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learn the capabilities and limits of their equipment and software, and use
them only when they are the most appropriate tools for a purpose.
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refuse to let computer software automatically embellish their work.
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treat compiled information from on-line sources or digital data bases like
that from other published sources, useful primarily as a guide to locating
original records, but not as evidence for a conclusion or assertion.
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accept digital images or enhancements of an original record as a
satisfactory substitute for the original only when there is reasonable
assurance that the image accurately reproduces the unaltered original.
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cite sources for data obtained on-line or from digital media with the same
care that is appropriate for sources on paper and other traditional media, and
enter data into a digital database only when its source can remain associated
with it.
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always cite the sources for information or data posted on-line or sent to
others, naming the author of a digital file as its immediate source, while
crediting original sources cited within the file.
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preserve the integrity of their own data bases by evaluating the reliability
of downloaded data before incorporating it into their own files.
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provide, whenever they alter data received in digital form, a description of
the change that will accompany the altered data whenever it is shared with
others.
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actively oppose the proliferation of error, rumor and fraud by personally
verifying or correcting information, or noting it as unverified, before
passing it on to others.
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treat people on-line as courteously and civilly as they would treat them
face-to-face, not separated by networks and anonymity.
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accept that technology has not changed the principles of genealogical
research, only some of the procedures.
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