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[Bostonbryn]

How do I get started. Trying to investigate a possible missing person situation in my hometown from the late 80’s

 

[Gemmie]

Hi, @Bostonbryn. And welcome to WS! Glad you found us.

Have you tried searching this site for the missing person's name?

 

[Bostonbryn]

not yet. I am not 100% sure on name of the missing person. But is there a space where I could try variations of his name?

 

[Sillybilly]

How do I get started. Trying to investigate a possible missing person situation in my hometown from the late 80’s

In order to start a Missing Persons discussion, Websleuths requires that the Opening Post to the discussion contains the individuals name, and a link to an official source that states they are officially missing (i.e. MSM, LE report, NAMUS).

Some people go missing voluntarily and it is a violation of their privacy to search them out and publish information about them on the internet.

Without the above information to start a thread, you are also welcome to discuss in private messaging with other members who may wish to help behind the scenes. Up to 20 members can be in the private group, but nothing can be brought to the main board that is in private messaging.

 

[CocoChanel]

not yet. I am not 100% sure on name of the missing person. But is there a space where I could try variations of his name?

Hi Bostonbryn, and welcome to Websleuths!
It’s a great place, and considered the gold standard in true crime discussion forums.
We’re glad you joined!

The search feature on Websleuths is pretty straightforward.
You can find it at the top right of any page on Websleuths.
You can try variations of a name in multiple searches.
I suggest putting in your best guess of a name in the search space on Websleuths, and leaving the parameter on “Everywhere”. Check each result to see if it is the one you are looking for. Adjust the search terms in any subsequent search.
You might consider using the terms “missing in _______”, filling in the blank with your hometown since that is where you said the person was be missing from.

I am assuming you have already done Google searches using the same parameters.
If not, that would be best to do that now.
Often Google searches will turn up results on Websleuths.

If you have questions about Websleuths rules, be sure to familiarize yourself with them.
They are linked in my signature.
The volunteer staff here on Websleuths is awesome.
They can help you with any questions about policies and procedures on this site.
To contact them, just click the Report link at the bottom of any post and submit your query. The moderators will see it and one of them will send a reply that will go into your Websleuths DMs. You can reach that DM mailbox by clicking the envelope icon at the top right of any Websleuths page.

Hope these tips help!