Another "FTM vs MG, etc" question

[kat >^.]

OK, I do need a bit more than a PAF can do--for example, this one black
sheep character has caused quite a to-do, and I need to argue my facts when
at the family reunion next month.
So, I could order FTM 2005 for $29.95, which a few cousins do use. Problem:
No one in town sells it, so I have to order it online, and it seems that it
must be shipped. Odd, but I would rather not wait a week after dithering so
long.
At least one new cousin uses Master Genealogist, but I couldn't read a file
from that program without downloading the 30-day trial (I have an older
computer, so I don't know if that was an issue).
So should I:
1) stick with PAF for now, just add my information in a Word document.
2) Purchase FTM or Master Gen--but can I download what info I have into the
FTM (or MG) or do I have to rewrite it all? And can my cousins read what I
have in either PAF, FTM or MG-- can I share easily?
3) Can I work with copious notes with either of the purchased items? This
fellow was declared dead in one state when he didn't come home from the
Civil War, and I found him remarried with brood after the war in another
state. He served on both sides, and I think there are a lot more things to
find out (I've been neglecting other things thanks to this fellow!).
My closest new cousin uses FTM. I'd like MG, but not if we can't read each
other's stuff. That would be silly.
--
kat >^.^<
Rhinelander, WI
Home of the Hodag

[Robert Heiling]

"kat >^.^<" wrote:

OK, I do need a bit more than a PAF can do--for example, this one black
sheep character has caused quite a to-do, and I need to argue my facts when
at the family reunion next month.
So, I could order FTM 2005 for $29.95, which a few cousins do use. Problem:
No one in town sells it, so I have to order it online, and it seems that it
must be shipped. Odd, but I would rather not wait a week after dithering so
long.
At least one new cousin uses Master Genealogist, but I couldn't read a file
from that program without downloading the 30-day trial (I have an older
computer, so I don't know if that was an issue).
So should I:
1) stick with PAF for now, just add my information in a Word document.

Absolutely! If you installed a new program today of any variety, you would be
spending all your time learning the program and not getting ready for the
reunion.

2) Purchase FTM or Master Gen--but can I download what info I have into the
FTM (or MG) or do I have to rewrite it all? And can my cousins read what I
have in either PAF, FTM or MG-- can I share easily?

You can share as it is by using Gedcom. You don't need to be able to read their
brand-specific files. Just have them create a Gedcom and you can import that.
Likewise in the other direction.

3) Can I work with copious notes with either of the purchased items? This
fellow was declared dead in one state when he didn't come home from the
Civil War, and I found him remarried with brood after the war in another
state. He served on both sides, and I think there are a lot more things to
find out (I've been neglecting other things thanks to this fellow!).
My closest new cousin uses FTM. I'd like MG, but not if we can't read each
other's stuff. That would be silly.

Gedcom!

Bob

[Lesley Robertson]

"Robert Heiling" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

"kat >^.^<" wrote:

OK, I do need a bit more than a PAF can do--for example, this one black
sheep character has caused quite a to-do, and I need to argue my facts
when
at the family reunion next month.
So, I could order FTM 2005 for $29.95, which a few cousins do use.
Problem:
No one in town sells it, so I have to order it online, and it seems that
it
must be shipped. Odd, but I would rather not wait a week after dithering
so
long.
At least one new cousin uses Master Genealogist, but I couldn't read a
file
from that program without downloading the 30-day trial (I have an older
computer, so I don't know if that was an issue).
So should I:
1) stick with PAF for now, just add my information in a Word document.

Absolutely! If you installed a new program today of any variety, you
would be
spending all your time learning the program and not getting ready for the
reunion.

2) Purchase FTM or Master Gen--but can I download what info I have into
the
FTM (or MG) or do I have to rewrite it all? And can my cousins read what
I
have in either PAF, FTM or MG-- can I share easily?

You can share as it is by using Gedcom. You don't need to be able to read
their
brand-specific files. Just have them create a Gedcom and you can import
that.
Likewise in the other direction.

