TMG-L Archives

Archiver > TMG > 2002-11 > 1036339566


From: "James P. Colgate" <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] Descendant Reports with filters and sorting for progenitors v 4
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:06:06 -0500
References: <002e01c2809a$3445be20$3e57d03f@oemcomputer> <007201c28199$c0a4cb40$1691c540@oemcomputer> <003301c282c4$38138740$3a55d03f@oemcomputer> <3DC4675D.6090200@reigelridge.com>


----- Original Message -----
From: Terry Reigel
To:
So I use the Reference Field option, since I don't use the
Reference field for anything else. This lets me enter a number in that
field for each of the end of line ancestors in my report and I can get
them to sort exactly as I like. A couple of tips here -- first, the
reference field is an alphanumeric field, not a numeric one, so it sorts
in strict alpha order. That means that you may get, for example, 1, 11,
12, 2, 21, 22, 3, 4, 5 etc. The solution is to start with 2 or 3 digit
numbers, or you could just use alpha characters. Also, when you enter
them use only every other number, or every 5 -- I always miss some and
this way you don't have to renumber all the rest to insert a number.

Thanks Terry for a great explanation of how to make my descendent report using filters and sorting for multiple progenitors. I'm sure I'll have more questions later, but at the moment I'm stuck on just trying to pick a suitable numbering system for each of the progenitor lines to use in the reference field. You (and others) have suggested leaving gaps between my reference numbers that I choose so that it's easy to add numbers in-between in the future. But to make the numbering system more meaningful and simple for me to recognize, I would like, if possible, to start with 001 for the first, then 002 for the second. At the moment I can't see the downside, so I'll explain and maybe you (or someone) can comment if what I'd like to do makes sense.

I would start with 001 for my Dad's father's surname. Then 002 for my dad's mother's surname. Then 003 for the surname of my dad's father's mother's surname, with 004 for my dad's mother's mother's surname. I just then increase the number by one for each line that marries into the family progressing back in time. The three digits will easily allow up to 10 generations (512 progenitors) without changing the system.

And it seems that if I ever want a number between 001 and 002, the should be no problem, because I can always use the number 0015, which using an alpha sorting, puts it in between 001 and 002. Then I can use 0014, or 0013 or 0011, or even 00155, etc., to further divide if need be. But before I input all those reference fields to my progenitors, I'd like to know if I'm right in figuring out this alpha ordering thing?

Thanks,
James Colgate
Sharon, CT

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