Fascicled rootsweb mailing
A blast from the past!
Fascicled RootsWeb mailing lists were a popular way for genealogists to connect with others researching the same surnames, locations, or topics. Here's a brief overview:
What were Fascicled Mailing Lists?
Fascicled mailing lists were a type of email-based discussion group on RootsWeb, a free genealogy website. These lists were created to facilitate communication among people researching specific surnames, geographic areas, or genealogical topics. Members could subscribe to a list and receive emails from others who shared their interests.
How did they work?
When you subscribed to a fascicled mailing list, you would receive emails from other list members who posted messages, asked questions, or shared information related to the list's topic. You could then respond to these emails, ask questions, or share your own research and findings. The list administrator would moderate the list, ensuring that messages were relevant and followed the list's guidelines.
Types of Fascicled Mailing Lists
There were several types of fascicled mailing lists on RootsWeb:
- Surname lists: Focused on specific surnames, such as Smith, Johnson, or Williams.
- Location lists: Focused on specific geographic areas, such as counties, states, or countries.
- Topic lists: Focused on specific genealogical topics, such as immigration, military records, or census research.
Why were Fascicled Mailing Lists popular?
Fascicled mailing lists were popular among genealogists because they:
- Facilitated collaboration: Allowed researchers to work together, share knowledge, and exchange information.
- Provided a sense of community: Connected people with similar interests and goals, creating a sense of belonging.
- Offered access to expertise: Provided a platform for experienced researchers to share their knowledge and expertise with others.
What happened to Fascicled Mailing Lists?
In 2013, RootsWeb was acquired by Ancestry.com, and the fascicled mailing lists were eventually phased out. Many of these lists were migrated to other platforms, such as Facebook groups or specialized genealogy forums. While the fascicled mailing lists are no longer active, their legacy lives on, and many genealogists still use online forums and social media groups to connect with others and share their research.