Why are indexing instructions so incomplete and unhelpful?
Why are indexing instructions so incomplete and unhelpful?
Best Answer
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The batches are often very large and contain mixed records. It is impossible to go through all the batches individually and do a separate instruction for each odd batch. One of the things we are allowed to do in indexing is to use judgement. Another is to ask for help either from local consultants or from FamilySearch support or to ask on here! We depend on indexers to read instructions then ask for help if they can not find an answer and also to use their best judgement. No one expects indexers to know everything but we sure do appreciate their help in getting these records to the researchers who need them!
We hope you reconsider and do indexing in the future.
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Answers
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I just wanted to comment that i plan to never index again because today i chose a "Beginning" level batch that needed bilingual skills, which i don't have because i'm an idiot
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Hi @michaelwalker2 I know indexing can be or seem to be a daunting task but I can tell you if you stick with it it will be the best time you've ever spent helping others. First, you are not an idiot. Second when you go into "find batches" be sure to look at the information below the project name to see if the batch is in English.
Most project instructions are specific and we are told to type what we see and what is asked for. There are reviewers, like myself, here to review indexed batches and do some corrections if needed. It's a shame we don't have a way of allowing the indexers to see where they may have made a mistake, like we use to, but as annewandering said there are those that will help or try to help make things less confusing.
I, too, hope you will reconsider indexing. I might suggest that you try indexing U.S. Enlistment/Muster Rolls. Your help is so much appreciated and when you get your first "thank you" for indexing a name or some other information you will know you're doing something good. Hang in there. You're not alone.
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Here's a great video that might help you learn to index and how to handle the project instructions! The instruction portion starts around the 8 minute mark.
Indexing Discussion (Jason Pierson Live)
There aren't very many beginner projects. Intermediate projects are usually fairly easy and the Muster Roll project is a great place to start! You can always limit your selections to English only on the Web Indexing Find A Batch screen. The Field Helps are where you really find the best instructions. When you click on an entry field, click on the purple question mark that pops up for further instructions in addition to the project instructions. Also, the General Indexing Guidelines at the bottom of the project instructions are very valuable! It is kind of sad that they are links now and not just titles with instructions! But, it is worth reading every single one of them!
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Melissa, thanks for the video link! FS should add it to the training. Jason pointed out some features I hadn't discovered yet.
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