Advice for those new to Websleuths

[cupcakepie6790]

I want to start researching cases, but I am lost. I reviewed the forums but it's no help. When do I start? Is there a list of cold cases to choose from? Do I have to pay a subscription fee? Is there a new case researcher guide that I can use?

Thanks for your help.

 

[MajorHoople]

I want to start researching cases, but I am lost. I reviewed the forums but it's no help. When do I start? Is there a list of cold cases to choose from? Do I have to pay a subscription fee? Is there a new case researcher guide that I can use?

Thanks for your help.

Well, if you wanted to research missing person cases you could start with the Missing Persons Discussion. There's over a hundred pages with 20 different cases on each page. And those are just the recent cases.

Missing Persons Discussion

www.websleuths.com

If you're interested in historical cases you could look at the Missing but not forgotten Discussion.

Missing but not forgotten Discussion

Families of missing loved ones need your help to bring them home!

www.websleuths.com

They're grouped by decade and there are thousands of cases.

If you are interested in a certain person and you know their name you can see if there is already a thread by using the search window at the top right corner of each page.

If you are interested in unidentified human remains The Unidentified Discussion is the place to look.
The Unidentified

 

[rjfjet]

I want to start researching cases, but I am lost. I reviewed the forums but it's no help. When do I start? Is there a list of cold cases to choose from? Do I have to pay a subscription fee? Is there a new case researcher guide that I can use?

Thanks for your help.

Also if I may say I have the same problem at times I like 2 look up stuff that happened around my area and then go from there if there’s a particular case that also may help and if u google anything and just add Websleuths that helps also with stuff

 

[Squirrly14]

Also if I may say I have the same problem at times I like 2 look up stuff that happened around my area and then go from there if there’s a particular case that also may help and if u google anything and just add Websleuths that helps also with stuff

This is great advice! Thank you. I'm also feeling overwhelmed by the number of cases and not sure where/how to start. This helps. All the best!

 

[Squirrly14]

I want to start researching cases, but I am lost. I reviewed the forums but it's no help. When do I start? Is there a list of cold cases to choose from? Do I have to pay a subscription fee? Is there a new case researcher guide that I can use?

Thanks for your help.

Just want to let you know that you're not alone! I'm new, as well, and finding it hard to decide or figure out where to hone in and start digging. The advice below to search for cases in your state is very helpful. Wishing you the best of luck! If you ever want to put your head together with someone else who's trying to find their way here, you are welcome to reach out.

 

[rjfjet]

Your welcome I hope everything works out 4 everyone new on here bless you all and happy 2 have new people on here like I said if u need anything else let me know or someone else on here everybody is good on here

 

[Squirrly14]

My apologies if there's already a thread like this. I could not find one.

What do you know or understand or know how to do now that you wish you had known when you first started websleuthing?

I'm a great researcher and am able to see/notice details that aren't readily apparent. But that is clearly not enough. What's the best advice you would give a newb who truly wants to be useful around here and help victims?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience and wisdom!

 

[CCJD]

My apologies if there's already a thread like this. I could not find one.

What do you know or understand or know how to do now that you wish you had known when you first started websleuthing?

I'm a great researcher and am able to see/notice details that aren't readily apparent. But that is clearly not enough. What's the best advice you would give a newb who truly wants to be useful around here and help victims?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience and wisdom!

Read the TOS - aka The Rules
From the 10% Rule (copyright infringement) to sleuthing family members to providing links and everything in between, it's an excellent guide to what is and isn't allowed.

The Rules

Terms of Service, rules and forum etiquette

www.websleuths.com

 

[Laughing]

Please read threads from the beginning -- or consider apologizing for jumping in late if you happen to do that.

Also consider using the Search box to try terms within the thread to see if info is already there.

Frustrating to read posts with ideas that LE has already ruled out.

Learn to use that Search box.

Also learn to use Google before posting a new thread -- typing "Name of Missing Person" Websleuths may show an existing thread for the missing person. Same for remains, search for the NAMUS case number etc.

Be ready to find the Ignore feature if you feel that you're being trolled.

And, continue to read & post -- you will figure it out & shed that Newbie handle soon enough!

 

[Squirrly14]

Please read threads from the beginning -- or consider apologizing for jumping in late if you happen to do that.

Also consider using the Search box to try terms within the thread to see if info is already there.

Frustrating to read posts with ideas that LE has already ruled out.

