In response to a number of queries and requests, we have decided to accept genealogical data from the members on a trial basis.  For now the data will be received and placed on the web site with a minimum of  editing on our part.  Therefore a few guidelines need to be strictly adhered to, in order to be acceptable.

The # 1 prerequisite is that you must be a donating member of the Sparks Family Association Web Site!  If you are not yet a member, none of the links below will work for you.

In addition to this prerequisite,  all the following criteria must be met.

1)  Anything submitted should be in one of three forms:

1. Gedcom File (preferred)  (If you don't know how to make a "GEDCOM" file, contact the webmaster for help)
2. Outline Descendant tree (Next best) in Text ".txt" or HTML form only.  (HTML Preferred, but "txt" OK)
3. Family Group sheet ( A form is available at http://sparksfamilyassociation.net/archive/famgrpform.html)  This form can be filled in "Online" and submitted from there.

3)  No Genealogy reports in text form will be accepted.

4) The material must be submitted with the principle subject having the SPARKS surname.  (No exceptions)

• The principle subject is defined as:
• the oldest person in the file, Or earliest person bearing the SPARKS surname.  (Excluding a listed parent for the principle subject [Father or Mother on the Family Group Sheet])
• Multiple Family Group Sheets may be submitted as long as the principle subject on each page (The father or Mother) bears the SPARKS surname.

6) Submissions must contain no assumptions or presumptions, but based on documented reliable resource material.

7) The person submitting the data agrees to allow his material to be place on the web site for Association members to be able to download.  There will never be a charge for downloading files.

8) Please include the Full Name of the submitter along with his/her E-Mail address

9) Data should be E-Mailed to the Webmaster as an attachment only.  This does not include the data submitted by the Family groupsheet form on the web site.  This data is automatically transmitted directly to the Webmaster.
 
 

We have implemented the system for submission and putting  submissions on line.  There are now a few files on line for downloading.  You can reach the download section from the first page of the password protected portion of the web site.  You may also go directly to this site using the following URL  http://sparksfamilyassociation.net/archive/downloads

You will find three folders in this directory.  They are:
DescendantTrees
Family Group Sheets
Gedcom Files

Double clicking the name of the folder will open to the files.  You may get back to the directory listing the folders by clicking  "Parent Directory".

Once in a directory:
Gedcom Files directory---clicking a filename will bring up the traditional download window.  I recommend downloading the file to your hard disk, although you can "Open",  and it will allow you to open it in your genealogy program.

The other two directories will directly display the contents of the file when you click on it.  You can then print it out,  or Save it to your hard disk.  (Choose "File" from the menu bar on your browser, then choose "Save as" and click the "Save" button.)
Be sure to note the folder it is saved in, (check the "Save in" window before clicking "Save")  You can  choose a different  folder on your drive or make a new one.