Databases = Trees, Charts, GEDCOM's, Websites, etc.

Recent discusiions on the AfriGeneas Forums have really piqued my interest on just what constitutes a Family and a Family Tree. I would like to present my take on what I'm hearing/reading.

I start from the premise that my collective genealogical data is housed in "A" database within a genealogy software program .....ex. Family Tree Maker, Roots Magic, Legacy, etc.  I input "ALL" of my information into that database. The basic connections for "ALL" individuals follows parental lines, if known, just a named mother and/or  father. Each person entered establishes only this two-generational link. This is the beginning of a Family and a Family Tree

From this basic link we then add siblings, most to that same basic link, but others may be attached to links created by multiple mates of their parents via marriage and/or other types of relationships. The 'software" will handle multiple relationships creating separate and/or blended families.

Now we have established through these links, both ancestral and descendant linked family lines to that basic unit (YOU).  Here is where one split occurs on how family/trees are said to be managed.  i.e. maternal lines vs paternal lines and many have said they manage two family's or trees, keeping them separated. I ask why? 

The WHY comes from the fact that the database mangement processes will cut, slice, dice or pull any and all combinations of how you want your family/tree(s) to be created and displayed ......  maternal. paternal,  ancestral, descendant, community, occupation, religion, etc.  or in other words any 'attribute' attached to the basic unit (YOU),  or any individual in that one single database. These special family's/trees can then be uploaded via GEDCOM to Ancestry or any other on-line Family Tree operation.

A shameless plug here... :))  The introductory welcome for a personal website of my database states "Welcome! This website was created on Dec 17 2009 and last updated on Feb 09 2010. The family trees on this site contain 19779 relatives and 586 photos" the website URL is http://mydatabase.tribalpages.com/    The website database is managed through my genealogy software package and when I have a significant amount of informational updates through additions, corrections and/or deletions I merely upload an updated GEDCOM of my entire database.. Otherwise, photos, stories and smaller tidbits of information are input and editied directly on the website.

Perhaps my quandry is simply one of terminolgy.  All family's/trees aren't created equal, or the same.  In demonstrating/displaying our ancestors and descendants through a family/tree(s) we see at least two differing views.  Our ancestor trees, or pedigree charts are one dimensional and unique to each individual. Our descendency tree(s) are multi-dimensional, but unique to the ancestor(s) we are linking to...paternal, maternal or otherwise. And a family tree is  something else :)), place yourself in an "hour glass" tree, then try any other person in your "family".... the descendants and possibly ancestors, of you and your siblings is completely different, but they are part of the same family tree.

This is probably a 'preaching to the choir" message, but I would like to hear your comments........ constructive, critical and all points in-between. :))

Thanks for taking the time to read this message.

~Art Thomas