Sunday marks the half-way point in our February 30 x 30 challenge, but I though I’d start the check-in a little early. If you are participating in this month’s 30 x 30 challenge, now’s your chance to give us an update in the comments.
I’ve had a good month so far. I’ve researched every day. (I started on January 30, actually, so I’d get 30 days in by the end of February.) Typically, my goal for a 30 x 30 challenge is to do 30 minutes of genealogy research for 30 days in a row. But this time I decided to cut myself some slack. Instead of 30 minutes a day, my goal is to get through 30 source citations in my source documentation checklist. I’m going through my sources in numerical order and checking to make sure that all the information I now put into a source is there (spoiler alert: so far all the source records have lacked information). Also, I’m looking at each source record to see whether I gleaned all the possible information I could from it (not usually). When I set the goal of going through 30 source citations in 30 days I figured that would be very easy to achieve.
It’s not exactly going as planned. I started this 30 x 30 by checking Source 91. Now, 14 days later, I am on Source 98. For a number of the sources, I needed to do some further research in order to verify the information. And you know what? That’s just fine with me. In my research log each day, I’ve written down the next steps I need to do before I’m comfortable moving on to the next source. Since I’m looking at early sources (documents downloaded in 2012 when I was quite new to serious genealogical research), the going is slower. It should pick up when I get to later sources.
Will I manage to get 30 sources by the end of the month? Maybe. But as long as I’m putting in at least some effort each day, I will feel very satisfied. And I’m really enjoying the work. One of the things I love about this challenge is that we can each set our own rules and our own standards for satisfaction.
So please tell me: How’s your personal 30 x 30 challenge going so far?
I’ve been transcribing the will of my great-great grandfather to add this information to his profile.
Karen, good for you! Transcribing can be tedious, but so helpful down the line.
I was doing really well on my project of scanning documents but have run into a computer issue that I’m trying to work through. Hoping to get it resolved to get back on track this weekend. I guess I can count this as time well spent… always learning something!
Absolutely, any learning is time well spent! I hope you’re able to get back on track soon–and congratulations on what you’ve already accomplished!
I have to admit that I’ve been totally distracted by a Thompson research project I’ve been blogging about. However, I did spend several days checking out how other people have chosen to name their Master Source Files in RootsMagic. Naming the files has been my stumbling block, so that was time well spent. I now have a 10 page printout of the examples I’ve saved. Now I need to get working on trying to master those templates.
Hi Linda,
I’m working through RootsMagic 8. There’s many ways to create master sources. You should watch YouTube RM8 Sources. Here’s a link to a forum with some information. http://forums.rootsmagic.com/index.php?/topic/16824-sources-citations-and-collections/
I’m a stacker, so I create one source for 1900 Census. Then I’ll direct all 1900C to that source, the citation takes care of the details.
When you’re in your database, click on Sources, then three vertical dots above. Go to source template list. I selected Census, U.S. Federal (Online Images) & made a copy of it. I change (Copy) to (my initials) for easy id. Click edit, opens new screen. Now click edit field. Another window opens. Click the checkbox in the lower left corner of the box. This moves the item to source details. Continue this until you check boxed all the details. Now you can create a master deca census for all U.S, Fed Census.
Make sure you test drive a created source before you add too many for documents. You can modify the template you created using the aforementioned steps. If you need to delete a source citation for a document you can in the people view.
I hope this helps. I’m still building sources. I chose this method so I don’t have millions of sources. I prefer having fewer sources & millions of citations inside those sources.
I purchased Elizabeth Shown Mills Evidence Explained. RootsMagic source templates are based on her book. I’ve found the EE with a page number helpful in determining which template to work with to create my master source.
10 page printout of examples…wow! Sounds like you’ve been hard at work, Linda. Congrats!
I’m on track with my genealogy do-over in RootsMagic 8. Like Linda, the learning curve slows data entry. I’m mining each document for every fact. I must admit I’m spending between 1-3 hours each day.
1 to 3 hours each day! That’s great, Cheri. I hope you’re enjoying yourself! (I bet you are.)
You bet. My 30×30 time is my daily reward.
I have been able to do 30 minutes a day. After 5 months of not being able to do genealogy, it is great getting back into it. I have been able to document my ancestor involvement in the Revolutionary War and I am finishing the transcription and inputting the 1870 and 1880 U. S. Census. I have signed up for RootsTech. Looking forward to attending the virtual conference.
That’s fantastic, Jerry! I’m looking forward to RootsTech virtual conference. I bet we’ll all get a lot of inspiration from it!
Both sides of my brain are working. I am organizing my digital files, which means getting them off the device I used at my (not so) local Family History Center (and you know that means they’ve been sitting for a good 11.5 months!) And I’ve been reading about organizing genealogy. Even signed up for a webinar at my library with Drew Smith. Even keeping. Track of what I’ve done, and time spent. However, I’ve skipped a day or two or three here and there. Usually I get involved for more than 30 minutes though, so things are going well.
It does sound like things are going well for you, Janet. Bravo! I bet Drew Smith’s webinar will be great. He has terrific advice.
I’m getting in my 30 minutes but it isn’t what I planned. A cousin contacted me and we’re working on a line together. It’s nice working with someone. I’ve been able to put family group sheets together of some families in one particular townland in Ireland. We’re trying to figure out who is who.
I, too, am looking forward to Roots Tech. It is the highlight of my year.
Mary, that sounds like an unexpected treat that you’re collaborating with a cousin! Great job on getting your 30 minutes in.
I am working through my fact checking well, and discovered a bit of information from relatives that was totally incorrect! I have managed 2 generations so far, and am just waiting for some documents to confirm information for the next generation back. I have missed a couple of days here and there, mostly due to doing some webinars, but have made it up at the weekend where I have been able to spend much more time on it. Being able to spend more time on my genealogy is a positive from Lockdown!!
Doing that fact checking is so worth the effort, isn’t it? Glad to hear you’ve been getting to spend time with your genealogy!