www.Leazott.com

Get Ready To Gear Up!                                            Published Monthly
Lesson 043...                                                                                                            2019 05 01

Defining The Problem...
We want more information, and we want it now!
Making matters worse is that we know where to get it and we know how!

At first glance this doesn't look like a problem and appears more like an advancement or a bonus!
But in reality, it can add clutter to a family tree that already has a lot of unfinished business.

Additionally, this "new resource" may only be recycled data that we've already found and recorded.
This can easily waste large amounts of time and consume your energy with no visable return.

We begin recording this newfound data, regarding it with unpresidented value!
After the novelty of this new repository fades, we begin yet another search for new data.
Ironically the cycle not only continues, but repeats itself endlessly as our search methods improve!

The data resources still waiting to be finished are now less valuable to us by familiarity.
Sometimes we want more info so badly that we view a new resource as important too quickly.
These two reasons when combined are capable of creating evergrowing backlogs of unfinished data.


How Did That Happen?...
From time to time while gathering information we find people previously unknown to us in new places.
Naturally, we investigate as many as possible, going through the sections that pertain to our needs.
We explore as long as it holds our interest or we have time for, then likely save it to finish later.

Over time, this can lead to having several ongoing/unfinished areas still requiring additional attention.
We probably aren't as aware as we think regarding the amount of time needed to complete them.
So each new resource sits waiting, and accumulating more tabs in our browser to "get to".

It's very common to hit a "brick wall" when building a family tree wide enough to cover various lines.
Minor stallouts require us to then do something else in order to keep the family tree moving.
Repetitive cycles of this lead to backlogs even if valid/useful information exists!

Soon we're avoiding dealing with any of them because all we can remember is being "stuck".
Another reason we may have left it is due to there being information overload!
Whatever the reason is, it became too much for us to handle.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
The single most important thing is to finish what you already have started.
This not only finishes up "old business", but also collects "new business" as well (Allbeit different).

Hopefully, if you've been at all "planful", your resource lists have been organized into some order.
If you haven't, it shouldn't take long to place them into some order by your own priorities.
This part is only for placing them into a preferred order, not for doing the work.

The type of unfinished data collection doesn't matter as much as your plan for finishing it.
Be sure to approach them in a logical and methodical fashion that suits your own personal style.
It might be useful to do the larger/difficult areas first, and leave the smaller sections for the next day.

As you begin to near the end of your "backlog", it's quite natural to want to begin  the new item.
Sometimes it's hard to fight the data urge, or we try to bargain or justify doing "just this one".
That's okay within reason, we all need breaks in order to keep from being "lost in the zone".

To be useful, this new resource should have different data, not simply recycled data you already have.
Additional info like dates and places are welcome, but new families/people are well worth the time!
As exciting as finding new lines may be, this new resource tells us it's time to begin our catchup!


Where Can We Find The Unfinished Data?...
Take a good long thorough look at your family tree...
Is everything "even"...do all the subjects have the same data types?
Simple uniformity not only helps users, but aids the family tree builder later as well.

Now look in all of the places that you keep any associated documents.
Some of these may include multiple persons, so check that they each have a copy.
Any unfinished sections that've been building should be attended to during "cleanup operations".

Assess the new data, and be realistic about its work and outcome.
How long and how difficult will it be to add this new item to all subjects?
Are the benefits of it outcome worth the time and resources it may consume?

Schedule a specific order with days and times if necessary for each area type needing attention.
Include times for genealogy software, photographs, cemetery visits and other areas you may have.
Take the time to fix any mishaps or errors you find that may have happened since your last cleanup.


What Did We Learn From This?...
It's important not to become overwhelmed with data overload or with its backlog.
Stay on course evenly in as many aspects of your family tree as is possible.

Adding "unique info" is okay, just don't get caught up in it....
If the new resource has a different "type" of information, it may deserve priority.
Important things like document images and photographs are usually a sign of good research.

Keep your "backlog" both to a minimum as well as in an orderly fashion.
This will help at cleanup time, as well as being ready should you find connecting info.
Better organization-even at its lowest level-will help you be more productive with your available time.

A resource place being new to us, doesn't necessarily mean that the information itself is new.
It may in fact be a simple copy/paste that someone performed into a different format.
Sometimes info may seem "wrong". Research and validate its "wrongness".

Beyond all else, we must take care of "old business" first, before moving onto any "new business".
If we adhere to this rule, we'll find our backlog continually dwindling toward a minimum.
Once a minor size is reached, it can be accessed weekly for further reduction.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Keep the backlog to a minimum at all times.
Use a rule of thumb to keep the backlog size or numbers down.

Second...
Arrange the resources to be reviewed in a deliberate fashion.
Revisit them in the order you find to be the most productive for your needs.

Third...
Create a plan that includes scheduling to avoid being overwhelmed by "dead-ends".
Clean out all backlog whether it's adding data, building on "dead-ends" or fixing old goofups!



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

Our family. Our website.
Leazott.com