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How Much Information Do You Need?                                     2016 04 01
Lesson 007...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

Enough Is Enough...
The phrase "enough data" is a fairly ambiguous term to use in describing data collections.
In and of itself, it's meaning is relative only to the person saying it, because they know its use.
Therefore, the data's purpose is the real criteria needed in order to figure out how much is needed.

Sometimes when we're first starting on a family tree, we want to know everything there is to know.
We soon learn we can either spend a lot of time on a few people, or a little time on a lot of people.
Choices must be made somewhere along the line, or possibly all along the line while we progress.

In order to understand what's needed, a goal must be defined.
Goals have a way of changing and evolving into "bigger and better things".
So limit your goals to available time and money you're comfortable with spending on it.
The importance you feel for the project may also have some impact on how much of each you spend.


Goal Setting Strategies...
The issue with most goals is that they're generally thought of in the form of an arrival to someplace.
Whether geographical, financial, project building, education, job level or what have you.

Instead, try to think of your goal as more of a starting point for bigger things.
Think of the span between now and then more as a "Learning how to learn" project.
Within a few generations of data you'll undoubtedly have a clearer understanding of it all.
This is not to say you'll be an expert, but rather a better knowledge of some do's and don'ts.

Setting Up Shop...
Choose your software...carefully?...Not so much.
Any "decent" treemaker software has the ability to import files made on other software.
The difference? ...Cost... And a few bells and whistles.

But here's the thing. People generally equate cost with quality (Unknown reasons for this parallel).
There's a lot of free family tree software out there to learn on while you look around for others.
Why pay for something that you may discover in the future is either too much or too little for you?


On Your Way...
Begin with yourself. You know a lot about yourself, so this should be easy right?
Enter everything you feel you'd want to know about someone else you were researching.
Minimals are birth and death dates, burials, marriages, pictures if you have them, and addresses.

Next, add connecting relatives...Parents, spouse, siblings, children.
Complete one person before moving on to the next. Go back if you find more features to add.
This is how you will be discovering what kinds of data you'll want to collect for your tree.

You're creating a "Standard Layout" to be used on every member that you add.
That is, a list of data features you'll be looking to add for each member in the tree.
As you continue, you'll discover many more things in your software or records to add.
Keep things uniform for all members to give a more professional look and feel to your tree.

This is not to say that you can't add some individualism.
All software has space for putting in discussion/essay/notes.
But will severely hamper your project if simply used "routinely".



It's All Just Basic Math...
After you've completed a family circle containing all the information you want to see available...
Take a look at the clock.

Divide however much time it took by however many people you added for a "per-person time".
This "per-person-time" will be multiplied repeatedly by the number of individuals you wish to add.
Typical mini-trees range from a dozen direct-line members, to 50,000 or more "DNA Contributors".

This may take the glamour and mystique out of building a tree.
But it's nothing you wouldn't have discovered anyway.


So Now The Decision...
Based on what you knew and now know, a plan can be made.
You simply need to define what you want and how long it will take to get there.
More data=More time. It doesn't matter if that data is people or dates or images or other.

The basic descision comes down to more people, or more info.
It may help to first consider your reasoning in need or desire for the tree.
A simple wall hanging requires only few, while family reunions may be very diverse.



All That Being Said...
And you were expecting quick and easy answers, right?
Here's an example of how it's being done here.

Step One...The Main Lines
Father to son/name bearing lineage, up the chain as far as can be traced.

Step Two....Secondary Lines
Other sons and daughters of the main line fathers, following the same system.

Step Three...Rinse and repeat
Do this as many times at each level to fullfill your needs (Remember the clock).

Basic Data...
A simple list carries things like dates for birth, death, marriage, burial and other info presented.
Maps are included as a standard for any information that has a known whereabouts.
Images if found, such as photos, transcripts, obituaries, gravestones, etc.
Official documents and certificates like census, birth, marriage.
Basic internet search for other available unknown info.



The Basic Rules...
First...
Decide the purpose.
What do you really want this tree to do?
Your initial motivation to start is probably it.

Second...
Apply your goal.
A goal is just a step. There will be another.
Be efficient, use time effectively, record accurately.

Third...
Build On It.
Add data according to your own need.
Whether few members with much info, or many with little info.



As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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