OVERVIEW

I have been a member since May 7, 2001 and this has never been a full time or mainline focus. I've been around long enough to see it change, though largely not for the better through recent years (2020s).

Creating, along with editing, hasn't been as fun, or enjoyable, as it once was. I'm of the opinion that with a lot of the conflict that occurs, including possessiveness of memorials and edit-request attacks, that it's become a little bit too Wikipedian around here.

If one doesn't like something, the best resolution of all is to contact Find a Grave support. They are the end-all/be-all with the final word on everything; solves your problem right there. Simply put: I don't do conflicts.

In November 2018, I stopped completing photo requests. I used to enjoy it but then some cemeteries became unhelpful, if not outright uncooperative. At various locations, assistance would be scant or scarce (including availability of staff), and some would wince when learning it was for Find a Grave research and updating. One of the issues encountered would be that information would have to be approved for release by the decedent's family. It just depends on the cemetery and their regulations, but I just found it too exhaustive.

I became very familiar with Melrose Abbey Memorial Park in Anaheim, California along with the nearby Cathedral Memorial Gardens in Garden Grove. I have family and friends at both locations - and the staffs have usually been quite helpful, especially the groundskeepers.

At any rate, there's still a great community here, especially with some of its earliest members who still contribute to this day...

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MISCELLANY

Note on Accuracy: Cemetery information should be absolutely verified for locations of burial/interment. Assumptions because of family, partners, etc. having prior placement, doesn't automatically equate as fact for the subsequently departed as being placed the same. Always verify first before updating; you'll save people a lot of trouble. Speedy creation of famous memorials, upon news of the passing, appears to be when this happens the most, since it lessens a delay of getting the memorial up. (ie: the hasty need for someone to be "first!")

Regarding Randy Moffitt: On 10/10/25, it was brought to my attention that the issue has been resolved. Forest Lawn - Long Beach was removed as the burial location, and I thank those of you that messaged with support in letting me know that you had contacted Find a Grave about it as well. Randy was a dear friend of mine and I appreciate those of you who were very helpful with that.

A few tips about Forest Lawn: Not all graves, crypts, niches, etc. are listed on their searchable database on their website. If possible, you (or someone you know) may have to make a trek in-person to confirm and verify. Their offices are usually helpful with printing out maps for locations, but not all staff can be warm or welcoming. Also, it is of note to mention that some families wish to not have the information of their loved ones publicly listed, just FYI.