On December 1, 2015, I published a poll here asking you what your biggest challenges are with regard to organizing your genealogy research. As readership has changed, I’m curious whether the answers remain the same. So I created another poll. It’s almost identical to the last one, I just added a couple of choices.
Please take a moment to weigh in. If you completed the last poll, please feel free to do it again–I’ve closed the last poll and I’m interested in comparing the two results. So repeat answers are welcome! As are multiple answers–select as many of the choices as apply to you.
Thank you!
Can I choose “All Of The Above” ?! Seriously, I need to ponder on this a bit …
None that I can think off the top of my head. I’m happy with my organization in that all (thousands?) files are put into a folder associated with that person. Easy to locate then. My research is 100% digital so everything that is a paper copy gets scanned and kept in the cloud (which is backed up) and I can access anywhere, anytime.
With regards actual research, there is always something to look for, or to purchase. I also find that old research sometimes needs to be reassessed or re-written as you may of missed something or not documented it very well because your research has improved.
You’re living the dream, Bobby! That’s great. I agree about looking back at old research. I know I’ve certainly found things I’ve missed, as I become a better researcher.
I’m not sure I have an organization problem. I can find most of what I am wanting when I look. But I do have a problem with research logs. I think maybe one reason is because I don’t feel the need so I’m not motivated to so it. Right now, I feel like they are more confining than helpful, so except in rare cases, I don’t use them!
If you don’t feel the need to use a research log, then it’s certainly your prerogative not to create them! I’m finding as I’m working on my research log habit that my log is very helpful in the short term as I can look back at the last few sessions. I suspect my log will become even more helpful as time goes on and can look back to research that I don’t remember doing.
I’m not sure I was clear about this. When I said I don’t feel the need, the emphasis was on ‘feel’. I feel like I SHOULD keep a log, but I think if someone could make me FEEL the need, it might be easier to accomplish this. Right now I think I’m at the same place I am with EE citations. A log feels cumbersome and restrictive and I feel like I’m not doing it ‘right’ so my efforts are short-lived.
I wasn’t implying they aren’t useful; just that I haven’t found my motivation yet.
I hear you, Kim! I have felt that way as well, though the more I log the more I understand the benefits. For me, I think, the key is keeping it informal.
HI Janine.
Given the results of the poll, do you have a facebook group on the topics in the poll? I have been a member of facebook for only a short while, but I enjoy the private groups. I also understand that all these extras take time, and time is precious. I really don’t know how many people can keep up with everything, including yourself. I admire you for doing what you do.
Thanks for commenting, John. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to create and participate in any more private Facebook groups. So I’ll stick to trying to be helpful by blogging!
Hi Janine. I’m a little late in commenting. I have been trying to come up with a way to effectively track or log my research. I feel like I have to go through a ridiculously long process…Like I’m reinventing the wheel every time I sit down. If someone has a research log they are willing to share, I’d be interested.
Hi, Caron. I see that you’ve joined the Genealogy Research Loggers Facebook group. Feel free to ask any questions. My big advice is to let it be easy and come up with a simple process that you’ll actually do!