Anyone can submit information, documented or not, to Rootsweb or any other site that maintains family trees. It's best to use these just as a guide. I have gotten excellent leads here. As you scroll down the Rootsweb home page, you will see all sorts of areas to explore, including lessons for beginners. You definitely want to sign up for one of the Roots-L mailing lists.
Lists are available for every county, every state and just about every surname imaginable.
I am now subscribed to about 15 lists. When your sign up is successful, they will send you an e-mail welcoming you to the list, and telling you how to unsubscribe, should you ever wish to have your name removed. You will receive a mailbox full of mail every day from everyone posting messages and searching the same area of interest as you. Some may pertain to your family and some may not. Just delete what you can't use.