I’m editing the last batch of Genealogy Tip of the Day for the follow-up book. One thing I’m realizing while reviewing these items is the number of leads I discovered that, for one reason or another, I never pursued any further. When reading the older tips, I realized that they served as a journal of sorts for my research.
I tend to write tips when I’m working on actual research as ideas enter my head–I can see that when I’m reading them in chronological order. For that reason, it seems like keeping a research journal of what I have discovered with brief thoughts on the item might not be a bad idea. I could periodically review it and “mark off” things that have been pursued further or more completely analyzed.
The entries in the journal would not have to be as formal as in a research log. I wouldn’t have to worry about citations or anything of that sort. The description of the materials should be enough for me to determine where I got what I did. The informal writing might be helpful in clearing out my thoughts about what I have found. Keeping the journal in an electronic format would allow me to search it for key terms, surnames, etc.
One response
Wish you’d suggested that to me 50 years ago! Thanks good idea from now on.