i before e except after c

One of the hurdles I've run into while indexing the 1940 Census, is what to do when the document has a clear misspelling. Do you put the correct spelling or do you put what is actually on the document? (Yes, put the proper spelling of locations if it's obvious.)

Anyone who has ever done much research, understands the importance of the correct spelling. Finding that infamous great-great-grandfather's birth certificate could very well be caused because of a misspelled word years ago.

Most people even have trouble spelling the word "genealogy" (how many times have you seen geneOlogy?) I've always prided myself on having a decent grasp on the English language. I was quickly humbled this week when I received this comment on my blog:

Okay, I finally have to ask something. Is that a typo in your banner, or is the extra L in the word "Genealolgy" intentional - like for LOL? I only ask because the URL uses the proper spelling of the word "genealogy." I thought, well if the LOL was intentional, why was it left out of the URL? Or is it because it's easier to have it spelled properly? Sorry if I'm being dense! No one has mentioned it and I wondered if it was just me who was obtuse. :-) - KJNGenealogy

 At first I was scratching my head, because I (unlike a good many people out there) know how to spell genealogy. I do, really! I took a look at my banner and this is what I saw:

Wait, what?? Where did that extra "L" come from? Surely I didn't do that. Oh dear.

Don't worry, I've fixed it. And I'm not stressing. In fact, I find it quite amusing. You see, KJN, you were the first person to notice. Or at least the first person to say so. And I can't tell you how many times I looked at that banner, closely, before uploading it!!

Lesson learned. It's always good to proofread and have others check out work. Thanks for letting me know, KJN, so I didn't have to parade around with that banner for too much longer!

Carrie Keele
(a.k.a. DearMYRTLE's daughter)
www.NotYourMothersGenealogy.com