Out esteemed Web Editor (not me) is working on the changes to the TKB and Beginners Guide to cover Full Stops at this very moment. The discussion has had impact in that it forced us to revisit our instructions. If these could be completed first before we have any more queries about the full stop it would be appreciated. If the changes don't meet people's requirements, the topic can resurrected with my blessing. Allan Raymond -----Original Message----- From: Lucille Hambling <l.hambling@ntlworld.com> To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: 06 September 2003 20:43 Subject: Re: FULL STOPS > No not really. I have been to the link you mentioned below and it says >quote - > >Do not transcribe: >Commas between fields >The rows of identical dots that separate fields in the later printed index. >Full stops after Age, Volume or Page Number. >These are all merely data separators, and carry no data value > >What is the purpose of a full stop after a surname in deaths, if not a 'data >separator'? > >Lucille > >-------Original Message------- > > >Isn't the information in the Hints and Help Guide at: >http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/beginhelp.html (Transcribing Full Stops >(Periods)) a sufficient explanation? > >Allan Raymond > > > > >. > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

No not really. I have been to the link you mentioned below and it says quote - Do not transcribe: Commas between fields The rows of identical dots that separate fields in the later printed index. Full stops after Age, Volume or Page Number. These are all merely data separators, and carry no data value What is the purpose of a full stop after a surname in deaths, if not a 'data separator'? Lucille -------Original Message------- Isn't the information in the Hints and Help Guide at: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/beginhelp.html (Transcribing Full Stops (Periods)) a sufficient explanation? Allan Raymond .

What I am saying is that this discussion has been raised endless times as demonstrated by a look in the archives http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/lists.html . Dave has explained ad nauseam why we do things a certain way and full stops has been part of this explanation. Dave's last email Full stops, etc. was as recent as Mon, 1 Sep 2003 on the Discuss list. Presumably what is wrong is that our instructions may possibly not be detailed enough to show why we do things in a certain way. I will take on board two off list requests which have just been sent to me plus Andrew Davison's on list request covering essentially the same requirement. About every two months or I send a reminder out to the FreeBMD list about our two documents to help our transcribers in particular those new to FreeBMD. This debate has prompted me to send my reminder out again. Debating again and again the same item, even though the rational behind the reason for doing things in certain way has been explained in great detail by Dave, doesn't really help new volunteers it only serves to confuse them. Allan Raymond -----Original Message----- From: Lucille Hambling <l.hambling@ntlworld.com> To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: 06 September 2003 16:23 Subject: Re: FULL STOPS > > >So if I understand this correctly, you are saying, that as pendantic as this >rule is, we should shut up or get out > > With new transcribers joining all the time who have not been a party to the >past discussions isn't this subject going to keep rearing its ugly head? > >Lucille > >-------Original Message------- > >From: Allan Raymond > >Lucille > >Everyone has a right to offer their comments, this is the means by which we >improve the system and get a better understanding of FreeBMD. > >However there is a caveat to this. > >If a topic has been discussed to death and the Project Team Leadership have >offered a detailed explanation of why things are required to be done in a >certain way, then this is the time for the discussion to be ended. > >In any organisation there are rules which individuals are required to adhere >to, FreeBMD is no different. > >Full stops is such an item which has been discussed to death. > >If individuals don't wish to adhere to the rules, then they can make their >own choice of whether they want to participate in the project or not. > >Allan Raymond > >--------------------- > >. > > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

> a protocol has been established for the project - love it or leave it. Love it or leave it? Are you serious? This is the discuss list. We discuss. Nothing is rock solid firm and many changes in protocol have come about over the years, many through this list. We are not blind transcribing slaves and all of us have ideas, some more sensible than others and some better put forward than others. If you don't want to read other peoples ideas and objections, then why in heaven's name do you subscribe to the discuss list? Steve Gaunt ----- Original Message ----- From: Helen Castle <helen.castle@telstra.com> To: <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2003 3:15 PM Subject: RE: FULLSTOPS > Hear Hear!!! > > a protocol has been established for the project - love it or leave it. > > knockers can start their own project with your own rules or be part of this > one as it is.. > > Helen Castle > Shellharbour NSW > > -----Original Message----- > From: Loraine [mailto:Lol_barnes@lineone.net] > Sent: Saturday, 6 September 2003 11:03 PM > To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: RE:FULLSTOPS > > > I am beginning to wonder, John, why you are bothering to transcribe for > FreeBMD, when all you appear to do is knock it. If you had had the idea and > done all the work in the first place to set up a project like this then you > could have done so and arranged it to suit your own tastes. You, don't > appear to have done, so stop knocking what is essentially an EXCELLENT > project and let those that had the original vision do it their way. They > have their reasons which they keep explaining, but people like you don't > seem to take any notice. The time you spend endlessly discussing things on > the lists could be far more usefully spent transcribing. As could the time > the rest of us spend reading your postings! > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go > to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

