Genealogy Community Guidelines

Welcome

Our platform is a professional space for genealogy enthusiasts, researchers, and industry professionals to connect and share knowledge about family history research and the genealogy industry. We are a family-friendly space.

Core Rules

Stay On Topic

All discussions must relate to genealogy or the genealogy industry, Examples:

• Family history research and discoveries
• Genealogy tools, software, and services
• DNA and genetic genealogy
• Historical records and research techniques
• Professional development 
• Record preservation and archives
• IIGS Course Studies
• Business of Genealogy Industry

Be Respectful

• Treat all members with courtesy and professionalism
• Use polite language and constructive feedback
• Welcome newcomers and share knowledge generously
• Respect different research methods and experience levels
• Include proper citations and sources in your research
• Understand we are all from different backgrounds, places, and belief systems
• Understand we are all at different levels of knowledge and capabilities

Prohibited Content

• Political discussions or partisan content
• Off-topic conversations unrelated to genealogy
• Harassment, hate speech, or discriminatory language
• Spam or excessive promotional content
• Inappropriate or disturbing material
• Sexual content

Research Ethics and Privacy Guidelines

• Respect privacy of living individuals in family trees
• Follow ethical standards when sharing family information
• Obtain permission before sharing others' research
• Use discretion with sensitive historical topics

Professional Standards

• Provide accurate information and cite sources
• Acknowledge when information is unverified
• Respect copyright, intellectual property and original research
• Maintain confidentiality when working with clients

Moderation and Enforcement

• First Issue: Friendly reminder about guidelines up to removal from site
• Repeated Issues: Formal warning with specific violations up to removal from site
• Serious Violations: Temporary suspension or permanent removal

Reporting

Contact admin@genealogicalstudies.com for guideline violations or contact moderators via the chat app. This is a social media experience. Don't leave, instead report so we can remove bad actors.

Community Support

For questions about these guidelines, contact our Community Team.

Remember: Our community thrives when we focus on our shared passion for genealogy while treating each other with respect and professionalism.

Last Updated: [15 Jul 2025]