www.Leazott.com

Bulk Data Records-Unraveling A Mystery!            Published Monthly
Lesson 033...                                                                                                            2018 07 01

Defining The Problem...
Most user problems will be at the beginnings of their endeavor having to do with space and budgets.
The size of your budget can determine the type of space you get (Whether physical or virtual).

While budgets may be restrictive, they can usually be resolved for far less than most people think.
Moreover, space problems are compounded by mis-management or unnecessary duplications.

The reasons for saving bulk data are not readily apparant to everyone, they vary from user to user.
Each of those reasons has its own set of particular issues specific to each users own ability.

When a researcher is separated from historic documented data, their project is near its end.
They are then resolved to the "cleanup process" of making their tree "colorful".
Saving bulk data to help avoid this catastrophe is the main objective.

Where and how to store this data is a difficult obstacle for many!
It demands its own space and will become lost or ruined if it's forced into clutter!
Historical documents can help your project expand through generations-Keep records organized!


How Did That Happen?...
From the moment we're born, most of the world around us is full of expieriences that are usually free.
The time we spend with loved ones or chatting online with friends seems to go on forever.
Unfortunately, only the moments and the memorys are free, not the items.

Over time we become accustomed to always having our everyday people and desires by our side.
We rarely remember when we're in someone's presence that they're momentary as well.
Just as their clothing and keepsakes will be replaced, the people will be too.

As if the natural causes and effects weren't enough, add mis-judgements for saving items!
Cleanout and moving losses, divorce, misplaced or stolen items all loose memories.
While they represent a personal loss, they're also a historical loss as well!

Finally, overstepping our ability-regardless of the reason-can severely restrict your organizing efforts.
Trying to save the entire history of a culture is also a bit more than one person should handle.
Some records are simply more important than others - Save the important types first!


What's Been Done To Fix This?...
It all starts with the user "keeping like things together" not only as a "first step", but always ongoing!
Genealogy like any other hobby or workplace simply flows better with more organization.
"Cubby-Hole" and "Mail-Slot" approaches adapt well to record keeping.

A lesson learned here is to avoid spreading yourself too thin... Concentrate on "One thing at a time".
When additional downloader equipment and places were added, speed greatly increased!
Multiple machines and places lead to overload, mixups, redo's and lost data...

Official documents are kept in separate groups by an alpha-numerical nomenclature.
Researchers saving these files would do well to follow using the existing numbering system.
These files are easy to understand, separated first by type, then alphabetically by place or name.

Organizing and safeguarding your information is more than leaving decisions to automated software.
Learn how to use separate drives (Or at least folders) for different types of stored info.
Start with folder named "Genealogy", then create sub-folders within it.

Now that you've followed the numbering system standards and organized it all together... Separate it!
That is, make complete backups of your family tree, your drives and store them in trusted places.
It's your responsibility to take control and steer your project through a well planned course!


Where Can We Find The Bulk Data?...
Collecting large amounts of data can be done in several ways.
Some choose to download info while others simply purchase info on CD's.
Others want the work already done for them, and so they download numerous gedcoms.

Any local library can get you whatever is available within your entire state.
For items not available online, this may be a worthwhile option.
Fees usually apply for scanning-So use your camera!

Collectively, your drives or folders already hold a wealth of valuable information.
As with most beginners, the information becomes scattered during their family tree growth.
Make a concious effort to bring them all together minimally under one folder, then consolidate them.

There's likely a genealogy club or organization somewhere near you.
Chances are that they have files for member use that will include your interests.
If you've never been involved you'll be amazed at the bulk data they have available to you!


What Did We Learn From This?...
Data and tangible items (Even newly aquired) can be lost in the home or hard drives by clutter.
Keep the items together and any electronic data under one folder or on a separate drive.
Proper organization helps prevent much of the future clutter from happening again!

Aquisition of bulk data is rare and can end for us at any time, so we tend to work as fast as possible.
Sometimes storing it in several areas just to fit it all before we have the necessary drivespace!
If we aquire records faster than a plan is formulated we can become overloaded!

There are several ways to collect bulk data, some are far more expediant than others.
Check your own home, drives, library and clubs both online as well as local!
Be prepared to purchase at least one newer mega-sized hard drive!

The availability of large amounts of data is becoming harder to find.
Aquire as much bulk data as is posssible by various methods and storage types.
Fast and simple: CD's can help avoid much of the time resrictions and misplaced data.

Searching CD's without a database isn't difficult.
Their organization method depends on the type of record in question.
All types are sorted first by year(s) then narrowed either alphabetically or by state for censuses.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Keep files and tangibles well organized and accessible for easy care and use.
Organization is key to saving and protecting data for its survival.

Second...
Overload can happen to anybody, and has no universal quantity level or speed criteria.
Many factors contribute, but storage space clutter is by far the premier issue.

Third...
Bulk data on CD is sufficient for most user purposes wanting data only about ancestors and friends.
Time and space are significantly reduced, possibly fitting what's needed on existing drives.


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

Our family. Our website.
Leazott.com