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If your queries to genealogy networking Web sites and message boards read something like this—”Looking for anything on the Jones family of Michigan”—you may not be getting the results you’re hoping for.
A successful query is a brief, well-worded, tightly focused request for specific information. It should be easy for others to understand at a glance. Capitalize surnames so they stand out.
Take time to word your queries well because they’re your chance to let hundreds of thousands of Internet genealogists know which ancestor you’re looking for. Here’s a sample of a query that will get results:
Looking for information on the parents of Henry JACKSON, who was born abt. 1715 in Abelmarle Co., Virginia. He married Sarah LEE in 1735. Their children were Joseph, Henry, Mary, Virginia, John and Caroline.
To read more about writing good queries, visit Writing Better Queries and About Queries & Look Ups.
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