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Family Tree Building-Advancing The Cause!        Published Monthly
Lesson 034...                                                                                                            2018 08 01

Defining The Problem...
At some point most of us will feel overwhelmed when realizing the enormity of a project like this!
While all very natural, it can have devastating effects on our progress and our drive!

Sometimes many areas may need attention all at once due to technical or interactive reasons.
With so many areas of need, it may seem that we accomplish very little progress.

Informational lockouts can occur during research by memberships and other reasons.
Time, costs, health and other reasons can be prohibative to a re-visitstion.

In general, that feeling of despair is about completing the goals we've chosen.
Usually, we've unwittingly raised the bar by setting higher standards.
The urge for a complete data structure has overtaken all else.

Time vs. goals are the basis of the issue.
We have learned much about data collection and its methods.
But we've forgotten that we are still just one person with a very finite amount of time.


How Did That Happen?...
Many of us begin building a family tree thinking it should be simple - It's all online, right?
After discovering that info isn't always right, we decide to sort it out and make a tree that works!
While this is certainly a very noble cause, its magnatude is usually severely under-estimated by many!

The enlightenment period comes sometime after we "learn how to learn".
After becoming proficient at finding difficult information, we usually discover even more!
New information types are exciting, so we add them to the list of data that all tree members need!

If only things were that simple, we could probably control it. But then the problem compounds itself!
Usually it will happen again and again several times with various newfound information types!
Soon our work is scattered among several "important" things, all needing work at once!

New ideas that strike us as interesting also creep in and unknowingly add to the backlog problem!
Tech changes for record keeping may promise size and speed expansions that seem easy.
Eventually we realize that any info beyond birth or death dates is time consuming.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
Choices must be made. It's up to every tree owner to decide on the overall type of tree desired.
In reality, this should have been done at the start, but none of us realize it then.
Large trees have basic info, while small trees have much info.

This is the time to make realistic decisions about the future advancement of your tree!
Surprisingly, this order of events is played out more often than you think!
Recognizing your limitations can actually better your results!

Because of your expierience, you now know which research areas are the most important.
Use of that expierience should be at the forefront of developing your new plan!
Streamlining is the key to advancing. Expierience will show you how.

Decide which have been the most productive record types, and where they come from.
Clearly, whichever places have been more productive are the ones to keep .
Businesses capitalize on this method as "Return-On-Investment".

To spell this out plainly... No matter where you're at in your tree, it's time to have completed areas.
Information areas are the same for each person, although their data may not be available.
Completing an area can rejuvenate your drive and speed you through another!


What Data Should We Attempt To Find?...
Stick to the basics until they're complete, and wherever possible keep to a chronological order.
In doing so, other data types will emerge showing a greater pattern for later.
By having the basics, a much better appearance is created.

The best place to start by far is with the standard birth and death information pieces.
Generally these are the easiest bits of information available we can gather.
Death certificates are best, but tombstone dates will suffice.

Marriage dates are another important area with reasons to record together.
Most softwares have a section of families making it easier.
Use a credible source with verifiable images.

A final area of "standard collections" should be all of their lifelong censuses.
While probably already had for the most part, a final sweep insures its completion.
The information gathered in total adds to the tree and may well shed some light on areas.


What Did We Learn From This?...
The time is now for straightening up accumulating loose ends in your family tree!
Waiting will only prolong and worsen the issues into becoming problematic.
Decisions need to be made regarding how many info types to collect.

When working on your tree, complete each entire section before moving onto the next area.
Do them in as close to a chronological lifespan as possible for ease of understanding.
NOTE: Insure all criteria's have dates. Use "estimated" instead of  "no data".

Never accept a third party report whenever historical data source images are available!
A type-written name/date/place/etc. is a report-someone elses interpretation.
Besides data it may include mistakes, errors, misprints, typo's etc...

Do something to advance your tree every day--Even when you're overwhelmed.
An object in motion, tends to stay in motion... Objects at rest...
The key is to stay in step with daily production.

Your work will be more thorough, expansive and completed faster than any other method.
Along the way you'll discover other types of data you may wish to record-Later.
Some people say they "can't work that way". Show them your tree.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Start the sectional work now by pre-planning the order of your data collection and where to get it.
Waiting longer compounds the problem in ways like time, finance, availability, etc..

Second...
Once started, complete each section before moving onto the next (Including Estimates).
When the initial sections are completed, decide on more people or more data.

Third...
Never let the tree remain idle. Do something every day-No matter how small!
Any advancement is still an advancement, and those days will add up!


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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