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Let's Go Over This Again-A ReCap                                             2016 12 01
Lesson 014...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

And Again And Again Until We Get It Right...
We all want the best info for our trees, and as quickly as possible so we can move on.
But that's not really fun now is it? That's because the real thrill is in the chase!

At first, there's so much that needs to be done, and so many relatives that it seems so fast paced!
We race for more info, more members and even more images to make our tree look as full as we can!

Depending on the size of your project (And its intent), this can go on almost indefinitely.
As is the norm, the longer we practice at something, the better at it we become.
Practice is basically the "repetition of a given topic". Hence, a system.

In theory, the better we become at something, the more we can do of that thing in a given timespan.
But in genealogy studies, the options become even wider, giving an added depth to your project.
For instance, you may add more people, more data-or both! Or you might do other things!

There are however, several things that make any tree useful from casual to professional.
As important as "bulk data" is, if it isn't understandable, it's useless-Neatness counts!
If something doesn't "feel right" to you, it probably isn't-Accuracy is important!


What Choices Do I Have?...
That's tough to answer. Not everyone wants the same info or the same type of tree.
Not to mention their tree's purpose, their own resources like time, electronics, vehicles, budget, etc..

First you have to decide on the basic formats to be used.
As simple as it sounds, there are actually a variety of choices to be made (Paper or Plastic?).
Next, you'll need to think about the different types of info you'll keep on your medium for sharing.

With those two critical choices behind you, the blissfull glee of discovery is now an everyday high!
That is, until you run out of research names in your tree or the available information on those people.
Then begins an entirely new set of choices yet again. Branch out wider, older, deeper info, etc.

No matter what you choose, there will always be more choices and another set of variables waiting.
Even if you choose to end your research, the choice is always there to re-open the magic.
All of us started our trees because we felt a driving need to know, or to show.


What's A Good Plan For These "New Choices"?...
When you're feeling comfortable that all the available information is had, there's still more.
Think of it in terms as if there were someone trying to record your life in their files.
You'd probably feel they could not capture your entire life in so few words.

Generally, the information collection methods revolve around conversation and documents.
In either case, the information should be stored carefully for later research-It doesn't end here!
Availability of each method is time-oriented. People pass away, websites and repositories go defunct.

The point is, in both methods there are things you can do to preserve the information for retrieval.
In many cases, if you act quickly enough, there can even be an expansion on what is already known.
Your actions need not be frenzied, but they must be deliberate, pre-planned and well thought out.

With conversational information, visits, cards and letters, or phone calls or even emails can be used.
Face to face is always best and carries more weight in reliability, but distances may preclude that.
Record the information, arrange it in a comprehensable, chronological fashion to understand.

Computerized/electronic methods use photo's, scans and downloads from websites are to be saved.
A common mistake is to think that information will be there when you return again-Save it!
Websites take time and money to run and need interest from both user and builder.


What To Do With All This Info?...
Now that every piece of information has been found, recorded and stored for backup, we re-hash it.
Yep, that's right. We'll organize it so that it makes sense not only to us, but to onlookers as well.
Because the people we may want to share (enlighten) will undoubtedly not know the stories.

Whether on paper or software, the axiom "KISS" (Keep It Simple Stupid) should be adhered to.
This is benificial to onlookers and researchers. An orderly approach shows greater knowledge.
Organizing these "thoughts" is also helpful whenever doing further subject matter research.

After you've done all that, there may be other questions about or "linking to" your info that you have.
Create lists of "new questions" relating to pictures and reports prior to any phone calls or visits.
The conversational sources should always be done first. If the oportunity passes, it passes.

Likewise, when it comes to internet, there is a downside to web-searching.
The information isn't guaranteed to be available tomorrow, so make a copy today.
Reasons include web-funding, non-interest or even owners passing away and some others.


How, When And Why Should Info be Re-Hashed?...
Several good reasons come to mind, not the least of which is accuracy. Accidents/typo's happen.
Another justification might be for items missed during an initial intake. A common occurance.
Other reasons beyond a simple organizing include speculations requiring further inquiries.

The ongoing retrieval of data might happen in any of several possible ways.
Direct contact with another family member is best, and may yield photo's or other info.
Another advantage is that like other things, when they see your enthusiasm, it tends to be catchy.

With internet a bit more time is allowed, as well as always being available to your unique schedule.
Library's, relatives and other repository's have "normal business hours". Computers don't.
The downside is that you're limited to whatever has been scanned and published.

Re-searching again and again without fresh results can be detrimental to your enthusiasm.
Remember Einstein's insanity definition. A new approach might help keep things more interesting!
Different websites/search engines/data types, etc. ...Even the occasional sidetrack helps sometimes!

How often you "update" your tree is a matter of time vs. need. Keep as current as you feel adequate.
Keep track of your updating to make it easier and more efficient. A few basic things to remember.
Above all else, searching for new/additional information should come after the tree is optimized.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Complete your tree to a point that satisfy's you in both lineage starting point and family width.
Equalize all subjects in regards to collecting and storing data facts that your software holds.

Second...
Organize the past... Create a list of related items to consult your source. Ongoing if possible.
Organize the future... Minute details often lead to bigger things. New people may emerge!

Third...
Web searches should include incorrect surname spelling variations and loose generalities.
Leave yourself (Or others) notes on last "re-hash" searches and schedule the next one.


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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