For many researchers, citations are more than good practice.
Ensuring that facts and resources are properly cited is an essential part of their research, providing both piece of mind and allowing for future verification.
Essentially, citations prove exactly where we have obtained a certain piece of information (such as a document, story, birth record or photo). Serious researchers believe that the fact citation process legitimises a body of research.
For others though, it can often be seen as an unnecessary step. Personally, I try my best to ensure that my facts, stories and photos are cited. Given that my tree now exceeds 700 people, it can be quite the chore! Had I begun citing earlier on in my research, then I would have saved myself a lot of time spent in tedious backtracking to document the sources.
You live and learn.
Do you cite your sources? If so, how rigorous are you? Please let us know in today's poll. Next week, we'll post the results on our blog along with some handy tips for citing sources on both Family Tree Builder and Family Sites.
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