Fortunately, folks a lot smarter than me worked all this out in a variety of standardized ways that make it easy not only for me to understand, but also for others to interpret. This is true of paper and computer systems. And there's no easier way than to look up the nearest genealogical society or Family History Center. Information on how to contact the nearest of these is at the bottom of this column. Don't be bashful.
Genealogists are among the most generous, outgoing, caring and sharing people in the world.
You will find abundant help in any group of genealogists. They won't do your work for you, but they'll sure as heck ply you with ample good advice and guidance. You need to organize your information, whether on paper or in a computer. Two basic types of forms help you accomplish this. One is called a family group.