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Archiver > APG > 2004-05 > 1083728327


From: "Gregory Winters" <>
Subject: RE: [APG] Future Census - High Tech?
Date: Tue, 4 May 2004 23:38:56 -0400
In-Reply-To: <DEEDILKBBOAJKMCOIMLKKEIBCNAA.nancylewis@bellsouth.net>


It is a common misconception that computer technology is necessarily divided
between its hardware/software and its usage. In the example below, there is
absolutely no 'similarity' at all if the principles of data management are
properly adhered to. The 1890 paper census had no other options available
to it in terms of storing, copying, and distribution - in short, it was a
sitting duck waiting for a disaster, such as a fire or flood, to happen.
This certainly does not have to be the case with its computer-generated
counterpart.

If the data from the electronic census is properly gathered and managed, the
odds of some 'glitch' completely wiping out the data a la 1890 are
infinitesimal. An example of a proper system would be that the canvassers
must periodically upload all data contained in the handhelds to a master
system via wireless technology as well as back up to portable storage
devices. These tasks can be performed in a matter of seconds. The master
system would be RAID-5 covered for Six Nines high availability and data
integrity. The database should have scripting routines which make random
checks of records using special algorithms which make data loss and
inaccuracy nearly an impossibility.

The paper standard was horrific in comparison to the possibilities of the
accuracy and consistency which are a part of the proper usage of computer
technology. Are we *really* advocating continuing a system that is subject
to illegible handwriting, moisture and fire damage, torn and crumpled stock,
etc.? Let's hear from those poor souls who have been tasked with
transcribing these records for the rest of us who benefit. To me, it's no
contest.

Gregory Winters

-----Original Message-----
From: Nancy Lewis [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 8:38 PM
To:
Subject: RE: [APG] Future Census - High Tech?

I can see it now: 2082 - April - census for 2010 - sorry - this census was
destroyed by a computer glitch similar to the fire that destroyed the census
of 1890 (groan).



Nancy
Nancy J. Lewis
Atlanta, GA.
Copies of Census or WWI draft cards made fast and economical, check my
rates.


-----Original Message-----
From: Kate Lynn [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 9:29 PM
To:
Subject: RE: [APG] Future Census - High Tech?

All the more reason that we need to compile, source, and PRESERVE our own
research and data! Future genealogists may well have to rely on what we and
others leave behind. We love the new technology (and our handy dandy
computers), but the old adage: "Cover thyself with paper"
still holds. So, burn it to disks, scan it, film it, record it, and always,
always, PRINT it!

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Traceroots [mailto:]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 6:53 PM
> To:
> Subject: RE: [APG] Future Census - High Tech?
>
> I venture to say the information will become lost
using those methods
long
> before the finish date of 2010
> Brenda
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: M J Mann [mailto:]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 5:50 PM
> To:
> Subject: [APG] Future Census - High Tech?
>
> All,
> Just this evening, on the local NYC news, there was a
story of US
Census
> takers, going door to door in parts of the Borough of
Queens, NYC.
They're
> doing a pilot program for the 2010 Census, using hand
held Palms/PC's
and
> they stressed -- NO paper.
> Since the news item is under copyright, I'm giving you
a link to the
> station's website, if you want more details.
> >>Census Takers May Be Coming To Your Neighborhood<<
> http://www.wnbc.com/money/3268434/detail.html
>
> I don't think this will influence any of OUR research.
At least we
have
> faded, dark, torn and blurred microfilm copies! <g>
Genealogists in
about
> 80 years will have new problems to deal with. If they
(Census
bureau/NARA or
> whomever) don't keep the technology up to date, all of
the info
collected
> will be lost within a few years.
> Maureen J. Mann
> New Jersey
>
>
>
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