Ian Goddard wrote: > singhals wrote: > >> >> What makes it more a problem in a computer database than in, say, an >> index-card file or a letter? >> > > It isn't any more of a problem. It's simply that any S/W I've seen > doesn't make provision for what could be done very simply with cards - > write a card for each name in a record and clip them together if you > think they're the same person and unclip them if you cease to think that. > > In fact a database, designed with this in mind can do more - it can > provide simultaneous "clips" to represent alternative views as to which > names represent the same person. > > Some time ago I asked for any examples of S/W which did do this; none > were offered. > > There is (or was, a few years back) a program that created index cards. It was said at the time that you could do anything with these entries that you could do with real index cards. Perhaps someone else remembers the name of that program. There is also a "sticky note" program you might find useful. These are on view at Rootsweb's WorldConnect among other places. I keep having the feeling that you're wanting to do data ANALYSIS, not data recordation. I've said before and will say again, The Master Genealogist is one D**** fine data analysis tool. Cheryl

singhals wrote: > There is (or was, a few years back) a program that created index cards. > It was said at the time that you could do anything with these entries > that you could do with real index cards. Perhaps someone else remembers > the name of that program. I still remember with humor an ad that appeared in many issues of Byte Magazine: "Turn your $1000 computer into a $60 typewriter!" -- Wes Groleau Ostracism: A practice of sticking your head in the sand.