Over the last couple of weeks I have gotten some comments and questions about the book. We are still working on some of the families trying to get dates that actually make sense. As of this time the book is on hold until these dates can be found or at least estimated.
However, I have been thinking about how best to get the information to the people who would like it. I have three options. The first is a traditional book, the second is the book in CD format for viewing on the computer, the third is a Roots Magic family tree on CD. There are pros and cons to each way.
The pros for a book are you can read it anywhere and no need for a computer. The cons are the expense, probably over $100 for the book, and if things get changed then a new book or supplement will have to be produced.
For a book on CD, they are cheap, easy to search and updates can be made easier. The cons are that you need a computer and the files can be very large, sometimes so large that they do not open well.
The newest option is a family tree on CD. Roots Magic, my preferred program, can create a searchable tree on CD. The biggest pros to this method is cost, photos can be easily added, the same goes with stories or other items that people would like to include about individual people, and new updates can be made easily. The cons are that it will only run on PCs and it is possible that in a few years the program will no longer run, though I don’t think that will really be a problem.
At this time I’m leaning towards having printed books for those that really want them, though they would have to be paid for in advance, and for historical societies and libraries. Then create a Roots Magic CD for everyone else. My best guess for a CD would be in the $5-10 range.
Please contact me and let me know if you have any other ideas or suggestions.
