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Archiver > ROOTSMAGIC-USERS > 2005-02 > 1107939667


From: "Elaine Tunbridge" <>
Subject: Gedcoms
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2005 09:01:07 -0000
In-Reply-To: <4209A732.3040006@santel.net>


Having skimmed through the postings about gedcoms and their downsides can I
just say that my sister and I were given an old laptop containing the
results of a late uncle's family history research. It was on a database
created in the early 1990s - very much "pre-Windows. We have been delighted
and impressed that we were able to export a Gedcom from this and import it
into RootsMagic. Comparing the RootsMagic file with the original I have yet
to find information that hasn't come across in one form or another. To me
this is impressive and I for one certainly would not criticise gedcoms (or
RootsMagic, which I like very much!)

Elaine Tunbridge

-----Original Message-----
From: Alfred D. Eller [mailto:]
Sent: 09 February 2005 06:01
To:
Subject: Re: genealogy databases in html / XML -- [was [RMagic] RM and FTM

Eric, I could KISS you. That is a "Keep It Simple Stupid" kiss! (Not the
other kind. <BUG> ) {that's Big Ugly Grin.}

In my opinion, anyone who believes that XML will solve the problems with
data transfer between programs is living in a dream world, much like the
Apple, Unix/Linux and other Microsoft/PC bashing people think they have
the solution to every problem there is with home and office computers.

A long time ago, I read that a camel was a horse designed by a
committee. Anything designed by a committee is nearly sure to have some
problems. GEDCOM 5.5 has a few, but in a round about way, we are coming
to terms with them. Now that a few of us have a little understanding of
the limitations and problems, we certainly don't need some new mess to
contend with.

Of course, RootsMagic is NOT designed by any committee, Just a dedicated
genealogist and a helper or so, working to make the best genealogy
program available. Maybe that's why it is easier for us to understand
and use than FTM is. No corporate committee dictating divergent ideas.




Alfred D. Eller
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~adelr/index.htm
=======================================



Eric Norton wrote:

>Bruce,
>He was just kidding. He didn't mean to say XML. Honest. Oh please don't
>incorporate that abomination into RM.
>
>Instead of GEDCOM files with DEAT|DATE 03/04/2004 we will see
><Death_Date> 03/04/2004 </Death_Date>
>No date of death, you say? then just <Death_Date/>.
>XML is a great way to turn a one character field into a 20 character bloat.
>Wrapping every field for every record with enclosing field definitions.
What
>twisted mind thought of that? Bashing the XML 'Hard drive space is cheap'
>bloat mentality set aside, the same poor logic that was used to create the
>GEDCOM sub-standard is thriving and working to shoehorn those same mistakes
>into an XML wrapper for GEDCOM 6.0 or GEDXML or whatever they finally
decide
>to call it. Here's hoping their confusion continues unabated and they never
>come out with the next standard. With all the delays so far, it seems a
>likely possibility.
>
>Server Side subset? Hmm, that could go for the centralized respository
issue
>that was introduced into this thread. Have a server version of RM running
>against it's own db with a web interface that allows for data entry record
>mode and file upload mode for offline updates and batch imports. Server
>licensing could be a per seat connection and to avoid useless data or
>untraceable sources, the server would have a valid user list for admin,
>update or read only access.
>
>DNA stuff, yeah, that is hot now, not for me, but some people are getting
>keen on it. Maybe you should ask the head-honcho if he would look into
>putting something like FamilyTreeLegends DNA screens together for RM. I
>think they offer a four level view. 12, 25, 40 and everything options.
>
>Me personally, I'm not going to ask or request anything to be added. I am
>too busy being thankful, that because of RM, I don't have to use FTM
>anymore. The research is supposed to be the most challenging aspect, not
>trying to key what you've found.
>
>Eric
>
>
>


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