This is the most time consuming factor in any research. Moreover, without accurate documentation of the source, the research becomes unreliable. It is frustrating to receive information and not have a clue how the researcher came to the "connection."
My quoting of sources became very important early on in this genealogy game. After being handed that wonderful "Penington Chart" (source unknown), it causes you to question and document everything.
I found a system that works for me. When I enter a name in my database, the name is documented in the source notes as to where I first found the connection. Other sources are added to the individual's record as additional confirming information is found, such as birth and death dates or marriage records. This way I can list several sources for any one person and always know where I first saw the name.
In order to keep the mountains of paper from overwhelming my dining room; I do use secondary information from other researchers. This could also be called "hearsay" in a court of law, however it becomes necessary to give your research new direction.
If I enter a name with research that I have not verified, it is documented in the source section as "personal notes of (and the researcher name)" or the publication and author's name. When I find the original documents at the archives, I add these sources to the individual's record. The source notations show a history of my research and convey the level of confidence I have in the placement of this individual. Until I do my own research, I consider these family connections as good bets, but not totally documented.
The verification of information is detailed in the note section on individuals. In this section, you will see details that cause me to conclude this placement is accurate. Alternatively, you will see that this connection is a theory and needs further research.
On some records, I place a "not proven" after the individuals name. This is so my research is just that, research, and not the gospel truth. It is a way of causing others to question and contribute their information so the total story is much more accurate.
Documenting may not be the most fun part of genealogy research. Finding a whole slue of relatives is much more fun. However, what is the true value of the "whole slue of names" if the documentation does not exist?
The articles on the home page and archives are drawn from my research. They include my interpretation of the materials I have found and sometimes involve more speculation than I would allow in the genealogy documentation itself.
I hope you find this material useful. But, if your research is important to you, be sure to examine the original documents.