3) Can I work with copious notes with either of the purchased items?
This
fellow was declared dead in one state when he didn't come home from the
Civil War, and I found him remarried with brood after the war in another
state. He served on both sides, and I think there are a lot more things
to
find out (I've been neglecting other things thanks to this fellow!).
My closest new cousin uses FTM. I'd like MG, but not if we can't read
each
other's stuff. That would be silly.

Gedcom!

I agree with everything Bob has said. I'll just add that if you still want

to change software after the reunion, try both programmes out (either get
demos or ask your cousins if you can have a play with theirs at the
reunion). Software choice is a very personal thing, and for something you
will use as often as your genealogy programme, you do want to be sure. The
only time I bought a programme because someone else loved it, I found that I
really didn't like it very much and never use it.
As Bob says, gedcom solves data-swapping problems.
Lesley Robertson

[kat >^.]

"Lesley Robertson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

"Robert Heiling" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
"kat >^.^<" wrote:

OK, I do need a bit more than a PAF can do--for example, this one black
sheep character has caused quite a to-do, and I need to argue my facts
when
at the family reunion next month.
So, I could order FTM 2005 for $29.95, which a few cousins do use.
Problem:
No one in town sells it, so I have to order it online, and it seems that
it
must be shipped. Odd, but I would rather not wait a week after
dithering so
long.
At least one new cousin uses Master Genealogist, but I couldn't read a
file
from that program without downloading the 30-day trial (I have an older
computer, so I don't know if that was an issue).
So should I:
1) stick with PAF for now, just add my information in a Word document.

Absolutely! If you installed a new program today of any variety, you
would be
spending all your time learning the program and not getting ready for the
reunion.

2) Purchase FTM or Master Gen--but can I download what info I have into
the
FTM (or MG) or do I have to rewrite it all? And can my cousins read
what I
have in either PAF, FTM or MG-- can I share easily?

You can share as it is by using Gedcom. You don't need to be able to read
their
brand-specific files. Just have them create a Gedcom and you can import
that.
Likewise in the other direction.

3) Can I work with copious notes with either of the purchased items?
This
fellow was declared dead in one state when he didn't come home from the
Civil War, and I found him remarried with brood after the war in another
state. He served on both sides, and I think there are a lot more things
to
find out (I've been neglecting other things thanks to this fellow!).
My closest new cousin uses FTM. I'd like MG, but not if we can't read
each
other's stuff. That would be silly.

Gedcom!

I agree with everything Bob has said. I'll just add that if you still want
to change software after the reunion, try both programmes out (either get
demos or ask your cousins if you can have a play with theirs at the
reunion). Software choice is a very personal thing, and for something you
will use as often as your genealogy programme, you do want to be sure. The
only time I bought a programme because someone else loved it, I found that
I really didn't like it very much and never use it.
As Bob says, gedcom solves data-swapping problems.
Lesley Robertson

Thank you, Robert and Lesley!
I'll stick with the PAF for a while, which does a least have a few ways to
print groups and can add photos. I bought a laptop recently and this is
what really started the quandry--do I keep working with PAF or move on?
Plus, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to merge my stuff with
everyone else's.
Now, another set of newby-style questions. Can I save new information into
an older gedcom file, just like saving to my paf files? Or should I save it
as a gedcom file and then work with that instead? Or can I?
I hate going to work today--so much to do yet! Like, this report on Grandpa
Blacksheep. Wish I had some pics!
kat >^.^<

[Lesley Robertson]

"kat >^.^<" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

Thank you, Robert and Lesley!
I'll stick with the PAF for a while, which does a least have a few ways to
print groups and can add photos. I bought a laptop recently and this is
what really started the quandry--do I keep working with PAF or move on?
Plus, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to merge my stuff with
everyone else's.

I think that when you get around to changing, you'll like some of the fancy
charts the other softare can come up with.

Now, another set of newby-style questions. Can I save new information
into an older gedcom file, just like saving to my paf files? Or should I
save it as a gedcom file and then work with that instead? Or can I?

