Indexing: Divide U.S. City Directory Batches into Much Smaller Numbers of Entries
I like to use city directories in my search for family, so I decided to "pay forward" by indexing a city directory. My batch is for Chicago, Illinois--US—City Directories, 1866–1940 [Part A][MQFJ-K98]. https://www.familysearch.org/indexing/batch/80a60189-b95a-4840-89a0-3752e74c82de
The Project Instructions say that a batch is about 250 entries. After about three hours (and, per instructions, not entering duplicated names more than once) I am at entry 230, about 1/3 of the way down column 2 of 3 on page 1 of 2 on each image. That will add up to about 750 entries per batch! Plus, instead of having 1 week to complete the batch as stated in project instructions, the batch, which I started on 1/29/2024, is due on 1/31/2024. Frustrating.
My suggestion: At least for direcories with large numbers of pages such as this one, assign one column per batch. That way indexers and reviewers won't get discouraged, and your project will probably get done much faster than it would currently. Also, although as someone once said, you can accomplish much if you don't care who gets the credit, I (and, I think, others) will enjoy the feeling of being able to complete the assigned batch in a reasonable length of time.
Comments
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In the new idea I posted yesterday, 1/29/2024, I mistakenly said I had started batch https://www.familysearch.org/indexing/batch/80a60189-b95a-4840-89a0-3752e74c82de on 1/229/2024. I started it on 1/28 2024.
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You know you can add a comment on your existing thread, to keep the information together? Your comment will be lost here unconnected to the original idea.
You can tap the Flag button under your post here to ask a Moderator to combine your 2 threads into one.
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Mod note - moved new comment to existing discussion
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Thank you @Maile L.
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This is an excellent idea! I absolutely 1,000% agree!
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Same feeling about the size of city directories and limited access. When the number of entries to index is actually 3 to 4 times the 250 expected the personal dynamics of a volunteer is to feel less dedicated to the task. It's personally nice to know that you've done at least 250 entries.... not so nice to not get the credit for what you did.
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