Paula, That is far from a stupid question, and is one which I have often asked myself. Like yourself, I am sure I have used it in both ways, as an assessment of the strength of the reporting, or of the evidence itself. So I suppose my answer would be that it is an assessment as to the overall likelihood of the evidence being correct, relevant and appropriate. A rather vague definition but, as far as I can see the best we've got!
Ron Ferguson _____________________________________________________________________ Tutorials: Programme of adding videos commenced http://www.fergys.co.uk/ View the Grimshaw Family Tree at: http://www.fergys.co.uk/Grimshaw/ For The Fergusons of N.W. England See: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/fergys/ _____________________________________________________________________ ---------------------------------------- > Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 13:51:10 -0700 > From: paula.ryb...@sbcglobal.net > Subject: Re: [LegacyUG] How to Represent a "Best Fit" Ancestor > To: LegacyUserGroup@legacyfamilytree.com > > > So, at the risk of asking a stupid question... The surety level is a rating > of how well you think the source document supports the data? Not a rating of > how accurate you think the source document is. Like: I'm positive this census > listing proves my grandfather is the son of these people, but I'm only > reasonably sure the age of my grandfather in the listing was enumerated OR > I'm pretty sure the birth place of my grandfather's father is enumerated > incorrectly...? The census IS the census... surety=4, but some data on it is > inaccurate, while others are accurate but don't for sure prove my > relationship...? Just wondering out loud, because I think I have used the > surety level in different ways at different times. (eek!) > Please DO feel free to point me to someplace that explains this field's use, > since I probably have not read it. ;) > Thanks, > --Paula > > --- On Wed, 7/8/09, Jenny M Benson wrote: > >> Connie Sheets wrote >>> Personally, I think it is a very bad idea to link >> people in your database until you have obtained solid direct >> evidence of a relationship, or you have completed a >> "reasonably exhaustive search" so that you can construct a >> proof argument using indirect evidence. (It's more >> complicated than that, but that is the basic guideline I >> use). >> >> Surely this is where the Surety Level field of Source >> Citations comes in? >> >> If you evidence is largely circumstantial, use a 0 or 1 >> rating; if you think it is somewhat stronger then use a 2. >> >> Exactly what level is used rather depends on personal >> evaluation of the Source - what might be considered level 4 >> proof by one person might only be rated 3 by another. >> Some people, probably you Connie, would not link anyone in >> their family file unless the evidence rated at least a 3. >> >> Personally, I would enter everyone in who I had "an >> interest" but not link anyone where the evidence rated 0. >> >> Other people looking at my data can not only see my sources >> and judge their value for themselves, but can also see how >> much confidence I had in them - that is, when I remember to >> adjust that field! >> -- Jenny M Benson > _________________________________________________________________ With Windows Live, you can organise, edit, and share your photos. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/134665338/direct/01/ Legacy User Group guidelines: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp Archived messages: http://www.mail-archive.com/legacyusergroup@legacyfamilytree.com/ Online technical support: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Help.asp To unsubscribe: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/LegacyLists.asp
