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Archiver > GENMSC > 2010-07 > 1280631007


From: Steve Hayes <>
Subject: Re: Keeping track of paper files
Date: Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:53:41 +0200
References: <bi9v461d9dmf68ffou43tb53e2uj70lp6r@4ax.com>


On Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:39:38 +0200, Steve Hayes <> wrote:

>One of the perennial problems of genealogical research is keeping track of
>paper files. As time goes by you accumulate mounds of paper, piles of paper —
>notes, letters, family group sheets sent to by related and unrelated people,
>certificates, photocopies of wills, and much much more.
>
>This is how I do it:
>
>http://hayesgreene.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/keeping-track-of-paper-files/

To summarise the responses I have seen so far:

1. Most people don't keep track of paper files but use the IIHS ("it's in
here somewhere") system.

2. At least one person scans all paper documents and throws the paper
documents away.

3. Some people try to organise paper files into categories.

4. No one seems to have found, or be using, a suitable substitute for the
Research Data Filer program (RDF).

To answer some questions that have arisen:

1. RDF is a DOS program, but it works in all versions of Windows up to Win 7.
The main reason for wanting a Windows substitute (preferably one that can
import or convert existing RDF data) is that getting paper printouts of
reports from DOS programs is a pain.

2. This thread is not about what will happen to your paper files, computer
files, CDs or DVDs after you die. Those are separate issues. The point here is
how you keep track of the information in your paper files while you are still
alive and researching.



--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web: http://hayesfam.bravehost.com/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

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