GENBOX-L Archives

Archiver > GENBOX > 2011-11 > 1321652206


From: Bill Bienia <>
Subject: Re: [GENBOX] GENBOX Digest, Vol 6, Issue 58
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:36:46 -0500
References: <mailman.269.1321603247.10241.genbox@rootsweb.com> <1322F6981275443593E4F85BE0DFB7FD@BrucePCnew><20111118144409.LNTS3177.eastrmfepo102.cox.net@eastrmimpo210.cox.net>
In-Reply-To: <20111118144409.LNTS3177.eastrmfepo102.cox.net@eastrmimpo210.cox.net>


I have used RootsMagic since the days it was called Family Origins. (I also
have been using TMG since version 3, Legacy since version 3, FTM since
version 3, and Genbox only in version 3.)

RootsMagic Version 4 (the latest) was a complete re-write, which included
Unicode support. V4 includes far greater flexibility in creating source
templates than any other tool on the market, although Legacy appears to have
built-in templates that are comparable - but since they not customizable by
the user, you take what you get. The source templates in RootsMagic are
customizable, by making a copy and altering the copy. For the 2,000
templates that Ms. Mills couldn't include in Evidence Explained, or if you
prefer to use other element arrangements within your sources, RootsMagic
allows you to create your own templates. RM is not limited to the
constraints of Source Elements and Source Element Groups that have plagued
TMG users (in my opinion.)

V4 also has customizable sentence templates for fact sentences, as well as
the ability to customize sentences for individual facts. It also support an
unlimited number of "witnesses" (called Sharing in RM) with the advantages
of TMG and Genbox, but one really big and unique advantage. You can add a
witness choosing from people in your database, or you can create a witness
just by typing in a name or other data. I've used the feature to add things
like a variable for Groom Marriage #, Bride Marriage #, age of bride, age of
groom, age of head of household, age of wife of head of household, among
others. A major limitation in RM, compared with TMG, is that the two
"principals" in a family fact have to be a couple - you cannot have two
principals who are unrelated, as you can in other programs.

RootsMagic's sentence template language in V4 is really well done, and is on
par with TMG's language and GB's language, although each have their own
highlights and quirks, and "I wish it would do...".

The Narrative reports in RM are particularly quirky. Rather than providing
the genealogy summary (Birth, Christening, Marriage, Death, Burial) up
front, followed by the facts for the individual then the spouse's facts
following that, RM provides all the facts about the individual, then the
marriage details and all the "family" facts (those involving the two
spouses), then the spouse's individual facts, and their list of children.
The marriage and subsequent information and children is provided for each
spousal couple. (I prefer the flexibility of the reports from TMG, with
Genbox in second place.)


-----Original Message-----
From: [mailto:] On
Behalf Of Nancy Archdekin
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2011 9:37 AM
To:
Subject: Re: [GENBOX] GENBOX Digest, Vol 6, Issue 58

Thanks for the summary of your experiences searching for a replacement
program. I'm also a long-time TMG user who takes advantages of the
roles/witnesses and sentence customization options in the program. And, I've
also been searching for a program which will allow me to continue using
those features.

My question is whether you've looked at RootsMagic, and if so, what your
thoughts are on that program?

Nancy


At 05:25 AM 11/18/2011, Bruce McArthur wrote:
>Recently purchased Genbox just to have a look. Not a bad program but I
>have used TMG for 10 years or more and I don't think I will be moving
>from it although it is by no means perfect - it's main problem being
>the old fashioned rather slow and clunky interface. Otherwise it is
>comprehensive and versatile. Genbox is the only program, apart from
>TMG, that allows witnesses (with roles) to events.

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