Keeping Paper Records

[Keith Bateman]

Hi,

Thanks for those replies - the reason is, I am just transferring information from one pc programme to my new one "Master Genealogist" - which looks great at the moment - the old one was one I was given and must be 10 years old .
I know about ged files and the main part has been copied OK - but whereas I seemed to put lots of info in "notes" the new one has a tag for everything.

I have now realise what a lot of duplicated information I have kept - but better 2 pieces than none!!

Think I will combine the 3 ways - computer - discs - and paper - I can't really see me throwing away anything anyway - but will use the pc more than I have to show scanned images and certificates easily and quickly.

Thanks again

Cheers

Keith

[Nick Carver]

When I read all these posts I realise just how disorganised I am. I have a variety of bits of paper with print outs and written notes, with folders for certificates and original census pages. I have yet to acquire a program to computerise all my records. I think the only reason I am able to function as an amateur genealogist is because of my seemingly infinite capacity for remembering useless information (my wife's description) and frequent frantic searches through a mountain of paper. Somehow I have managed to get back to the 17th century on three lines.

I offer these thoughts as words of comfort to people who think they are in a mess. You couldn't get much worse than where I am. The amount of data that needs recording somewhere is daunting which is what puts me off doing anything about it.

[Su]

I have ring binders with clear plastic wallets and copy every bit of info I can find.  For my Dad's side I now have two ring binders.  When I need the same info in another file I just copy it twice i.e. birth marriage death certs.

I also photocopied all photographs and laminate them, so I have extras just in case.

I wouldn't be without my files, as when I am busy researching on the comp, I can just pick a file up and look at the info there.  I wouldn't trust having it all just on computer.  I'd die if I lost it all.

I have also done a consolidated version of each family into a single ring binder for my daughter, brothers and sisters and 6 neices and nephews, so they all know where they came from.

Su