Hello All, I have received a total of 31 emails on this subject and it is driving me mad. If a rule is made everybody should stick to it. As a coordinator I check and reject any file that does not comply with this rule. This is the obvious way forward. Brian Smart -----Original Message----- From: John Ellwood [mailto:john.gw4jlk@tiscali.co.uk] Sent: 06 September 2003 09:49 To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Fullstops in the Forename column. With great trepidation I want to comment on fullstops in the forename column. Entering this vital information has slowed down my input and not made me a happy bunny. So... I have added a fullstop to every name in the bmdname 2 file (accessed through Windows Explorer). This saves me some backspacing and fullstopping! Obviously if there multiple names I lose out, but I do have an overall gain I have install a copy of my BMD system, without my modification, on a separate drive. So if I am lucky enough to get pages without the dreaded fullstops I can get back to normality. Obviously there must be millions of transcribed entries without the stops so surely a bulk entry system is going to be needed. Could I pleaded with the authorities for this to be done sooner rather than later and be made available to necessary evils like myself? John Ellwood ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

In case anyone thinks I don not feel others should hold opinions. I do strongly feel that everyone has the right to hold and express their opinions. However, I do not feel they have the right to inflict them all on the rest of us ad infinitum

I posted my message because some people seem to have nothing better to do than criticise the project and I am fed up (as are many other people, they have emailed off list in support!) with seeing this particular person's endless debates about nothing. The person in question actually adds nothing to the debate about full stops, but seems to query every little thing that is told them, rather like a two year old with no reasoning power. I am ensuring in future that any mail with that address is sent straight to deleted items. I have no beef with people offering opinions and I do take Andrew's point about new transcribers. However. once an explanation, or the place to look as been given, there is no point in continuing the discussion. I believe Dave MAyall and other leaders of the project have already stated why things are done in a certain way and why they will not be changed, so there is no point in continuing the debate. You will not change anything, just annoy other transcribers with what seems to be a perpetual whine. At he risk of being very rude those who are guilty of this should grow up.

This is my last email on the subject, I thought this mailing list was called FREEBMD-DISCUSS ? I've now got 7 pages of deaths to transcribe, and if someone hadn't raised the issue of full stops, I would have transcribed them ALL wrong. I too am a hardworking transcriber (over 130,000 entries) who is looking to improve by asking these questions and getting clarification. -----Original Message----- From: maureen.leadbeater@btinternet.com [mailto:maureen.leadbeater@btinternet.com] Sent: 06 September 2003 16:13 To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: FULL STOPS I am totally fed up with receiving excessive Emails re the "full stop" issue. I have received 15 already today. What with all the returned Emails because someone has my address on their computer and is infected with a virus, my ISP has reported my mail box full twice today. Can we please all just get on with our transcribing and allow the project leaders to do their job which they do with patience and expertise. Please, please just give a rest or we will all be leaving the project or at least the list. Maureen - a hardworking transcriber who types whatever is there to be seen. > Wrom: NNYCGPKYLEJGDGVCJVTLBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWFAOBUZXUWL > date: Sat, 06 Sep 2003 16:02:25 > to: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com > subject: Re: FULL STOPS > > Lucille > > Everyone has a right to offer their comments, this is the means by which we > improve the system and get a better understanding of FreeBMD. > > However there is a caveat to this. > > If a topic has been discussed to death and the Project Team Leadership have > offered a detailed explanation of why things are required to be done in a > certain way, then this is the time for the discussion to be ended. > > In any organisation there are rules which individuals are required to adhere > to, FreeBMD is no different. > > Full stops is such an item which has been discussed to death. > > If individuals don't wish to adhere to the rules, then they can make their > own choice of whether they want to participate in the project or not. > > Allan Raymond > > -----Original Message----- > Wrom: SZLKBRNVWWCUFPEGAUTFJMVRESKPNKMBIPBARHDMNN > To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> > Date: 06 September 2003 15:17 > Subject: FULL STOPS > > > >Do I understand from Helen and Loraine that we should not have an opinion > or > >just not voice it? Should we be mindless drones who transcribe day and > >night and not take time to do other things on the computer such as read > >e-mails, write messages or anything else we choose to do, when taking a > >break from transcribing. > > > >If the subject of 'full stops' bothers some people then why open the > message > > > > > >Lucille > > > > > > > >============================== > >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, > go to: > >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > > > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > www.Maurich.co.uk Researching Cook, Prest,Makepeace,Buxton, Leadbeater,Henderson,Wignall, Harker ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

