Expectations This section is about what a registrant should expect from a registry and what a registry should expect from a registrant. Although these are not rules, it is hoped that these are some guidelines which will make your experience with online registries a more pleasant one. A person who registers at an online registry is a REGISTRANT and should expect and receive fast and courteous reponses to any inquiries. Since there are many diffferent ways to set up a registry, a registrant should expect an acknowlegement that their registration was accepted by the registry and a unique method for each registrant so that they are easily identified by registry owner and registrant, whether the registry uses registration numbers or a combination of certain details that the registry owner feels would easily identify the registrants. Some registries will send out a form letter with information which could be very helpful in your search and some have a computerized message sent which acknowledges the receipt. Both methods are acceptable and acknowledge the registrant. A registrant should also be able to read the policies of the registry before registering if they so wish. They should not have to fear that their information will be given to others or sold as these are unethical practices. They should also be able to talk with the registry owner about any complaints or worries that they may have and the expectation that the situation will be handled promptly. SOAR gives them a place to go if they do not feel that they are being handled fairly. A REGISTRY should expect that a registrant give them their full name and address and email address. This information is in case a match is made or a question needs to be asked by the registry owner and is never a tool for soliciting funds or to be sold. A registry should expect a registrant to notify them if their email address or home address is ever changed for the same reasons. A registry should also expect to be treated fairly and not be constantly worried that someone will complain if a match is not made immediately. If a registrant finds their lost loved one in another method, the registry owner should expect that the registrant would let them know so that they do not waste time on the registration which could be used in helping other registrants. Back to the SOAR Handbook Index