tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26204193.post6094938862609015138..comments2024-03-26T11:22:41.940-07:00Comments on Genea-Musings: Dear Randy: How can I sync my files with my brother?Randy Seaverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477703429102065294noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26204193.post-3066319984938011962011-08-19T05:20:38.507-07:002011-08-19T05:20:38.507-07:00Randy,
A long time, many times asked question. Go...Randy,<br /><br />A long time, many times asked question. Good answer.<br /><br />I do use Dropbox. I use it with Family Tree Maker Version 2011 and it works very well. I also use it for other things. Dropbox has helped with addressing this task of file sharing / two or more people working on the same tree.<br /><br />There are two issues that need to be taken into consideration. 1) Who is working on the file and When, and 2) Data Entry formatting.<br /><br />I don't know about you, but I have a way that I format my data input, where I put pieces of information, and an issue that you have addressed many times, Source and Citation input.<br /><br />If the two users can agree with this 2nd item, you should be good to go.<br /><br />But, watch for working on the same file at the same time.<br /><br />However, there is another solution, which you have also talked about recently.<br /><br />From talking and working with other Family Tree Maker users, the solution might be that Ancestry Member Tree (AMT). That is Free, and the other two issues are minimized. <br /><br />An example: much like your reader's question. A friend of mine was working with his grandmother doing their family research. They used the AMT. After listening to his 'story' that feature really made sense to me.<br /><br />There are other online tree sharing options available to us, but since your reader already uses Family Tree Maker, the AMT option might make sense.<br /><br />To add to that, is your posting about Family Tree Maker Version 2012, currently, from my understanding, in Beta.<br /><br />From what I have read, the one CON: Only one user can download the AMT into FTM2012. That is the owner of the AMT.<br /><br />But that CON: may also be a positive. Why would is be a PRO: the owner is the one who could download (or Sync) the AMT and do the Charts and Reports that are within Family Tree Maker. Since the Charts and Reports can generate PDF files, the tree Owner could email the PDF to the non-tree owner.<br /><br />The PROs: accomplish the task of two, or more people, Editing, Contributing, and sharing their Family Research. The formatting of the data isn't an issue, as the AMT takes care of most of that.<br /><br />The owner of the tree can update the tree in FTM2012 or online.<br /><br />Just some random thoughts about how to resolve this question. I should do a blog entry on how to use Dropbox, shouldn't I.<br /><br />Thank you for posting this question and offering your solution.<br /><br />RussCousin Russhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00326890362591254874noreply@blogger.com