FREEBMD-SYNDICATES-L Archives

Archiver > FREEBMD-SYNDICATES > 2003-07 > 1059405151


From: "Brian Smart" <>
Subject: RE: "standard file names"
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 16:12:49 +0100
In-Reply-To: <3F253A41.53FF7153@btinternet.com>


Hello Derek,
I have no problem with what you say. I happen to use the SpeedBMD format
because a lot of my syndicate members use SpeedBMD and it is therefore the
only standard possible. I am fortunate in that I insisted on the standard
from the start.

Regards

Brian Smart

-----Original Message-----
From: Derek Lowe [mailto:]
Sent: 28 July 2003 15:59
To: Brian Smart
Cc:
Subject: Re: "standard file names"


Hi Brian
I, with John Mellors are trying to check what has and what has not been
done by the John Pain syndicate for all events for most of the 1871 - 1881
period. It is from doing this that I have come across all the different
things I alluded to in my email.
John, I and others are sorting it out. (It's messy but not impossible:-))

A 'standard' for each syndicate is something I would not quarrel with.
John and I now insist that transcribers use WinBMD and upload from it so
that we are in effect insisting on the auto-generated filename as a
'standard' for the syndicate and we also insist they only upload complete
single pages so that the filename is unique on their site. This is a direct
result of us trying to sort out previously uploaded data.

This is a totally different thing from imposing a 'standard' for all which
could only be done if every one of the syndicates agreed. I would not wish
to change from the WinBMD 'standard'. So the standard would have to be mine
for me to agree. I assume the 'standard' others would want is the one they
use now. Some syndicate co-ordinators do not 'check' the data uploaded by
their transcribers and so will not want or police a 'standard' at all. All
they need is available via the new Range Check.

Regards
Derek

Brian Smart wrote:

Hello Derek,
I insist on standard filenames for scans transcribed by members of my
syndicate. It is the only way that I have any chance of checking what
has
been uploaded and what hasn't. Your reasons why it doesn't matter all
relate
to the FreeBMD system not to the Coordinators. My syndicate has
transcribed
something like 32000 scans, I dread to think what it would be like
trying to
check them all if the filenames used had no common format.
Regards

Brian Smart
Brian's Scan Syndicate

-----Original Message-----
From: Derek Lowe [mailto:]
Sent: 28 July 2003 15:08
To:
Subject: "standard file names"

Forgive me but what is the point of discussing what can or cant be done
when as far as I can see there's no requirement for 'standardised
names'. Perhaps someone can convince me otherwise. My reasoning is as
follows :-

1. As Dave has already pointed out FreeBMD is not filename dependant.

2. Transcribers have not in the past and do not now upload sequenced
data in complete pages. They upload part pages, multiple pages and pages
and part pages. FreeBMD copes with them all and welcomes them.

3. One-name enthusiastes upload unsequenced data sometimes one
record at a time. FreeBMD copes with and welcomes such entries.

4. WinBMD automatically generates filenames different from those of
SpeedBMD unless the SpeedBMD option is used. FreeBMD copes with and
welcomes the files.

5. The new 'check range' enables co-ordinaters to see what has been
uploaded by syndicate members, and others if required, and the the means
to check what is in the files is there if you want it. Does anyone
believe that standard names will guarantee that it contains what the
filename says it does?

5. Why try to impose a 'standard' at this late stage and risk
alienating large numbers of volunteers who dont like it particularly
when it is patently not necessary for FreeBMD?

6. If nothing can be done to standardise what has been done what is
the point of a standard?

7. Policing filenames will take up time that could be spent on
getting the data into the database.

8. Unless multiple page, part page, and one name uploads are banned
then it is impossible to have a standard file name which reflects what
is there.

9. Some volunteers have problems enough getting their transcriptions
uploaded. I shudder to think what they would do if they were told the
filename had to be changed - easy as it is to do in File Management. If
they didn't get it right the first time I doubt they would always get it
right the second time and would be happy with anything that gets it
uploaded!

As I say I'm open to persuasion but given the above why bother? Who will
benefit from 'standard' filenames?

Regards
Derek Lowe

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