The simplest thing is to work as normal, and only make a gedcom when you
want to transfer the data. I make a new gedcom every time I want to pass
info on (that way you can select what you give to who - for example,
contacts on my father's side wouldn't be interested in my mother's ancestry,
so they only get the scottish info).
Lesley Robertson

I hate going to work today--so much to do yet! Like, this report on
Grandpa Blacksheep. Wish I had some pics!
kat >^.^

[singhals]

Robert Heiling wrote:

"kat >^.^<" wrote:


OK, I do need a bit more than a PAF can do--for example, this one black
sheep character has caused quite a to-do, and I need to argue my facts when
at the family reunion next month.
So, I could order FTM 2005 for $29.95, which a few cousins do use. Problem:
No one in town sells it, so I have to order it online, and it seems that it
must be shipped. Odd, but I would rather not wait a week after dithering so
long.
At least one new cousin uses Master Genealogist, but I couldn't read a file
from that program without downloading the 30-day trial (I have an older
computer, so I don't know if that was an issue).
So should I:
1) stick with PAF for now, just add my information in a Word document.


Absolutely! If you installed a new program today of any variety, you would be
spending all your time learning the program and not getting ready for the
reunion.


2) Purchase FTM or Master Gen--but can I download what info I have into the
FTM (or MG) or do I have to rewrite it all? And can my cousins read what I
have in either PAF, FTM or MG-- can I share easily?


You can share as it is by using Gedcom. You don't need to be able to read their
brand-specific files. Just have them create a Gedcom and you can import that.
Likewise in the other direction.


3) Can I work with copious notes with either of the purchased items? This
fellow was declared dead in one state when he didn't come home from the
Civil War, and I found him remarried with brood after the war in another
state. He served on both sides, and I think there are a lot more things to
find out (I've been neglecting other things thanks to this fellow!).
My closest new cousin uses FTM. I'd like MG, but not if we can't read each
other's stuff. That would be silly.


Gedcom!

Bob

I'll go with Bob. Print that information out using PAF's reports.
Assuming you're using PAF4 or higher, It comes out as a RTF file, which
can be opened and read by just about every computer that uses a Roman
alphabet.

Paper copies have their attractions as well -- if nothing else, it's
easy to tell where someone has added or changed something -- and may be
easier for the less-techie of your cousins to work with.

But the rtf files can be passed electronically which is a Good Thing.

Changing programs isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be, particularly
if you've used any of your current programs nooks and crannies and
specialized features. GEDCOM has a similar drawback, I'm afraid.



Cheryl

[Robert Heiling]

"kat >^.^<" wrote:

snip
Now, another set of newby-style questions. Can I save new information into
an older gedcom file, just like saving to my paf files? Or should I save it
as a gedcom file and then work with that instead? Or can I?

No you can't, or perhaps I should say that you wouldn't, just to keep things
technically correct for normal operation.

PAF doesn't operate the same way with Gedcom files (FamilyProject.ged) that it
does with PAF files (FamilyProject.paf) and I see there is some potential for
confusion there. The PAF (.paf) file is the one that you are normally working
with when you are using PAF. It is constantly changing, You open it, make
changes, and then your project is saved into the same file that you started with
and your changes are included in that now changed file.

A Gedcom file (.ged) is a snapshot of your project at the point in time that you
create the gedcom file. Let's pretend that you archived a copy of your work at
this very moment and let's call that A.paf. Let's say that you also create a
Gedcom right now and called it A.ged. A.ged and A.paf would have the
identically same information.

Now you continue to work with PAF and make changes and your .paf file, which is
the one that PAF uses, is no longer the same as either A.paf or A.ged. Let's
call that B.paf. You can give A.ged to a cousin so that he can import it and
have the same information in his FTM or MG that you have in A.paf. If you want
the cousin to have what is in B.paf, you will need to make a new Gedcom (B.ged)
and give that to him. Just reverse the roles for what your cousin would need to
do to give you a Gedcom of his FTM or MG file.

Here's hoping that's clearer than mud. Feel free to ask.

Bob

[singhals]

Well, yes, of course, Hugh, but if the OP had understood all that, he
wouldn't've been asking.

