Good Query vs Bad Query - Which Do You Write?

When asking for genealogy help on a forum, a Facebook group page or in an email, it is wise to learn how to write a good query. A good query is bound to get you good results, other subscribers are more apt to respond. A bad query will be ignored or deleted. Good queries are clear, precise and have enough information to allow readers to help you.

• Remember the 3 Rules - Name, Dates and Location! Be sure to include all three in your query.
  1. What is your ancestor's name?
  2. When was he born (or married or died?). If you don't know, make a guess - you must know if he was born 1820-1840 for example, versus being born 1910-1920!
  3. Where did your ancestor live or settle or where was he born? Be sure to include this information in your query.
• Tell what sources you have searched (example: I've searched the 1910 and 1920 census)
• State exactly what you want to know (example: I'm looking for my ancestor's death)
• Write a descriptive subject line for your post or email (example: looking for Harvey Smith in PA circa 1850)
• Leave lots of white space! Don't run your sentences all together. Leave space (white space) between your information and your question(s). Remember, the easier you make it for readers, the more chance you have of getting help 
• Don't write a 5 page essay! Summarize, be precise and specific 

Good Query Subject: Looking for Homer Jackson ca 1830 OH-1901 Pennsylvania Homer Jackson was born circa 1830-40 in Ohio, lived in Pennsylvania from 1860 until his death in 1901. Parents unknown He married Mary (surname unknown) circa 1859. Known children were Jesse, James, Sarah & Mary all born Pennsylvania in 1860s. Have found family in census records from 1860 to 1900 I am looking for Homer and Mary's Marriage Record, hoping to find her surname and their parents' names.

Bad Query Subject: Help! Looking for info on Homer Jackson in Pennsylvania