The Genealogy Gems Podcast with Lisa Louise Cooke - Your Family History Show Episode 303 - 7 Mistakes Genealogists Make and How to Solve Them
Jan 26, 2026
Quick countdown of seven common genealogy mistakes and practical fixes. Tips on avoiding distraction from shiny hints and capturing name variations. How cluster research and non-indexed records reveal hidden leads. Warnings about treating secondary info as fact and the need for solid source citations. A simple daily research plan to bring focus and steady progress.
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Stop Chasing Shiny Hints
- Avoid chasing every hint; decide what you want to know before following records.
- Focused goals keep research productive and prevent wasted time on rabbit holes.
Search Name Variations
- Research all spelling and name variants across time periods.
- Build a timeline of surname forms to guide targeted searches.
Research The Fan Club
- Research neighbors, associates, and witnesses as they can mention your ancestor.
- Follow these cluster members to uncover records that name your target person.