Programs are highly "customizable" these days and many people insist on
"customizing" them. GED *intentionally* strips things down to a
standard set of data and it ignores all the customizing. This is going
to do one of two things, both Eeeevil: (1) it's going to _ignore_
everything in those custom fields (your AFN field ignores data I have in
there labelled 1989) or (2) it's going to put them somewhere unexpected
that may actually wind up in the importer's own set of customized fields
where the field he's got labelled as "Education" gets your "Military" field.

Cheryl

Hugh Watkins wrote:

FTM 2005 can

Menu > File > Export File > Entire File
or
Menu > File > Export File > Selected Individuals

Save as Type << choice of 11 formats

drop down menu
FTW (ie 2005)
or
4.0 to 11.0 inclusive

FTM for DOS users *GED

GEDCOM *.GED
as standard ged

with more detailed choices for tags truncated or not
etc

I always use the default *.GED
for uploading like


http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=lapham

I exported 70 now it has grown over 1600 verisionn 3

and 1000 LAPHAM on line

A *GED is only a txt file
which makes all the readers and family tree programs sophisticated text editors

with various export posibilities

Print to file as pdf too

enjoy

Hugh W



On 5/23/05, singhals <[email protected]> wrote:

Robert Heiling wrote:


"kat >^.^<" wrote:



OK, I do need a bit more than a PAF can do--for example, this one black
sheep character has caused quite a to-do, and I need to argue my facts when
at the family reunion next month.
So, I could order FTM 2005 for $29.95, which a few cousins do use. Problem:
No one in town sells it, so I have to order it online, and it seems that it
must be shipped. Odd, but I would rather not wait a week after dithering so
long.
At least one new cousin uses Master Genealogist, but I couldn't read a file

from that program without downloading the 30-day trial (I have an older

computer, so I don't know if that was an issue).
So should I:
1) stick with PAF for now, just add my information in a Word document.


Absolutely! If you installed a new program today of any variety, you would be
spending all your time learning the program and not getting ready for the
reunion.



2) Purchase FTM or Master Gen--but can I download what info I have into the
FTM (or MG) or do I have to rewrite it all? And can my cousins read what I
have in either PAF, FTM or MG-- can I share easily?


You can share as it is by using Gedcom. You don't need to be able to read their
brand-specific files. Just have them create a Gedcom and you can import that.
Likewise in the other direction.



3) Can I work with copious notes with either of the purchased items? This
fellow was declared dead in one state when he didn't come home from the
Civil War, and I found him remarried with brood after the war in another
state. He served on both sides, and I think there are a lot more things to
find out (I've been neglecting other things thanks to this fellow!).
My closest new cousin uses FTM. I'd like MG, but not if we can't read each
other's stuff. That would be silly.


Gedcom!

Bob


I'll go with Bob. Print that information out using PAF's reports.
Assuming you're using PAF4 or higher, It comes out as a RTF file, which
can be opened and read by just about every computer that uses a Roman
alphabet.

Paper copies have their attractions as well -- if nothing else, it's
easy to tell where someone has added or changed something -- and may be
easier for the less-techie of your cousins to work with.

But the rtf files can be passed electronically which is a Good Thing.

Changing programs isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be, particularly
if you've used any of your current programs nooks and crannies and
specialized features. GEDCOM has a similar drawback, I'm afraid.



Cheryl

[Hugh Watkins]

FTM 2005 can

Menu > File > Export File > Entire File
or
Menu > File > Export File > Selected Individuals

Save as Type << choice of 11 formats

drop down menu
FTW (ie 2005)
or
4.0 to 11.0 inclusive

FTM for DOS users *GED

GEDCOM *.GED
as standard ged

with more detailed choices for tags truncated or not
etc

I always use the default *.GED
for uploading like


http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=lapham

I exported 70 now it has grown over 1600 verisionn 3

and 1000 LAPHAM on line

A *GED is only a txt file
which makes all the readers and family tree programs sophisticated text editors

with various export posibilities

Print to file as pdf too

enjoy

Hugh W



On 5/23/05, singhals <[email protected]> wrote:

Robert Heiling wrote:

"kat >^.^<" wrote:


OK, I do need a bit more than a PAF can do--for example, this one black
sheep character has caused quite a to-do, and I need to argue my facts when
at the family reunion next month.
So, I could order FTM 2005 for $29.95, which a few cousins do use. Problem:
No one in town sells it, so I have to order it online, and it seems that it
must be shipped. Odd, but I would rather not wait a week after dithering so
long.
At least one new cousin uses Master Genealogist, but I couldn't read a file
from that program without downloading the 30-day trial (I have an older
computer, so I don't know if that was an issue).
So should I:
1) stick with PAF for now, just add my information in a Word document.


