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A Picture Perfect Genealogy Show & Tell             Published Monthly
Lesson 050...                                                                                                            2019 12 01

Defining The Problem...
Having an accurate display of a genealogy that's easy to follow and aesthetically pleasing is difficult!
Even when you've found (Or created) a way, putting it all together may be harder than you think!

The concept seems so simple...
Find a document about each generation, put them in order, print them, then place them in a folder.

Everything seems so easy in our dreams. Probably because we have all the answers to any issues.
The problems become real whenever we incorporate someone elses efforts into our plan.

As it was found over the previous several months, not all persons share in the enthusiasim-or worse!
Poor workmanship or lack of pride in ones craft is difficult to overcome even by the best of plans.
Consistently poor quality of a key aspect of the plan can damage the outcome beyond repair.

Such was the case in an ongoing plan here that would concisely show a complete genealogy.
The downfall was in leaving a singular area to the efforts of a "qualified" outside entity.
Its mission to consistantly create quality wide-format photo prints failed miserably.


How Did That Happen?...
It seems that several factors collided at once and converged on an area that is of importance to us.
Never realizing that the external forces may not be as critical of their work as we are of ours.
As historians, we are by nature a very exacting crew and we forget that others are not.

When piecing together multiple components of any endeavor, using outsiders is not always best.
At times it may work fine, but it's also imperative to look at the personnel you're hiring.
State-Of-The-Art-Equipment cannot overcome user interest-Or a lack thereof!

Cost being another factor, it was thought that the method found would help offset that...Wrong again.
Advertised prices are not always the end result prices... Pricematch, coupon, while you wait, etc
The phrase "Marketing Strategies" now appears to be the code for what used to be "BS".

In the end, there seems to be very little that you can do other than a repeat trip back to complain.
Minimally it means doubling the gas/wear/time for the prints, and will likely earn you dis-favor.
Do we really think the young students hired (To avoid paying medical insurance) care?


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
As with any plan, we try our best to meet the objective and re-try any failed components.
So another branch location was tried.... Same issues.. Even the same staff!

It became clear that further efforts would be fruitless while seeing someone returning their photos.
The original plan was to create a "master portfolio", with subsequent ones for grandchildren.
Another way had to be found in order to make the outcome be as planned.

The choices became return/complain each time, pay extreme prices at photo shops or do-it-yourself.
Even with the added time and costs, the first two choices held little promise over the third.
After several discounts and the photo funds re-directed, a new endeavor was born!

The downside... As with any endeavor, time comes from somewhere.... Family tree additions slowed.
In theory the tradeoff however appears hopeful in that first-person/hands-on control is made.
Additionally, this work can now help other users toward a more uniform looking display!

Admittedly, this was stumbled onto largely out of frustration and when the right printer was "on sale".
Regardless, it's a way for some genealogists to show their own work in a professional way.
Due to prohibitive costs involved, this is understandably not a "fix" for everyone.


Where Can We Find Good Services & Equipment?...
Begin with gathering what you already have to work with (Photos, slides, negatives and equipment.
Define the size photos you'd like produce, and determine whether your equipment can do that.
Most people are unaware that standard scanners cannot scan film or slides, so be prepared!

Now you can start your online searching.
Check pricings of photo work against equipment purchases.
Depending on the overall size of your plan, equipment purchases may be better.

If much of your collection is on film or slide media, you'll need specialized equipment.
Be aware that each different film and slide size requires a different size holder.
Scanners come with common holders, but older size film requires its own.

Larger prints (Known as wide-format) require higher resolution scans for crisp clear prints.
The problem becomes increasingly more evident as the photos printed size rises.
Be certain your scanner is capable - Especially if film scanning!


What Did We Learn From This?...
Marketing is a different concept than workmanship.
To be fair, give a chance to your local print shop - With digital images ONLY.

At some point, you will have to decide between the two extreme choices...
Purchasing your own equipment is costly, but sending your non-replaceable images is scary.
Many people send out old films totaly unaware of the dangers, yet are fine... But all it takes is once.

If you choose to purchase your own equipment, buy the best you can afford.
Read the spec sheets and compare them as well as pricing.
Try to pick up rather than have it delivered.

However, if you decide that services are a better way, be sure to use a genealogy based service.
At the very least, they'll have a clearer understanding that the photos are one-of-a-kind.
It's also likely that other goods and services are available at the same place.

Look for a good description in both the equipment and services regarding what's included in the offer.
A business that prides itself above the others will often tell you why-Those that don't, won't.
If you still don't see what you're looking to see, just send them an email!


The Basic Rules...
First...
Try the local copy/print centers first. Some near you may be better than others.
Observe the staff and other customers for professionality and frustration.

Second...
Check online services for scan & print sevices ---- Choose one that's genealogy based!
Be careful in sending out old photos/slides/negatives that cannot be replaced!

Third...
Evaluate the size of your project, expected costs involved (Including "re-print" time/gas/wear).
Weigh it against purchasing your own scanner and printer capable of doing the job(s).



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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