Census Project volunteers, Board members: I've taken a step back and thought on the census issues raised over the last few months. I've received input over several weeks from members throughout the Project. I ask that you think of the census project as a whole series of tasks to be completed. >From the time a person volunteers to transcribe a census for a county/parish/borough until it goes on-line for all to view several items must be addressed by coordinators along that path. Perhaps a solution can be found by a division of tasks rather than a merger of projects. Since everyone knows more or less how things are handled now, I'll not go into that here but instead offer the following for your consideration over the next couple of days. I would appreciate feedback as to its workability and palatability. I believe that the tasks involved include: recruiting volunteers, acknowledging their requests to volunteer on a timely basis, assignment of the transcription, maintaining web sites of what's available for transcription and/or status, assisting the volunteer in getting the materials to transcribe and software if need be, answering questions concerning transcriptions, keeping in contact with the volunteers to make sure that the transcription is proceeding without problems, assisting the volunteers in getting the completed transcription uploaded or turned in to the Project, formatting the files for viewing by the public, storing the files, updating web sites to current status of completed transcriptions. There may be other minor jobs but I believe that this list should cover the bulk of the process of getting census material on-line. Therefore please consider breaking down the tasks as follows: USGW Census Project (CP) retains their name, logo and project coordinator: recruits volunteers, acknowledges their requests to volunteer on a timely basis, assigns transcription, maintains their pages to show assigned census, assists volunteers in getting materials, software, answering questions, keeps in contact with volunteers, assists transcribers in getting the materials uploaded, modifies their recruiting web sites that transcription is complete. USGW Archives Census Project (ACP) retains their name, logo and project coordinator: receives completed transcriptions from CP, formats files for viewing, stores files, modifies census on-line web sites to current URL for stored files, contacts appropriate CP file manager with any questions regarding the files. Division of the tasks in this manner allows both projects to continue without duplication of transcriptions, singularity of purpose, increased effectiveness, better service to the transcribers and to the public at large. Working together as a task based mission rather than being divided by personalities would I believe lead to a stronger project in the long run. I would encourage both projects to maintain archived mailing lists of volunteers / transcribers to keep them abreast of news regarding software changes, improvements and to give a FAQs section. As for the volunteers working within each project or in both projects, I would encourage them to volunteer for the task(s) where they feel they could best contribute. Lastly, someone needs to coordinate the process. It doesn't have to be someone with an iron hand but it does need to be someone who thoroughly understands every aspect of the process. It should not be a popularity contest. This person either needs to be appointed or chosen from qualified candidates. Thank you for giving consideration to this proposal of a way to give rebirth to the Census endeavor of the USGenWeb Project. Tim