I posted notes about RootsMagic's comparison to TMG's master source lists here (and copied below): http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/TMG/2014-09/1411780574 I saw messages in this list where comparison notes are added to or made in a google list or wiki group. So, if this topic is not already included, (anyone) feel free to add the following. TMG Master Source List: A source number is shown (exposed or added), is sortable in the master source list (along with sortable source name), can be renumbered, and source visibility in the list turned on and off (to make for a shorter more useable/navigable source list). There are many "aids" in the TMG Master Source List, refer to TMG. RootsMagic Master Source List: No source number is shown (exposed or added), therefore, there is no sort on a source number, no source visibility (all sources are always shown), no search feature, no other "aids" similar to those in the TMG Master Source List. Tom M. > -----Original Message----- > From: tmg-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:tmg-bounces@rootsweb.com] On > Behalf Of Tom Holden via > Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2014 10:26 AM > To: TMG List > Subject: Re: [TMG] RootsMagic direct import released > > Valid point. RM's hidden SourceID could be exposed and sortable in the > program. A SQLite query that would do so externally is trivial. > > RM does have a Date Last Edited field for a person so one can look > back through the People View sorted on that field and get at recently > used sources that way, not just recently created ones. > > For filing of sources, RM has a user entered Source Reference Number. > > Tom H Tom H, (second time to list with revision, first message noted as not delivered, but may later on ??) Thanks for reviewing and responding to the comments from TMG users noting the importance of and their use of TMG Source numbers. TMG source numbers are visible, sortable, can be renumbered, and visibility in the source list can be turned off (or back on). It's my take that they start at "1" and continue incrementally as sources are added (from my user perspective, I'm not a programmer). Whether there is a behind the scenes program assigned number and second visible number, I don't know. As you confirmed, RM does not show a source number in the master source list and as you said, does not expose the Source ID #. This conversation is starting to remind me of the discussion on the TMG person ID # and "port" of it over to RM. Understand that my goal is not to remake RM in the likeness of TMG; it is only to evaluate RM, Legacy, FH, etc, and formulate a TMG exit strategy. By calling to your attention these differences in master source lists between RM and TMG, I'm hoping for changes in RM master source list. You said: > Valid point. RM's hidden SourceID could be exposed and sortable in the > program. A SQLite query that would do so externally is trivial. My guess is that the above may be useful, however, may be more functional and productive if done in the program itself. Also, whether the "RM hidden SourceID" is exposed and sortable versus having a hidden number and separate visible number is worth consideration. So, for instance, from what others said here, it would be terrific if a RM Source number is exposed or added, can import or be changed to match TMG source number, can be sortable in the master source list (along with sortable source name), can be renumbered, and source visibility in the list turned on and off (to make for a shorter more useable/navigable source list). Also, thanks for mentioning the RM source reference number. I missed that in my initial look in the program. There is a similar field in TMG and in that field is my "file number" that helps me locate the digital and hard copy (original and/or copy) items. I don't directly use the TMG source number for filing as others mentioned doing, but do use the TMG Source number in other ways. Tom M.