So if I understand this correctly, you are saying, that as pendantic as this rule is, we should shut up or get out With new transcribers joining all the time who have not been a party to the past discussions isn't this subject going to keep rearing its ugly head? Lucille -------Original Message------- From: Allan Raymond Lucille Everyone has a right to offer their comments, this is the means by which we improve the system and get a better understanding of FreeBMD. However there is a caveat to this. If a topic has been discussed to death and the Project Team Leadership have offered a detailed explanation of why things are required to be done in a certain way, then this is the time for the discussion to be ended. In any organisation there are rules which individuals are required to adhere to, FreeBMD is no different. Full stops is such an item which has been discussed to death. If individuals don't wish to adhere to the rules, then they can make their own choice of whether they want to participate in the project or not. Allan Raymond --------------------- .

Please bear in mind that new transcribers are joining all the time, and are not always aware of what has and hasn't been discussed. One outcome of this discussion is that I now know what I should be doing regarding full stops, and this just came to light because someone else asked the question. Perhaps Mervyn's explination of full stops could be added to the FreeBMD website (or under hints and tips or under Volunteer Support & Resources), with the examples that make it clear what is to be done with full stops, Andrew -----Original Message----- From: Allan Raymond [mailto:allan_raymond@btinternet.com] Sent: 06 September 2003 16:02 To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: FULL STOPS Lucille Everyone has a right to offer their comments, this is the means by which we improve the system and get a better understanding of FreeBMD. However there is a caveat to this. If a topic has been discussed to death and the Project Team Leadership have offered a detailed explanation of why things are required to be done in a certain way, then this is the time for the discussion to be ended. In any organisation there are rules which individuals are required to adhere to, FreeBMD is no different. Full stops is such an item which has been discussed to death. If individuals don't wish to adhere to the rules, then they can make their own choice of whether they want to participate in the project or not. Allan Raymond -----Original Message----- From: Lucille Hambling <l.hambling@ntlworld.com> To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: 06 September 2003 15:17 Subject: FULL STOPS >Do I understand from Helen and Loraine that we should not have an opinion or >just not voice it? Should we be mindless drones who transcribe day and >night and not take time to do other things on the computer such as read >e-mails, write messages or anything else we choose to do, when taking a >break from transcribing. > >If the subject of 'full stops' bothers some people then why open the message > > >Lucille > > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

