Certainly RIN and MRINs can by useful for many of the things described, such as when you have to unlink and relink someone. The main issue is that it is not always possible to maintain RIN numbers over an extended time as Philo has done. I have had two instances recently where database errors were only resolved by an export and re-import. Problems can arise when people develop schemes that depend on absolute fidelity of the numbers, and then something unforeseen happens that causes the numbers to change. Anyone who wants to use those numbers and takes the appropriate precautions to maintain them may do so. All to often however we see messages complaining that "THE PROGRAM" messed up their RINs, when the real problem was they did not exercise due diligence in learning about how and why the numbers could change before instituting a system that depended on them. The value of these discussions is in educating users about how the software uses the numbers so they can protect themselves from those disasters. Gary Templeman -------------- Original message -------------- > Philo, > Good for you. You beat me to it. I too use RINs and MRINs all the time. In my > GenCharts for PAF program I use them exclusively to identify people to print > reports about. > Lynn > > > > Hello Group, > > > > I have been reading the discussion about RIN number > > for some time and now want to tell who and why I use > > RIN number. > > > > If is because PAF displays the RIN number that I use > > PAF. > > Other Genealogy program have a unique nubmer but they > > do not display the number. > > > > When I first started to do my data entry into PAF 2.3 > > in DOS years ago I created a 7 generation blank setup > > for my ancestors in Ahnentafel order. As I entered my > > direct ancestors into my database I used the RIN > > number associated with them the Ahnentafel order until > > I got past 7 generations. At that point I watched and > > moved the direct ancestors to the proper RIN Number > > when I reached about 30,000 names in the file to gave > > up this > > moving system. > > > > I am still using my original file after all these > > years and so my RIN numbers have remained the same. > > > > I create ancestors and descendants book printout to > > share either via E-Mail or printed form, listing the > > RIN number on the file. I ask that when people want > > to talk about any person on these reports that they > > tell me the RIN number of the person they want to > > discuss. > > > > My database is not at 51,600 names and with many names > > exactly the same and many living about the very same > > time period in the same places, I want to get to the > > exact person another research is working with. > > > > I also use the RIN number when I want to Unlink and > > Relink to a family. I know that using the RIN number > > I have the same person and will not make an error. > > > > I do not know how anyone can do editing in there > > database with out using the RIN number as the greatest > > tool that PAF has given us for a great aid. > > > > Do not worry about blank RIN numbers. When a new > > person is added to the database they will given the > > blank numbers until all RIN numbers have been used. > > > > I can see if you keep making GEDCOM files of your > > database and importing your file in a new name your > > RIN number will changed. > > > > Also making reference to RIN in Notes is only useful > > to the author and not others. A confidential tag > > could be placed before this NOTE, if this type of > > information is useful. > > > > Where can the program INSIGHT be obtained? I have not > > heard about this program before. > > > > I hope that my usage of the RIN Number will give some > > of you ideas of how they can be useful to you. > > > > Later, > > Philo Redfield > > RedfieldResearcher@yahoo.com > > > > > > > ==== PAF-5-USERS Mailing List ==== > FreeBMD - Free Access to England and Wales Civil Registration Index > Volunteer as a Transcriber Today! > http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/ >