"), the
location of those facts must always be presented to the reader in clear and
readable citations, so they can double-check them if they are going to use
them too.

----------
> From:
> To: ; ;
> Cc:
> Subject: Re: Just the Facts!!
> Date: Sunday, February 01, 1998 9:16 AM
>
> In a message dated 98-02-01 12:13:19 EST, writes:
>
> << The truth is rarely the accumulation of the facts,but rather ones
> interpretation of the facts-Roland Elliott.Who is to say that the
dod,dob is
> correct? I had rather use Marriages and Baptisms,and most of all what I
can
> learn of the customs,history,weather,crops etc of the era being
research.I
> agree with Walt.R >>
>
> I think you hit the nail right on the head, so to speak. History is both
the
> accumulation of facts combined with the author's interpretation of those
> facts. It is what makes it all very interesting!!!
>
> Gayle
>

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