Absolutely! If you installed a new program today of any variety, you would be
spending all your time learning the program and not getting ready for the
reunion.


2) Purchase FTM or Master Gen--but can I download what info I have into the
FTM (or MG) or do I have to rewrite it all? And can my cousins read what I
have in either PAF, FTM or MG-- can I share easily?


You can share as it is by using Gedcom. You don't need to be able to read their
brand-specific files. Just have them create a Gedcom and you can import that.
Likewise in the other direction.


3) Can I work with copious notes with either of the purchased items? This
fellow was declared dead in one state when he didn't come home from the
Civil War, and I found him remarried with brood after the war in another
state. He served on both sides, and I think there are a lot more things to
find out (I've been neglecting other things thanks to this fellow!).
My closest new cousin uses FTM. I'd like MG, but not if we can't read each
other's stuff. That would be silly.


Gedcom!

Bob


I'll go with Bob. Print that information out using PAF's reports.
Assuming you're using PAF4 or higher, It comes out as a RTF file, which
can be opened and read by just about every computer that uses a Roman
alphabet.

Paper copies have their attractions as well -- if nothing else, it's
easy to tell where someone has added or changed something -- and may be
easier for the less-techie of your cousins to work with.

But the rtf files can be passed electronically which is a Good Thing.

Changing programs isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be, particularly
if you've used any of your current programs nooks and crannies and
specialized features. GEDCOM has a similar drawback, I'm afraid.



Cheryl

--

soc_genealogy_britain_moderated
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/sgbm?hl=en

My Blogs
GENEALOGE http://hughw36.blogspot.com/

search my sites
http://search.freefind.com/find.html?id ... query=&t=s

[Robert Heiling]

singhals wrote:

Well, yes, of course, Hugh, but if the OP had understood all that, he
wouldn't've been asking.

And not only that, it's a little difficult trying to locate FTM menus on your screen
when you're a PAF user.<rofl> Oh well, he didn't know what direction the kaae flies
either.

Bob

Programs are highly "customizable" these days and many people insist on
"customizing" them. GED *intentionally* strips things down to a
standard set of data and it ignores all the customizing. This is going
to do one of two things, both Eeeevil: (1) it's going to _ignore_
everything in those custom fields (your AFN field ignores data I have in
there labelled 1989) or (2) it's going to put them somewhere unexpected
that may actually wind up in the importer's own set of customized fields
where the field he's got labelled as "Education" gets your "Military" field.

Cheryl

Hugh Watkins wrote:

FTM 2005 can

Menu > File > Export File > Entire File
or
Menu > File > Export File > Selected Individuals

Save as Type << choice of 11 formats

drop down menu
FTW (ie 2005)
or
4.0 to 11.0 inclusive

FTM for DOS users *GED

GEDCOM *.GED
as standard ged

with more detailed choices for tags truncated or not
etc

I always use the default *.GED
for uploading like


http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=lapham

I exported 70 now it has grown over 1600 verisionn 3

and 1000 LAPHAM on line

A *GED is only a txt file
which makes all the readers and family tree programs sophisticated text editors

with various export posibilities

Print to file as pdf too

enjoy

Hugh W



On 5/23/05, singhals <[email protected]> wrote:

Robert Heiling wrote:


"kat >^.^<" wrote:



OK, I do need a bit more than a PAF can do--for example, this one black
sheep character has caused quite a to-do, and I need to argue my facts when
at the family reunion next month.
So, I could order FTM 2005 for $29.95, which a few cousins do use. Problem:
No one in town sells it, so I have to order it online, and it seems that it
must be shipped. Odd, but I would rather not wait a week after dithering so
long.
At least one new cousin uses Master Genealogist, but I couldn't read a file

from that program without downloading the 30-day trial (I have an older

computer, so I don't know if that was an issue).
So should I:
1) stick with PAF for now, just add my information in a Word document.