I am totally fed up with receiving excessive Emails re the "full stop" issue. I have received 15 already today. What with all the returned Emails because someone has my address on their computer and is infected with a virus, my ISP has reported my mail box full twice today. Can we please all just get on with our transcribing and allow the project leaders to do their job which they do with patience and expertise. Please, please just give a rest or we will all be leaving the project or at least the list. Maureen - a hardworking transcriber who types whatever is there to be seen. > Wrom: NNYCGPKYLEJGDGVCJVTLBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWFAOBUZXUWL > date: Sat, 06 Sep 2003 16:02:25 > to: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com > subject: Re: FULL STOPS > > Lucille > > Everyone has a right to offer their comments, this is the means by which we > improve the system and get a better understanding of FreeBMD. > > However there is a caveat to this. > > If a topic has been discussed to death and the Project Team Leadership have > offered a detailed explanation of why things are required to be done in a > certain way, then this is the time for the discussion to be ended. > > In any organisation there are rules which individuals are required to adhere > to, FreeBMD is no different. > > Full stops is such an item which has been discussed to death. > > If individuals don't wish to adhere to the rules, then they can make their > own choice of whether they want to participate in the project or not. > > Allan Raymond > > -----Original Message----- > Wrom: SZLKBRNVWWCUFPEGAUTFJMVRESKPNKMBIPBARHDMNN > To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> > Date: 06 September 2003 15:17 > Subject: FULL STOPS > > > >Do I understand from Helen and Loraine that we should not have an opinion > or > >just not voice it? Should we be mindless drones who transcribe day and > >night and not take time to do other things on the computer such as read > >e-mails, write messages or anything else we choose to do, when taking a > >break from transcribing. > > > >If the subject of 'full stops' bothers some people then why open the > message > > > > > >Lucille > > > > > > > >============================== > >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, > go to: > >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > > > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > www.Maurich.co.uk Researching Cook, Prest,Makepeace,Buxton, Leadbeater,Henderson,Wignall, Harker

Mervyn, Thankyou for clarifying this whole topic regarding full stops. I'm sure other transcribers were not aware of the differences, as outlined below. I will now endeavor to transcribe the CORRECT entries based on what you have told us. Cheers, Andrew -----Original Message----- From: Mervyn Wright [mailto:mervyn.wright@talk21.com] Sent: 06 September 2003 15:03 To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: RE: fullstops. I for one am getting totally ........ off with this continuous and recurring discussion on the subject of FULL STOPS, and so, I am sure, are the leaders of this project. Dave Mayall has set out, concisely and cogently, the reason why we transcribe full stops in Christian names. If we could all now get on with transcribing and stop bickering, then perhaps the project will get completed. Just to re-iterate for those who may have missed it and are transcribing from typed source, the following applies - Smith John.......Aston,6d 999 Smith John J.....Aston,6d 999 These assume NO full stop and none should be transcribed Smith John. .....Aston,6d 999 Smith John J. ...Aston,6d 999 These assume full stop and should be transcribed. Regards Mervyn Wright -----Original Message----- From: Steve Gaunt [mailto:steve@email.hinet.hr] Sent: 06 September 2003 12:03 To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: re: fullstops. The only reasons for putting the fullstops as far as I know are: 1. Something to do with consistancy in transcribing and the software at FreeBMD and double keying. 2. A promise to transcribe the data as is. If the software is based an the accurate transcription of every fullstop, comma, etc, then there is the need to transcribe as is, though I am told that double keying would involve different source, which may not even carry the full stop, though I may have that wrong (David, refresh my memory) Other than the two reasons stated above, there is no reason at all to transcribe full stops. The original handwritten scans didn't carry them; they were put there in later versions. So: perhaps the software can be "rewired" so that full stops have no significance? Then it wouldn't matter if they were transcribed or not. As for the second reason, I doubt if whoever the promise was made to would care in the slightest about full stops. Perhaps they should be approached? We have already broken from the promise to reproduce as is by the insertion of surnames where duplicate surnames are indicated by a line. Perhaps also the software can be "rewired" so that full stops have no significance? Then it wouldn't matter if they were transcribed or not. It would also stop these discussions popping up every six month or so. Steve Gaunt ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.512 / Virus Database: 309 - Release Date: 19/08/2003 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.512 / Virus Database: 309 - Release Date: 19/08/2003 ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

