Initial Conversion Experiences with RootsMagic

Having recently converted from FamilyTreeMaker to RootsMagic, I must say that I have been overwhelmed and pleasantly pleased with the experience. As previously noted, I had been using FTM since the mid-1990s when I obtained my first PC. Although I had only upgraded to FTM 6.0, I was still pleased with the database and it meet my needs. With each new upgrade to FTM, I hesitated to spend money going after minor tweaks to the program and/or additional 'bells and whistles' that I did not need. It was not until reading about the reviews of the new FTM 2008 that I decided to investigate upgrading my genealogical software and after doing so, I decided that FTM would not be the way to go. I am so glad that I found RootsMagic.

The database converted my FTM file into RootsMagic with ease, and I immediately set about looking at the various reports and charts. There are so many ways to 'tweak' the data, that I can tell that I am going to love using this program for a long time. Over the past few days I have been modifying some information in my database, correcting known problems, and adding a few 'to-do' list items.

I would recommend this program to anyone who is serious about doing family history research just for the powerful source wizard alone. Already I have been able to use it to create source data for census records, etc. and found that in just a few quick steps, I had a source that was standardized along the lines of Elizabeth Shown Mills work "Evidence..." The family view in RootsMagic has allowed me to notice missing pieces of data in my research, and I've already created a few 'to-do' lists for my next research trip. The merge option was easy to use, and I found a few individuals that needed to be merged together. I have even played with the error reports and will slowly be correcting or ignoring potential errors that the program finds.

I can't praise this program enough! It is an easy to use and powerful database, with so many options and discoveries that await. It's hard to stay focused and realize that I have to go to work each day and not just stay at home and look at my family history in a new light.

Switching to RootsMagic

I've taken the plunge and have updated my genealogy software to RootsMagic 3. Previously, I have been using Family Tree Maker version 6.0. Over the years I've avoided updating and buying the seemingly endless updates and 'new versions' of FTM that seemed to grow like weeds.

So far, I am impressed by the ease in which I could import my data into RootsMagic. The source wizard is an easy interface to use, and I'm having fun playing with my database to see how new reports will look.

Jumping Back into the WorldConnect Waters

I've decided to jump back into the WorldConnect waters and post a database at their site again. My database is TJLGenes. Right now this database is my line of descent from Abraham Lemaster (c1636/39-1722) of St. Mary's & Charles Co., MD.

I previously had posted a database at WorldConnect, and may expand this database in the future. There are numerous errors throughout WorldConnect, but at least it does offer a starting point, and a point of contact among researchers. My hope is that someone will find some connection in my database, and they in turn can help me.

As I continue to update my FamilyTree Maker database with source materials, I will upload periodically to WorldConnect. Currently I am working on census images that I obtained through my subscription to the Godfrey library before they lost Heritage Quest.

Still Scanning After All These Years

This morning I'm back to scanning to .PDF files the massive amounts of paper that I've collected over the years in doing genealogy work. When I married, my wife told me that I needed to get rid of the 5-drawer and 3-drawer filing cabinets that I had stuffed full of notes and research. I believe that I ended up with over 20 boxes of paperwork, all of which was not very organized.

To prevent data loss, I've been scanning them into files and burning CDs so that I can preserve the information for my children. Plus, it will make it easier to organize. So much of this information has not been sourced into my Family Tree Maker database, I may even hold the answer to some old family mystery right under my nose.

It is a slow process, but when completed, it will not only save storage space in my garage, but will allow me to organize & update my database. At least, that is what I am telling myself.