Absolutely! If you installed a new program today of any variety, you would be
spending all your time learning the program and not getting ready for the
reunion.



2) Purchase FTM or Master Gen--but can I download what info I have into the
FTM (or MG) or do I have to rewrite it all? And can my cousins read what I
have in either PAF, FTM or MG-- can I share easily?


You can share as it is by using Gedcom. You don't need to be able to read their
brand-specific files. Just have them create a Gedcom and you can import that.
Likewise in the other direction.



3) Can I work with copious notes with either of the purchased items? This
fellow was declared dead in one state when he didn't come home from the
Civil War, and I found him remarried with brood after the war in another
state. He served on both sides, and I think there are a lot more things to
find out (I've been neglecting other things thanks to this fellow!).
My closest new cousin uses FTM. I'd like MG, but not if we can't read each
other's stuff. That would be silly.


Gedcom!

Bob


I'll go with Bob. Print that information out using PAF's reports.
Assuming you're using PAF4 or higher, It comes out as a RTF file, which
can be opened and read by just about every computer that uses a Roman
alphabet.

Paper copies have their attractions as well -- if nothing else, it's
easy to tell where someone has added or changed something -- and may be
easier for the less-techie of your cousins to work with.

But the rtf files can be passed electronically which is a Good Thing.

Changing programs isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be, particularly
if you've used any of your current programs nooks and crannies and
specialized features. GEDCOM has a similar drawback, I'm afraid.



Cheryl

[kat >^.]

"Robert Heiling" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

"kat >^.^<" wrote:

snip
Now, another set of newby-style questions. Can I save new information
into
an older gedcom file, just like saving to my paf files? Or should I save
it
as a gedcom file and then work with that instead? Or can I?

No you can't, or perhaps I should say that you wouldn't, just to keep
things
technically correct for normal operation.

PAF doesn't operate the same way with Gedcom files (FamilyProject.ged)
that it
does with PAF files (FamilyProject.paf) and I see there is some potential
for
confusion there. The PAF (.paf) file is the one that you are normally
working
with when you are using PAF. It is constantly changing, You open it, make
changes, and then your project is saved into the same file that you
started with
and your changes are included in that now changed file.

A Gedcom file (.ged) is a snapshot of your project at the point in time
that you
create the gedcom file. Let's pretend that you archived a copy of your
work at
this very moment and let's call that A.paf. Let's say that you also create
a
Gedcom right now and called it A.ged. A.ged and A.paf would have the
identically same information.

Now you continue to work with PAF and make changes and your .paf file,
which is
the one that PAF uses, is no longer the same as either A.paf or A.ged.
Let's
call that B.paf. You can give A.ged to a cousin so that he can import it
and
have the same information in his FTM or MG that you have in A.paf. If you
want
the cousin to have what is in B.paf, you will need to make a new Gedcom
(B.ged)
and give that to him. Just reverse the roles for what your cousin would
need to
do to give you a Gedcom of his FTM or MG file.

Here's hoping that's clearer than mud. Feel free to ask.

Bob

Wonderful! Thanks, Bob!
Lets hope I can actually follow directions.
kat >^.^<

[kat >^.]

"Lesley Robertson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

"kat >^.^<" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...


Now, another set of newby-style questions. Can I save new information
into an older gedcom file, just like saving to my paf files? Or should I
save it as a gedcom file and then work with that instead? Or can I?

The simplest thing is to work as normal, and only make a gedcom when you
want to transfer the data. I make a new gedcom every time I want to pass
info on (that way you can select what you give to who - for example,
contacts on my father's side wouldn't be interested in my mother's
ancestry, so they only get the scottish info).
Lesley Robertson

This is the sort of stuff I'd love a gen class to cover. In three hours
they never seem to get past Cyndi's List! Thanks!
kat >^.^<

[kat >^.]