Isn't the information in the Hints and Help Guide at: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/beginhelp.html (Transcribing Full Stops (Periods)) a sufficient explanation? Allan Raymond -----Original Message----- From: John Fairlie <john.fairlie@blueyonder.co.uk> To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: 06 September 2003 16:01 Subject: RE: FULL STOPS >Thank you Lucille, it is nice to know that some people have some common >sense and some manners too. > >If I remember rightly, it was me that suggested that Dave Mayall's composite >statement on Full Stops be added to the web site to end the debate once and >for all. > >John Fairlie >Mail us at ..... john@fairlie.plus.com > john.fairlie@blueyonder.co.uk >Home page... http://www.fairlie.plus.com > > >-----Original Message----- >From: Lucille Hambling [mailto:l.hambling@ntlworld.com] >Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2003 3:21 PM >To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com >Subject: FULL STOPS > > >Do I understand from Helen and Loraine that we should not have an opinion or >just not voice it? Should we be mindless drones who transcribe day and >night and not take time to do other things on the computer such as read >e-mails, write messages or anything else we choose to do, when taking a >break from transcribing. > >If the subject of 'full stops' bothers some people then why open the message > > >Lucille > > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go >to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

Lucille Everyone has a right to offer their comments, this is the means by which we improve the system and get a better understanding of FreeBMD. However there is a caveat to this. If a topic has been discussed to death and the Project Team Leadership have offered a detailed explanation of why things are required to be done in a certain way, then this is the time for the discussion to be ended. In any organisation there are rules which individuals are required to adhere to, FreeBMD is no different. Full stops is such an item which has been discussed to death. If individuals don't wish to adhere to the rules, then they can make their own choice of whether they want to participate in the project or not. Allan Raymond -----Original Message----- From: Lucille Hambling <l.hambling@ntlworld.com> To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: 06 September 2003 15:17 Subject: FULL STOPS >Do I understand from Helen and Loraine that we should not have an opinion or >just not voice it? Should we be mindless drones who transcribe day and >night and not take time to do other things on the computer such as read >e-mails, write messages or anything else we choose to do, when taking a >break from transcribing. > >If the subject of 'full stops' bothers some people then why open the message > > >Lucille > > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

Thank you Lucille, it is nice to know that some people have some common sense and some manners too. If I remember rightly, it was me that suggested that Dave Mayall's composite statement on Full Stops be added to the web site to end the debate once and for all. John Fairlie Mail us at ..... john@fairlie.plus.com john.fairlie@blueyonder.co.uk Home page... http://www.fairlie.plus.com -----Original Message----- From: Lucille Hambling [mailto:l.hambling@ntlworld.com] Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2003 3:21 PM To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: FULL STOPS Do I understand from Helen and Loraine that we should not have an opinion or just not voice it? Should we be mindless drones who transcribe day and night and not take time to do other things on the computer such as read e-mails, write messages or anything else we choose to do, when taking a break from transcribing. If the subject of 'full stops' bothers some people then why open the message Lucille ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

Do I understand from Helen and Loraine that we should not have an opinion or just not voice it? Should we be mindless drones who transcribe day and night and not take time to do other things on the computer such as read e-mails, write messages or anything else we choose to do, when taking a break from transcribing. If the subject of 'full stops' bothers some people then why open the message Lucille

I for one am getting totally ........ off with this continuous and recurring discussion on the subject of FULL STOPS, and so, I am sure, are the leaders of this project. Dave Mayall has set out, concisely and cogently, the reason why we transcribe full stops in Christian names. If we could all now get on with transcribing and stop bickering, then perhaps the project will get completed. Just to re-iterate for those who may have missed it and are transcribing from typed source, the following applies - Smith John.......Aston,6d 999 Smith John J.....Aston,6d 999 These assume NO full stop and none should be transcribed Smith John. .....Aston,6d 999 Smith John J. ...Aston,6d 999 These assume full stop and should be transcribed. Regards Mervyn Wright -----Original Message----- From: Steve Gaunt [mailto:steve@email.hinet.hr] Sent: 06 September 2003 12:03 To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: re: fullstops. The only reasons for putting the fullstops as far as I know are: 1. Something to do with consistancy in transcribing and the software at FreeBMD and double keying. 2. A promise to transcribe the data as is. If the software is based an the accurate transcription of every fullstop, comma, etc, then there is the need to transcribe as is, though I am told that double keying would involve different source, which may not even carry the full stop, though I may have that wrong (David, refresh my memory) Other than the two reasons stated above, there is no reason at all to transcribe full stops. The original handwritten scans didn't carry them; they were put there in later versions. So: perhaps the software can be "rewired" so that full stops have no significance? Then it wouldn't matter if they were transcribed or not. As for the second reason, I doubt if whoever the promise was made to would care in the slightest about full stops. Perhaps they should be approached? We have already broken from the promise to reproduce as is by the insertion of surnames where duplicate surnames are indicated by a line. Perhaps also the software can be "rewired" so that full stops have no significance? Then it wouldn't matter if they were transcribed or not. It would also stop these discussions popping up every six month or so. Steve Gaunt ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.512 / Virus Database: 309 - Release Date: 19/08/2003 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.512 / Virus Database: 309 - Release Date: 19/08/2003

