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If you’ve ever logged into the FamilySearch Family Tree—a shared one-world family tree where millions collaborate—and discovered that someone changed your carefully researched information, you’re not alone.
While this platform is a powerful tool for genealogical collaboration, the open nature of the tree means mistakes happen. So, how do you handle it when someone “messes up” your part of the tree? Let’s explore the causes and some effective strategies for resolution.
Why Are They Messing Up Your Tree?
Before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to ask: why are these changes happening in the first place?
1. They Might Be Right (and You Might Be Wrong).
In FamilySearch’s collaborative environment, changes aren’t always mistakes. Sometimes, another contributor has access to better sources or more accurate information. It’s worth taking a moment to review their edits and consider their evidence. Ask yourself: Could I have missed something?
Sample conversational approach:
“Hey, I saw you updated [name]’s birth date. I’m curious—what source did you use? I’d love to learn more!”
"I noticed you updated [name]’s record. Could you share the sources you found? I want to make sure my information is correct."
2. They Might Be Naïve.
Many users on FamilySearch are beginners or have inherited unsourced family information. They may believe that what they have is correct, even if it contradicts better-documented facts. In these cases, patience and gentle guidance go a long way.
Send a polite message through the FamilySearch platform like the following:
“I noticed a change on [name]’s record and wanted to ask if you have any sources for that. I’ve been working on this line for a while, and here’s what I’ve found: [list sources]. What do you think?”
“Hi, I saw you made changes to [name]’s record. I’ve been researching this line and would love to collaborate. Here are the sources I used to reach my conclusions: [list sources]. Could you share where your information came from?”
When you share your reasoning, many people are willing to listen and collaborate. Education often helps newcomers understand the importance of sources and documentation.
3. They Might Be Stubborn.
Some contributors are sure they’re right, even when they’re not. These cases can be challenging, but they’re not hopeless. The key is persistence, documentation, and maintaining civility.
Pro Tips for Stubborn Cases:
Always document your changes thoroughly. Use the “Reason This Information Is Correct” field on FamilySearch to explain why you made the update.
Compare and contrast your sources with theirs, and link to external records when possible.
Stay polite, even if the back-and-forth becomes frustrating. They may eventually get tired of reverting changes and move on to other parts of the tree.
Example approach:
“I see we’ve been updating the same record back and forth. Can we compare our sources? I want to make sure we’re working with the most accurate information possible.”
“I’ve noticed we’re updating the same record. I want to make sure we’re working with the most accurate information, so here’s what I found: [list sources]. Let me know if we can compare notes.”
The Nature of FamilySearch: A Shared Sandbox
The FamilySearch Family Tree isn’t like private trees on other platforms. It’s a one-world family tree, meaning everyone is working on the same massive database. With over 300 million unique individuals and another 800 million duplicates waiting to be resolved, mistakes are inevitable.
It’s also worth remembering that we’ve all made errors. As genealogist Tom Jones famously said:
“The first 15 years of my work in genealogy, I didn’t have any clue what I was doing. The next 20 years, I spent fixing all my mistakes.”
The collaborative nature of FamilySearch means we benefit from shared discoveries, but it also requires patience and cooperation when resolving conflicts.
↪️ Are you new to genealogy? Grab your copy of this FREE Beginner Guide:
How to Protect Your Work Without Avoiding Collaboration
Some users get so frustrated that they avoid the FamilySearch Family Tree altogether. While that might prevent others from “messing up” your part of the tree, it also cuts you off from collaboration—a key benefit of this platform.
Instead, try these strategies:
Use Clear Documentation. Include detailed reasons for your changes and list sources directly on each record.
Engage Proactively. If you notice a pattern of errors from a particular user, reach out to them through the platform’s messaging system.
Be Patient. Recognize that not everyone is at the same level of genealogical expertise. Take the opportunity to educate others when needed.
A Final Thought About FamilySearch
Genealogy isn’t about perfection; it’s about growth. FamilySearch is a collaborative sandbox, and mistakes are part of the process. When someone “messes up” your part of the tree, it’s an opportunity to engage, educate, and refine your research. And when you realize you might have made a mistake, embrace it as a chance to grow and improve.
So, how do you handle messy situations in the FamilySearch Family Tree? Share your tips or experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’ve navigated this unique collaborative space!
