General Internet Search Tips

In order to explain things easier I will use the name Johan Georg Ribble as an example.

• Use arrangement & spelling variations such as Johan Ribble or Johann George Ribbel or Johan G. Ribble

• Reverse the name: Johan Ribble = Ribble, Johan (especially when using parenthesis).

• If you receive too many results add variables such as location, names, or dates of birth, death, marriage, &/or residences.

• If you do not receive enough results remove variables one at a time.  You can also remove certain types of information.  Let's use my surname Bronson.  Sometimes when I search I get a lot of results for the actor Charles Bronson.  If I add the word 'Movie' to my search with a minus sign before it (no space) "-movie" it will filter out many instances of Charles Bronson the actor. You can also quote your search items, "Johan Ribble" to look for the exact phrase.  Use caution as this generally looks for what is exactly in parenthesis (in this case it will skip results if his middle name is present)!

• Repeat.  Repeat.  Just because your search did not yield results now does not mean it never will.  Repeating the search periodically.  Things are constantly added to the World Wide Web!

• Use Advanced Search Options.  Google allows you to search for images.  This can be an awesome resource.

• Use other resources such as e bay.  Even if you don't buy anything they sometimes list invaluable information.

• Above all, when you do get results, don't use copyrighted material or steal another person's hard work.  Most people, when asked, will give you permission to use their information.  If you find work that is not copyrighted save it!  There is no guarantee it will be there tomorrow!

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