Learn to use that Search box.

Also learn to use Google before posting a new thread -- typing "Name of Missing Person" Websleuths may show an existing thread for the missing person. Same for remains, search for the NAMUS case number etc.

Be ready to find the Ignore feature if you feel that you're being trolled.

And, continue to read & post -- you will figure it out & shed that Newbie handle soon enough!

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I do use the search box function repeatedly. I'm sure it is frustrating and annoying to read posts where things have already been ruled out. I would say, on my end as a new person, it's overwhelming sifting through all the information. Or finding a thread with little to no information, only to discover that there's another thread with info buried somewhere else on the site. But I'm trying and making the effort. Again, I appreciate your input; it's very helpfu.

 

[MizStery]

Well, if you wanted to research missing person cases you could start with the Missing Persons Discussion. There's over a hundred pages with 20 different cases on each page. And those are just the recent cases.

Missing Persons Discussion

www.websleuths.com

If you're interested in historical cases you could look at the Missing but not forgotten Discussion.

Missing but not forgotten Discussion

Families of missing loved ones need your help to bring them home!

www.websleuths.com

They're grouped by decade and there are thousands of cases.

If you are interested in a certain person and you know their name you can see if there is already a thread by using the search window at the top right corner of each page.

If you are interested in unidentified human remains The Unidentified Discussion is the place to look.
The Unidentified

Thank-you! I am using this as a sticky in my iPad notes. Great reference tool.

 

[?!?]

"Conversations" is your friend.

 

[Observant-ADHD-ENFP-BSc]

4 months deep here and my suggestion is to post a link if you are stating something as fact to prove it is fact or make sure it is known that it is just your opinion (JMO) or in your opinion (IMO) or any other way to make it clear it is speculation. My second suggestion is, try not to get caught up in one case, or you will be in the rabbit hole... forever

 

[RANCH]

4 months deep here and my suggestion is to post a link if you are stating something as fact to prove it is fact or make sure it is known that it is just your opinion (JMO) or in your opinion (IMO) or any other way to make it clear it is speculation. My second suggestion is, try not to get caught up in one case, or you will be in the rabbit hole... forever

I've found that taking interest in a single case at a time allows me to focus on it and that makes it possible for me to learn more about the specifics of that case.

For instance I followed a case that involved the use of HRD dogs. That led me to research the training and use of these dogs in criminal cases. What I found was very enlightening.

Getting caught up in one case can also help a person to learn more about things that are relatable to other cases. Plus I've never had a problem moving on from one case to another.

So I disagree with your suggestion about getting caught up in one case. JMO.

 

[Observant-ADHD-ENFP-BSc]

I've found that taking interest in a single case at a time allows me to focus on it and that makes it possible for me to learn more about the specifics of that case.

For instance I followed a case that involved the use of HRD dogs. That led me to research the training and use of these dogs in criminal cases. What I found was very enlightening.

Getting caught up in one case can also help a person to learn more about things that are relatable to other cases. Plus I've never had a problem moving on from one case to another.

So I disagree with your suggestion about getting caught up in one case. JMO.

You are absolutely correct. I made my last comment in jest, hence the big grin face.
I was just being light-hearted

 

[RANCH]

You are absolutely correct. I made my last comment in jest, hence the big grin face.
I was just being light-hearted

I noticed that.

I just wanted to make it clear to everyone that I feel focusing on one case at time is the way I like to do things most of the time on Websleuths. JMO.

 

[Ceska]

How do I find a list of the forum Moderators? And how do I contact them if I have a question? I have looked on the forum in a couple different areas, but I am unable to find anything that explains it. Thank you.

 

[tlcya]

Staff members

this link should take you to the page where current staff members are listed. You can click on their name and then on their profile start a conversation to reach out to them. Also if you see a post that you feel needs moderation clicking the report button will allow you to leave a message that will request a moderator's attention.

hope that is helpful.

 

[Ceska]

Staff members

this link should take you to the page where current staff members are listed. You can click on their name and then on their profile start a conversation to reach out to them. Also if you see a post that you feel needs moderation clicking the report button will allow you to leave a message that will request a moderator's attention.

hope that is helpful.

Thank you so much!

 

[AngTxGal]

How do I find a list of the forum Moderators? And how do I contact them if I have a question? I have looked on the forum in a couple different areas, but I am unable to find anything that explains it. Thank you.

I think you simply click Report and what you type goes to the moderator of the thread.