I am certain you are asking, "What!" What are guidelines?
According to Google definition it is a general rule, principle, or piece of advice.
Otherwise: recommendation, instruction, direction, suggestion, advice; regulation, rule, principle, guiding principle; standard, criterion, measure, gauge, yardstick, benchmark, touchstone;
procedure, parameter.
If you have not set up your own guidelines, the National Genealogical Society has provided the benefit for free to those who wish to improve their skills and performance in their genealogical pursuits. As such these are just guidelines!
NGS is neither an accrediting nor an enforcement agency and does not determine whether its recommendations are being followed in any particular case. These recommendations serve their purpose when an individual decides that the guidelines have been applied appropriately in a matter of personal interest.
Below are their guidelines that pertain to several subjects that you may interact on the subject.
Guidelines for Sound Genealogical Research
Guidelines for Using Records Repositories and Libraries
Guidelines for Use of Computer Technology in Genealogical Research
Guidelines for Sharing Information with Others
Guidelines for Genealogical Self-Improvement and Growth