"singhals" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

I'll go with Bob. Print that information out using PAF's reports.
Assuming you're using PAF4 or higher, It comes out as a RTF file, which
can be opened and read by just about every computer that uses a Roman
alphabet.

Paper copies have their attractions as well -- if nothing else, it's easy
to tell where someone has added or changed something -- and may be easier
for the less-techie of your cousins to work with.

But the rtf files can be passed electronically which is a Good Thing.

Changing programs isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be, particularly if
you've used any of your current programs nooks and crannies and
specialized features. GEDCOM has a similar drawback, I'm afraid.



Cheryl

PAF 5.-something, Cheryl. I do hope to get a handful of papers written; my
main concern is accuracy--esp. since we come from a lost line.
kat >^.^<

[kat >^.]

"Hugh Watkins" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

FTM 2005 can

Menu > File > Export File > Entire File
or
Menu > File > Export File > Selected Individuals

Save as Type << choice of 11 formats

drop down menu
FTW (ie 2005)
or
4.0 to 11.0 inclusive

FTM for DOS users *GED

GEDCOM *.GED
as standard ged

with more detailed choices for tags truncated or not
etc

I always use the default *.GED
for uploading like


http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=lapham

I exported 70 now it has grown over 1600 verisionn 3

and 1000 LAPHAM on line

A *GED is only a txt file
which makes all the readers and family tree programs sophisticated text
editors

with various export posibilities

Print to file as pdf too

enjoy

Hugh W

Thanks, Hugh. I made one last night and surprizingly, it appears to have
worked!
kat >^.^<

[kat >^.]

All information is good to know! And I'm not the world's swiftest
character. Repetition followed by multiple reinterations followed by...
you get the picture (which is more than I can say)!
kat >^.^<
Kathleen

"singhals" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

Well, yes, of course, Hugh, but if the OP had understood all that, he
wouldn't've been asking.

Programs are highly "customizable" these days and many people insist on
"customizing" them. GED *intentionally* strips things down to a standard
set of data and it ignores all the customizing. This is going to do one
of two things, both Eeeevil: (1) it's going to _ignore_ everything in
those custom fields (your AFN field ignores data I have in there labelled
1989) or (2) it's going to put them somewhere unexpected that may actually
wind up in the importer's own set of customized fields where the field
he's got labelled as "Education" gets your "Military" field.

Cheryl

Hugh Watkins wrote:

FTM 2005 can

Menu > File > Export File > Entire File or Menu > File > Export File
Selected Individuals

Save as Type << choice of 11 formats

drop down menu
FTW (ie 2005)
or
4.0 to 11.0 inclusive

FTM for DOS users *GED

GEDCOM *.GED
as standard ged

with more detailed choices for tags truncated or not
etc

I always use the default *.GED
for uploading like


http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=lapham

I exported 70 now it has grown over 1600 verisionn 3 and 1000 LAPHAM on
line

A *GED is only a txt file
which makes all the readers and family tree programs sophisticated text
editors

with various export posibilities

Print to file as pdf too

enjoy

Hugh W



On 5/23/05, singhals <[email protected]> wrote:

Robert Heiling wrote:

[Lesley Robertson]

"kat >^.^<" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

"Lesley Robertson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

"kat >^.^<" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...


Now, another set of newby-style questions. Can I save new information
into an older gedcom file, just like saving to my paf files? Or should
I save it as a gedcom file and then work with that instead? Or can I?

The simplest thing is to work as normal, and only make a gedcom when you
want to transfer the data. I make a new gedcom every time I want to pass
info on (that way you can select what you give to who - for example,
contacts on my father's side wouldn't be interested in my mother's
ancestry, so they only get the scottish info).
Lesley Robertson


This is the sort of stuff I'd love a gen class to cover. In three hours
they never seem to get past Cyndi's List! Thanks!
kat >^.^

I do believe in keeping things simple - especially in genealogy. Our

ancestors seem to have spent enough time complicating matters already!
Lesley Robertson

[singhals]

kat >^.^< wrote:

"singhals" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

I'll go with Bob. Print that information out using PAF's reports.
Assuming you're using PAF4 or higher, It comes out as a RTF file, which
can be opened and read by just about every computer that uses a Roman
alphabet.

