A Searching Question by Jay Bellamy Embarking on a search for your roots is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make; it really is life-changing. But what do you do when things go wrong? Or, if it's just taking to long ... There are so many Internet sites out there all promising to find your missing relatives and it can be very confusing: believe me I know! The thing is, how do you narrow it down? The answer is, you don't. Start by making a systematic search for as many free services as you can – and I mean FREE. Don't be fooled, though, there are lots of brilliant resources available, but many have a sting in their tails. Don't get me wrong, there are free sites, free registration and free search facilities but, please, be aware that if you aren't promised privacy you may start receiving unwanted offers of help – at a price! So, always read the small print, and be very wary of sites that allow pop-up advertising, which detract from the overall user experience – they're paid to allow this exploitation. Take your privacy seriously and ensure that you keep your anti-virus up to date; there are ways for malicious code to be downloaded without your knowledge and even small programs might allow a hacker to view your data without you knowing. Advice about security may be found on most reputable anti-virus vendor sites; it's worth taking a look. There are also many open message boards available. Thankfully, most of these site owners have had to clean up their act since 'security and privacy' became such an important issue – and they came to realise just how insecure their offerings were. Most reputable sites have provided a 'REPLY' tab, which doesn't leave your email address in open text for all to see. The result is the same, but now you have the option of discarding the wheat from the chaff – high time too. Prior to these overdue changes every 'live' email address was a green light to unscrupulous email spammers, and to those who would collect and sell your email address to companies willing to pay for it in order to send out illicit junk mail en masse. This is how many people make a living online and you need to be aware that you shouldn't be too open with your information; protect yourself before starting your search. Some people prey on other's emotions and needs or wants – it's big business out there. The site that you're on promotes privacy and wants you to be successful. So, don't go until you've registered with us but before you do read our Privacy Policy. AdoptionTracker.com really wants you to find whoever you're looking for but you will need to register in order for us to try and match your details! No one can see, sell or use your information for any other purpose than the one you've provided it for – a database search. Ensure you provide as much detail as possible and wait for your unique login details to be emailed to you. Pass the word around, the more people who register the more this search engine can help. It is totally free with no charges or hidden agenda, no advertising or annoying pop-ups. AdoptionTracker.com promises this! When you've registered with AdoptionTracker.com go to another site and if you can register for free ensure that you do so. The more places you look the more chances you have of finding who or what you are looking for. Use the message boards, read the magazines and papers with reunion messages, speak to people who are in the same position as you and ensure that you do all you can to make your search safe, interesting and successful. Of course, if you need help or want advice you can always write to jayne@AdoptionTracker.com. She is here to help you and to provide support if it's needed. AdoptionTracker.com also wants your feedback. Tell us your story, as it really does inspire others. Don't forget that there are many other useful organisations that can help too, some of which are named on this site in our 'Links and Resources' section Remember; whether you're a birth parent looking for your natural child or a chosen baby – you may be one in a million but you're never alone! Copyright © 2002 GENETICA Publishing Ltd