Reconsidering My Approach

As I am finally getting back into pursuing my genealogy, I am reconsidering my research data, my analysis techniques, and my approach to collecting, storing, and documenting the proofs of my research. Currently, I am using Family Tree Maker for Mac as my primary (and really only tool) for my research. However, as I read more about the proper methods for collecting, analyzing, and citing the research that I have collected, I am left with the question: "Is this enough?".

Of course, one's intent and purpose for doing genealogy will help answer this question. For me, I want to answer several basic questions and curiosities such as "Why did my ancestors move to America?", " Who instilled the strong patriotic and service ethos within the family?", and "Where did some of our family traditions originate?". I also want to pass down the stories that I've been told by my father and mother to my children and their children. Ultimately, I would like to write a book on my family history; therefore, my research must be based on established and accepted standards such as the genealogical proof standard.

I started searching the Internet, reading books (currently finishing "Evidence!" by Elizabeth Shown Mills), and several journals and blogs. I came across a software tool called "Evidentia" that takes a completely different approach to collecting, analyzing, and store one's research. It starts with the source document rather than a person. Evidentia looks to enforce a structured review and critique of the evidence to establish a "fact" in your research. This seems very appealing, but I am not sure if this is necessary or not. I welcome any thoughts.

Cheers,
Dave