I am beginning to wonder, John, why you are bothering to transcribe for FreeBMD, when all you appear to do is knock it. If you had had the idea and done all the work in the first place to set up a project like this then you could have done so and arranged it to suit your own tastes. You, don't appear to have done, so stop knocking what is essentially an EXCELLENT project and let those that had the original vision do it their way. They have their reasons which they keep explaining, but people like you don't seem to take any notice. The time you spend endlessly discussing things on the lists could be far more usefully spent transcribing. As could the time the rest of us spend reading your postings!

> If you are talking about " accurate transcription " then why does WinBMD > change the surnames from UPPER case to LOWER case ? Thus changing the EXACT > copy of what is transcribed. Er... it doesn't. That is a variable option you can set. Steve ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrew Davison <andrew.davison@blueyonder.co.uk> To: 'Steve Gaunt' <steve@email.hinet.hr> Cc: <FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2003 1:21 PM Subject: RE: fullstops. > If you are talking about " accurate transcription " then why does WinBMD > change the surnames from UPPER case to LOWER case ? Thus changing the EXACT > copy of what is transcribed. > > I'm not trying to be awkward or dig up old discussions, but there seems to > be a lot of confusion. 6 months ago (fter transcribing for nearly 2 years), > I started putting in full stops after JOHN P. as I thought that is what was > required, now I'm being told differently. > > > Andrew > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Steve Gaunt [mailto:steve@email.hinet.hr] > Sent: 06 September 2003 12:03 > To: FREEBMD-DISCUSS-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: re: fullstops. > > The only reasons for putting the fullstops as far as I know are: > 1. Something to do with consistancy in transcribing and the software at > FreeBMD and double keying. > 2. A promise to transcribe the data as is. > > If the software is based an the accurate transcription of every fullstop, > comma, etc, then there is the need to transcribe as is, though I am told > that double keying would involve different source, which may not even carry > the full stop, though I may have that wrong (David, refresh my memory) > Other than the two reasons stated above, there is no reason at all to > transcribe full stops. The original handwritten scans didn't carry them; > they were put there in later versions. > So: > perhaps the software can be "rewired" so that full stops have no > significance? Then it wouldn't matter if they were transcribed or not. > > As for the second reason, I doubt if whoever the promise was made to would > care in the slightest about full stops. Perhaps they should be approached? > We have already broken from the promise to reproduce as is by the insertion > of surnames where duplicate surnames are indicated by a line. > Perhaps also the software can be "rewired" so that full stops have no > significance? Then it wouldn't matter if they were transcribed or not. It > would also stop these discussions popping up every six month or so. > Steve Gaunt > > > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go > to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > > >

The only reasons for putting the fullstops as far as I know are: 1. Something to do with consistancy in transcribing and the software at FreeBMD and double keying. 2. A promise to transcribe the data as is. If the software is based an the accurate transcription of every fullstop, comma, etc, then there is the need to transcribe as is, though I am told that double keying would involve different source, which may not even carry the full stop, though I may have that wrong (David, refresh my memory) Other than the two reasons stated above, there is no reason at all to transcribe full stops. The original handwritten scans didn't carry them; they were put there in later versions. So: perhaps the software can be "rewired" so that full stops have no significance? Then it wouldn't matter if they were transcribed or not. As for the second reason, I doubt if whoever the promise was made to would care in the slightest about full stops. Perhaps they should be approached? We have already broken from the promise to reproduce as is by the insertion of surnames where duplicate surnames are indicated by a line. Perhaps also the software can be "rewired" so that full stops have no significance? Then it wouldn't matter if they were transcribed or not. It would also stop these discussions popping up every six month or so. Steve Gaunt