Defining My Research Approach - The Beginning

As I continue to redefine my approach to genealogy and specifically the manner in which I conduct my research, document my findings, and publish my proven ancestors (if one can truly say proven), I made some fundamental decisions. But first, I want to thank the efforts of Mark Tucker at ThinkGenealogy for the simple visual diagram of the Genealogy Research Process and the combined work of Joe Martel, Ron Tanner, and Grant Skousen of FamilySearch.org for the detailed and precise Genealogy Workflow model. Both of these efforts are based on the Genealogy Proof Standard which I have decided to adopt.

My next task is to refine these processes and make them my own; meaning I need to tailor these to fit my style, incorporate my software tools, and then establish my own battle rhythm. I am going to blend these two complimentary approaches into my well defined process. I want to get to the point where I can map my documented findings into the specific fields in both Evidentia and Family Tree Maker for Mac. So, yes I have decided to purchase and use Evidentia as another tool in my kit bag. I found the underlying philosophy and ease of use worth the additional time to manually input the data. I have spent the past several days reviewing the GEDCOM import and export functionality and now need to decide on how I want to have the resulting analysis and proof statements to be incorporated into Family Tree Maker.

I have used Family Tree Maker for over a decade on both Windows and Mac. Like many others before me, I began by just build a tree without regard to the validity of the data. The ability to link and download data directly from Ancestry was a huge factor in selecting this program. I considered using Reunion, but decided that the time it would take to convert and verify my data would be better spent on research. How knows maybe I'll transition later.

I expect I will have my research approach mapped out in the next 2-3 weeks (that work thing keeps getting in the way). Then I will transition this blog to more traditional research-based entries. However, I will continue to add tech based comments along the way....I just can't help myself.

Cheers,
Dave