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Doing Genealogy On A Budget                                             2017 06 01
Lesson 020...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

What's The Problem?...
Time and money always seem to be at a premium when doing just about anything.
The more we discover about our heritage, the more we realize it will take more gathering!

All this time and exploration eventually makes us realize there are many costs involved with research.
Dead ends or minimal returns are disheartening, but the are many ways to minimize that!

Finding an acceptable solution to the time/cost problem (In relation to the return) is difficult.
The "solution" is directly related to your objective as well as your funding sources for the endeavor.

Most enthusiasts start as a small/personal tree or interest...Growing can happen deliberately or not.
Usually, the first "noticeable" cost is either for "official document copies" or memberships-Not so!
As your interest (Habit) grows, you'll become aware of more places as well as related goods.

At times be there is so much available that it seems overwhelming and something else is better way!
The onslaught is due to many marketers adopting aggressive targeting through online techniques.
While it's good to be aware of what's available, it's bad to fall into "Keeping up with the Jones".


How Did That Happen?...
In a nutshell...You became interested. This is the basis of all our endeavors.
From there, consciously or not, the hobby is given a rating in the pecking order of our lives.
Couple that with a thirst for knowledge-as evidenced by the fact we took initiative to seek answers!

Over time, a knowledge base within ourselves is growing, some of it questions, some of it answers.
We seek out ways to verify what we already know as well as information on what we do not.
All of this takes a certain amount of time and expendature according to its importance.

Additionally, there are always advertisements for new memberships or software or subscriptions.
Just as you are learning more how to do effective research, browsers are learning about you!
The level at which this gathering is actually done is second only to governmental spying!

As if none of that were enough, you probably signed into their websites with social media or worse!
When you find yourself deleting emails before opening them, you'll know it's time to change.
This is a hobby that can become very addictive, but there are ways to manage that!


What Can Be Done To Fix This?...
Above all don't dead-end yourself!
Though it applies to all of genealogy, here we are talking about computer and related aspects.
A quick look shows some simple, easy to follow computer methods that require only forethought.

Computers, hardware, software, peripherals and ISP's are a basic electronic need for research.
As in all else, it's important to stay clear of proprietary components no matter how attractive they are!
Look for longterm support like updates, upgrades and software multi-OS system requirements.

Start with your own computers. Whatever you use normally is your starting point. Define your needs.
Sometimes we learn more than our equipment can handle and need a second computer.
Use text files and jpegs, be sure you have good software, and web browsers!

Use additional hardware like external hard drives and increased memory, then increase it again!
Some pre-planning when selecting printer/scanners can really pay off in the long run.
Daytrip planning.... Research whoever is born/buried there before going.

Another longterm inexpensive advancement to consider is a Linux Full OS or USB/CD vs. Windows.
One performance method that lies mostly out of our control except for choice is the ISP.
The overall goal of our choices is to not be forced to re-purchase our own items.


Where Can This Lead Us?...
Organization is the key to success in any endeavor. Genealogy is no different.
With the information learned from above, we can now preplan for a more direct heading.
By arriving at or near our goals quickly, there is suddenly additional time otherwise not available!

Faster learning of how to do efficient style research-what does/doesn't work-will eventually come.
Be carefull not to fall victim to the "short-cut" routine. These usually result in poor judgement.
A thorough research of each individual not only yields complete data, but also verification.

By sticking with organization and preplanned advancement you'll see the payoff at upgrades.
Hopefully, if you already have older equipment, this info will prompt you to think ahead.
If your computer is new, it will eventually become old-the information still applies!

Because you are better prepared, you will eventually be ahead of your peers in a leadership role.
From that it's possible that you may wish to try web authoring of your tree....Who knows!?
But as for today, a clearer view of your heading and direction have already begun.


What Did We Learn From This?...
Forward thinking in software and equipment can help to minimize all of your future expenses!
With any proprietary items (Hardware/Software/Services): Their failures are your failures.
The proper equipment can be inexpensive plus it speeds your overall performance!

Portable equipment instead of additional equipment-laptop/scanner/hard-drive is in your future.
Simple efficient concise portable hand held software can be on one drive to take anywhere.
Preempting a need to buy additional equipment later is called productive streamlining!

Memory upgrades are the least costly/most immediate help you can give yourself!
If costs are a factor, consider the ReadyBoost option described above.
The SD Card should be a "Class 10" for better performance.

Use older style printers if you do a lot of printing and do not need extreme quality.
Don't be taken in by a low initial sale prices for a shiny new printer!
If you must have new style, compare their ink costs!

It's possible to have professional quality work on a budget by using deliberate pre-planned methods.
Protect yourself better from marketers targeting what they feel is the proper demograhic audience.
It's fun to be carefree at times, but if you want a better ROI, you'll need to pay closer attention!!


The Basic Rules...
First...
Plan ahead...
By identifying your objective you'll be able to better streamline a well thought out plan.

Second...
Don't dead-end yourself...
Proprietary goods or services of any type are simply an extended payment plan.

Third...
Buy equipment/services for the long range...
Don't be afraid to drift from the norm. Sometimes there's a better way.


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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