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The Higher Order Of Reliable Information            Published Monthly
Lesson 060...                                                                                                            2020 10 31

Defining The Problem...
Information found on the internet may or may not be as reliable as it looks.
Additionally, that same source may be sparse or abundant, depending on the info type or person.

Sorting through files each time another clue is found can be a dificult matter when unorganized.
Valuable time can be lost searching for what we "remember", and worsens with more files.

Over time, we begin to trust our own memory, perhaps a bit more than we should.
We of course, save any and all information we run across, in hopes that it will be of some future aid.

One problem is that we do not usually uncover information in any chronological or group order.
This happens by following an established family tree or doing random searches by name.
It may seem faster this way, but can lack the sources necessary to validate data.

As a result, the list of files in a persons folder tends to become chaotic.
There may even be "duplicate files" randomly placed that produce un-necessary clutter.
Eventually several factors combine to slow our progress, or frustrate us into pre-maturely moving on.


How Did That Happen?...
After several thousand entries, we may become lax.
Especially after developing a "trust" for certain websites.
This is not only bad practice, but exactly opposite of our goal.

Generic websearches can add a lot of data, but are usually unsourced.
While the author may have the actual source, showing it can be very time consuming.
If a family tree has 10,000 persons, adding just one minute/person is 10,000 minutes (166+ hrs).

Adding source links increases the time for things we already know, just to make other lives easier.
As nice as that would be, more often than not, "it ain't gonna happen"... Get over it.
If you'd like to have your own set of source document images... Click here.

Our trust in a given website or other researchers ability is misplaced at best.
It's far better to use the time practicing at a routine including actual document research.
Growth by document search can become more productive than copy/paste because of reliability.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
There are several approaches that can work well within our records.
Some or all of them can also be used sporatically on an "as needed" basis

Timeline....
Listing this way may be helpful when trying to follow ancestral travels and dramatic events.
It may even show whether or not a person was able to be an event participant.

Reliablility level....
Unsourced data may be useful for initial listing of a person, but can be easily superceded.
Tombstones, birth records, censuses and more obviously rank higher than raw data.

Relationships...
Access to birth records can show a person as the parent of many children.
Grouping files together also helps insure that no children are missed if they are to be shown.

Activity...
When grouping items such as military, education, residences or other items, list each chronologically.
The endeavors can help show the persons movement, training, growth and more quite readily!


Where Can We Find These Data Types?...
Usually all the same places with no extra work added... Unless you want to...
Having a "system" creates the opportunity to list specific information types to seek out.
These can range from basic data to extended info that doesn't pertain to everyone (Military/etc).

This "sub-system" can also increase productivity as well as give the finished product an expected look.
For instance, group all censuses together for a timeline flow aid for finding other documents.
Knowing where a person was might lead to unknown children or even spousal graves.

Whether you prefer a chronological, data intense or topic related method.
Styles can be easily changed from person-to-person as needed for comparing info.
This is especially useful when comparing data discrepancies in order to arrive at the truth.

Most family tree genealogy software programs allow the user to arrange files in any order they desire.
Whichever style you prefer, use the option to suit your needs and work to your advantage.
You can also use it to sort conflicting data reports from believable to unlikely.


What Did We Learn From This?...
Organization brings stronger reliability, faster sorting times, more data and better overall productivity.
Also when your files go to the next "keeper", they'll be easily understood, trusted and likely kept.

Regardless of the method type, each section should flow within a timeline according to its particulars.
List documents as a natural order ranging from birth to military, marriage, children, obituary.
Items such as censuses however should be grouped together rather than inserted.

Once the order is mastered, aquiring data and documents will likely hasten easily.
Often many persons share a document. Quick recognition is now made to insure each has it.
Showing four documents for each type is easily remembered when switching between the subjects.

While there are many easy ways to gather information, they are not all equally reliable.
There is a natural hierarchy of credibility regarding all information sources.
Actual documentation can trump even a "guru" historical website.

In the end, from top to bottom should be several categories if information types.
They should each flow chronologically within themselves for easy access.
The more reliable the data type, the higher it ranks on the list.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Organization creates a more reliable product.
A simple truism for any home or industry, worthy of notation as a gentle reminder to us all.

Second...
Regardless of preferred style, the more reliable a data type, the higher it goes on the list as a section.
Actual documents and photo images are always ranked higher than are unsourced "reports".

Third...
Organize into a very structured layout that is chronological within each section.
As the natural flow is mastered, a rhythm will guide the researcher, resulting in higher productivity.



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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