Paper copies have their attractions as well -- if nothing else, it's easy
to tell where someone has added or changed something -- and may be easier
for the less-techie of your cousins to work with.

But the rtf files can be passed electronically which is a Good Thing.

Changing programs isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be, particularly if
you've used any of your current programs nooks and crannies and
specialized features. GEDCOM has a similar drawback, I'm afraid.



Cheryl



PAF 5.-something, Cheryl. I do hope to get a handful of papers written; my
main concern is accuracy--esp. since we come from a lost line.
kat >^.^

Not that I'm _trying_ to be difficult, but ... a accurate isn't going to
be nearly as useful as truth. I mean, no matter how carefully someone
cites my GM's letter about her mother-in-law, the stated fact in that
letter remains untrue.

Which is all another way of saying, every story has three sides. You
need at least two of them.

Cheryl

[Lesley Robertson]

"singhals" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

I mean, no matter how carefully someone cites my GM's letter about her
mother-in-law, the stated fact in that letter remains untrue.

I tried to resist.... The problem is that now I'm dying to know what she

said.....
Lesley Robertson

[kat >^.]

"singhals" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

kat >^.^< wrote:


PAF 5.-something, Cheryl. I do hope to get a handful of papers written;
my
main concern is accuracy--esp. since we come from a lost line.
kat >^.^



Not that I'm _trying_ to be difficult, but ... a accurate isn't going to
be nearly as useful as truth. I mean, no matter how carefully someone
cites my GM's letter about her mother-in-law, the stated fact in that
letter remains untrue.

Which is all another way of saying, every story has three sides. You
need at least two of them.

Cheryl

Ah, yes. There in lies the rub. I have no real idea what went on. Did he
desert his Confederate side or was there something else involved? He wasn't
listed as a deserter; but he was listed as "killed by Confederates" which
implies desertion, or does it? Wife 1 had him declared dead so she could
manage her affairs, since he didn't return. Did she know he was alive? I
doubt it, but I don't know. She had a passel of kids after he was gone, but
that story is murky at best. Then there were the next 20 years that he
spent in WV with Wife 2 (and did she know about Wife 1?). And why does LDS
have *another* wife listed??? If he is the legendary bigamist of family
lore, which wives does it count?
I've found him listed in two local history books, and his sons listed in
another. I'll do my best just to write out the bits I can and hope I'm
circling the truth. This is the main reason I haven't posted the gen
online.
kat >^.^<

[Lesley Robertson]

"kat >^.^<" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

Ah, yes. There in lies the rub. I have no real idea what went on. Did
he
desert his Confederate side or was there something else involved? He
wasn't
listed as a deserter; but he was listed as "killed by Confederates" which
implies desertion, or does it?

Or "friendly fire", accident or mistaken identity. If you're looking for X
and you find a poorly identifiable body of the right size, build &
colouring, the te,ptation to say that this is X must be overwhelming.
Remember that wartime history is written by the winners, who will want to
make the opposition look as bad as possible.
Lesley Robertson

[singhals]

Lesley Robertson wrote:

"singhals" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

I mean, no matter how carefully someone cites my GM's letter about her
mother-in-law, the stated fact in that letter remains untrue.


I tried to resist.... The problem is that now I'm dying to know what she
said.....
Lesley Robertson

(GBG) Nothing terribly scandalous. She gave a death date that turned
out to be wrong by 6 years ... which is about how long I wasted looking
in the wrong record book, which broke the year before the actual death.
I know now to always check the first couple years in the new book.

Cheryl

[singhals]

From eons past, it seems I forgot to hit SEND ...

Lesley Robertson wrote:

"singhals" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

I mean, no matter how carefully someone cites my GM's letter about her
mother-in-law, the stated fact in that letter remains untrue.


I tried to resist.... The problem is that now I'm dying to know what she
said.....
Lesley Robertson

(GBG) Nothing terribly scandalous. She gave a death date that turned
out to be wrong by 6 years ... which is about how long I wasted looking
in the wrong record book, which broke the year before the actual death.
I know now to always check the first couple years in the new book.

Cheryl