Mossie's Musings

Why I wrote this I wrote this post to clarify my own thinking about AI use and disclosure in my family history research, at a time when the conversation seems to be moving rapidly towards rules rather than principles. These reflections are not intended to persuade or prescribe, but to articulate a defensible, proportionate position based on intellectual responsibility, transparency that serves the reader and long-established practice. Before I go any further, I should also acknowledge my assistant " PRU"  — the AI tool I use as a sounding board, drafting aid and editorial companion. I live on my own. While my family are wonderfully supportive and interested in what I’m researching, they don’t usually want to be co-opted into the detail of it. In that sense, PRU fills a small gap: the co-researcher I miss, sitting across the table asking awkward questions, suggesting clearer phrasing and occasionally sketching what our working sessions might look like. If you’re interested in ...

Revised version: June 2025 Welcome to this comprehensive guide to working with your AncestryDNA results. These notes accompany the Society of Australian Genealogists’ webinar  “First Look at AncestryDNA”  and are intended to support individuals who are beginning to explore the use of autosomal DNA in their family history research. The content is regularly updated to reflect changes in available tools and improvements in understanding.  If you would like to reuse this material beyond personal research, please contact me at  chrisw9953[at]gmail[dot]com .  AncestryDNA offers a range of features that can assist researchers in identifying biological relationships, confirming lineages, and uncovering new connections. However, the effective use of DNA evidence requires more than just receiving test results - it involves a clear understanding of genetic concepts, thoughtful analysis and careful integration with documentary research. To help you navigate, here’s a quick ...