In a message dated 3/30/2005 7:12:05 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, cassidym@earthlink.net writes: Note that I have changed the subject of this topic so that those that are not interested can skip these messages. Mary Lee Davis Marchi wrote: > Linda, > We would love to have a copy of your hard work. Several people have > donated their family CD files, so we have started a collection of these > CD's. > I applaud your efforts here, but I hope you are aware of the many. many pitfalls in storing genealogy data in this manner. I think if you knew the facts and took your role seriously in the preservation of these records, you would have a different approach. CD as physical medium to store data seems to have a fairly long life, though we don't know how long yet. DVD now is now pretty much the standard, and there is a new format coming out Real Soon Now. If history talks, the new formats will replace the old and we won't be able to read the old. Does eight-track tape bring back any memories? How about wire recorders? Edison cylinders? Piano rolls? Each of those technologies was invented and died completely within about 2 generations or so. Genealogy data that is readable for only two generations is pretty useless. Then there is the format of the data itself. It's great you've got a backup copy of a genealogy database done in FTM Version 8 or whatever. But I use Legacy Version 5, and the next researcher might use Reunion Version 3 or whatever. So we can't use that data. And in one hundred years FTM Version 113.5 might not be able to read that data either. Genealogy data in any proprietary format is useless other than as a backup. OK, so it should be in a non-propietary format, like GEDCOM. Gedcom isn't bad, but it's very limited. And, quite flawed. It does have the advantage of being "open" and well documented so it will probably [does an honest historical society rely on "probably"?] be readable for a few years. GEDCOM is not the answer, though I admit LDS has been scraping by for a long time on it. But I doubt they'll be able to go another generation. The answer? Print everything you get, and put it in file cabinets. Use archival-quality paper, and archival-quality ink or toner. But you already know that. Just my thoughts. -- Marty Cassidy Seattle, WA USA ==== OHGALLIA Mailing List ==== Check the address you are replying to before sending your message. Another way to store the family history files is to put them online. Sites such as Rootsweb will host them, but if one is uncomfortable with that, you can put them on your own site. If you don't mind hosting an advertising banner, there are many sites that will do this for free. There are programs (such as Gedpage) that will convert gedcom files to html. This is what I have done (_http://www.angelfire.com/fang/snaggle/gedcom/index.html_ (http://www.angelfire.com/fang/snaggle/gedcom/index.html) ) It also makes for easy sharing. Rather than copying and mailing information you can just give them the e-mail address. Neil E. California