HELP I'm drowning

[newbie]

How do you survive information overload? I only started a couple of months ago, I use the LDS program PAF, but I am accumulating information fast,  certificates, census etc. (don't tell husband they cost money )
How do you record your searches for information, positive or negative since presumably nil results are still important, I'm forgetting what I've done already and today I found myself doing the same search all over again!
What methodology do you use to search your family tree? I seem to be all over the place!
any help appreciated
newbie

[Boongie Pam]

I use a hardback note book that lives with me.  I write everything I search.  It's so easy to be overwhelmed but I reckon one day it will dry up and I'll have the time to go back and clean up!!

Cheers,
Pam
 

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Newbie

I use the 'Log' facility in 'Generations' formerly known as Reunion. It enables me to create / Log everywhere I have been and searched and can also be used to create lists of where I shold look next for ancestors.
I think most Family History progrmmes have a similar facility.

Family file logs provide places to document your research efforts. For example, you could define a log for each major branch of your family and chronicle what research you have done relating to each branch: your library visits, your written correspondence, your upcoming tasks, etc.

Recording your research activities is important in helping you to avoid duplicating your research efforts. It may be helpful to make these notes as specific as you can. For example, if you've already extracted a census record from a particular county, having that noted in your research log will help you avoid doing it again the next time you happen to be searching that county for another family.

Chris in 1066Land

[newbie]

Hi Pam,
Thank you for the reply just how big is this book? I started with a hardback book and each time I went to the Record Office to search the GRO I logged the years searched, B, M, or D., and when I used freebmd, but it's full already! I also used it to record all the certificates I was applying for I'm not sure I should be sending for so many but I fugure it's the easiest way to obtain information on fathers (marriage certs) and whether they were alive or not. Is there a better way?I've just started to use the Census and that's great, I've had good help from this site.
Could you explain how you went about researching, what line you followed first?
thanks
newbie

[newbie]

Chris,
I don't think the LDS program has this log facility, I find it quite restrictive and am thinking of investing in a new program, I think I read a thread about computer software here before, must check again.
Do you print individual records, or just charts? How do you record the information when you're not at the computer?Have you designed your own research form?
OOPS question overload.
What methodology do you use for researching?
Thanks.  Newbie.

[jaq]

i normally use the free ancestry.com Ancestry Family Tree. it has a "add notes" feature i can add notes, photos and cut/paste replies from other maybe contacts emails.
I back it up regulary onto re-writable cd, but Pam has the right idea, keeping a note book..

also, i scan all my birth marriage death certs into their own folder [as jpg]
so i keep the originals in pristine condition.

http://www.ancestry.com/library/view/ancmag/67.asp?o_xid=0030963584&o_lid=0030963584
has some good advice on sorting your finds.

you can download lots of free forms and charts here to aid your organizing: all you need are a few sharp pencils  

http://www.jelleyjar.com/ancestor/chart.html

http://genealogy.about.com/od/free_charts/

as you say, so much info!! dont drown, just take a breath and slow down a bit  

jaq

[newbie]

Thanks Jaq,
I will check out the links. I hadn't thought of scanning them, but I have photocopied them. How do you store them? away from light and in acid free folders? mine are just in a polyfile, envelope style A3 from WHS. Should they be in acid free folders?
Thanks
Newbie

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Newbie

Yes, I think PAF is a very outdated programme using only the basic Family History Databse facilities (now I will get lots of flak from PAF users)

Yes, I print individual records - Charts are a bit difficult as I have some 881 ancestors in my tree. - When I am going to Macclesfield to research that part of the family, I print out their records, put them into a loose leaf folder and enter notes and further info onto the correct pages as I do the research - entering them all into the computer at a later date (at least this way,  I dont lose notes on scraps of paper).

Most modern FH programmes have a variety of research forms built in to their software for you to print out and use (logs, census blanks, bmd forms, etc)

What methodology do I use - now that is the hardest question to answer - but I try to follow them through the census returns matching data up with that from Parish Registers.

I have spent many hours at the Family History Centre and have taken out every birth, marriage and death from the GRO Registers of my main line (my own surname - good job its a rare name)  - so that helps a lot.

After that, I try to put 'flesh on their bones' by looking for wills, school log books, street directories, trade directories turning names and dates into real people.

Hope that helps

Chris in 1066Land

[newbie]

Hi Chris,
I knew I was doing it all wrong, good job I've been to the library must read faster!
yes that helps a lot, at the moment I've started with the GRO and BMD information, then census, thats filled out the tree a lot with information on the family, brothers sisters, and then their spouses.  Hope to go to the Record Office where most of the information is soon and use the Parish Registers (if I can find out how to do that) and maybe Burials and School Admission Registers.  Also joined the FHS for the area (Glamorgan).
Thanks for the info,
Newbie