tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26204193.post5600630307482148826..comments2024-03-26T11:22:41.940-07:00Comments on Genea-Musings: Dear Randy: Should I Use FamilySearch Family Tree as My Main Genealogy Database?Randy Seaverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477703429102065294noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26204193.post-76991546483621347142021-11-19T05:26:11.118-08:002021-11-19T05:26:11.118-08:00I think it would be a huge mistake to use FamilySe...I think it would be a huge mistake to use FamilySearch Family Tree, or any collaborative family tree, as one's main genealogy database. As Randy pointed out, other users could mistakenly change information about your ancestors or merge completely different profiles together. While Randy says he hasn't had major problems with this, I have, despite adding copious sources, notes, discussions, and reasons. I've detailed some of the problems I've had at https://genealogytools.com/should-you-contribute-to-the-familysearch-family-tree-a-review/. The root of the problem with FSFT, as I see it, is that it lacks referees for disputes over information. WikiTree and Geni avoid many of these problems by having profile managers, projects, and curators. I will contribute to WikiTree and Geni, but I will not contribute to FSFT again until they implement some sort of referee. The main thing I use FSFT for is their excellent trove of digitized and/or indexed records.<br /><br />I agree with Randy and the other commenters about storing one's family tree in as many places as possible, including websites where you control the tree such as Ancestry.com. But even then I wouldn't rely on a website to be my main database storage. I want my main database to be on my computer that I own and have complete control over. For me that's a 2012 Macbook Pro with Family Tree Maker 2019. I'm trying out RootsMagic 8 right now, and though there's lots to like about it, there are too many problems with how it handles GEDCOM files for me to use it as my main genealogy app. I'm surprised your reader with an iMac has trouble running it; I'm curious how old it is, how much RAM it has, and when was the last time they reinstalled the OS.Keith Rigglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09211666785587732418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26204193.post-74509703638565900952021-11-18T09:58:53.746-08:002021-11-18T09:58:53.746-08:00I use FSFT, Ancestry, My Heritage, purchased RM8Bu...I use FSFT, Ancestry, My Heritage, purchased RM8But nit installed. I also have Family Tree SW But not used to date. I'm trying to put stuff everywhere as I am able. I have so many hints I'm inundated...time is always my enemy. What is your method to keep up?Karen Polkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05313813734718364140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26204193.post-49868642414466223302021-11-18T07:17:07.449-08:002021-11-18T07:17:07.449-08:00I agree about Wiki tree but I use both. On family...I agree about Wiki tree but I use both. On family search I use of Collaborate. I might say "WARNING there are two Edward Sullivan's in Portsmouth, Ohio about the same age. One married Anna Zamp, the other married Mary O'Brien. See the notes under the attached documents. PLEASE DO NOT MERGE THESE TWO MEN. Thank you." No family member wants my research but someday a family member, who I haven't met will want to evaluate my research.mbm1311https://www.blogger.com/profile/00259363925596797806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26204193.post-73834291412530664242021-11-17T17:17:41.681-08:002021-11-17T17:17:41.681-08:00I often refer to FamilySearch but I am much more a...I often refer to FamilySearch but I am much more a fan of Wikitree as a single online tree - I find its layout more clear in documenting sources and also discussions about editing - how you know various facts and relationships. For my forebears I have found it more reliable too - FamilySearch has many duplicate people when it creates separate people from primary records such as baptisms resulting in a father having 9 profiles - one for each child. I have done a lot of work to clear up and verify these multiple profiles into one but it is challenging to ensure one has got it right. I do like FamilySearch citations and use them at Wikitree and I try to link the two trees.<br /><br />I definitely concur with the "put your stuff everywhere you can".Anne Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17970750528434435027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26204193.post-79144527743006529192021-11-17T16:20:14.080-08:002021-11-17T16:20:14.080-08:00You may one day convince me Randy. Thanks for you ...You may one day convince me Randy. Thanks for you excellent explanation. Diane Gould Hallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15362418860289987479noreply@blogger.com