Hi Folks
Last week we made it to the folders in our directories. This week we dig deeper and see
where things should be versus have been dropped. And Yes, I do know how to spell
"Topic and directory". <grin> Am I the only one that caught that error in
the subject line?
~~~~~~~
../archive_ftp
Remember this is the entry portal for the *text only* files you need to archive manually.
It is also the directory where the automated file submissions are sent for you and you
just use the link in the file content to point to that specific location. If you manually
create a text file and drop it in one of these folders, it must be formatted properly...
correct example:
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ky/jefferson/bibles/fisherdu19nbb.txt
wrong example:
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ky/jefferson/bibles/bible.txt
Please note that many hands have passed through many years to gather all the files
currently in the directories. This means there is a huge number a different varieties and
submissions based on general criteria for uploading files without a standardized format.
Today, we have a standard and should try to follow that as best we can. Editing archived
files is okay with limitations. DO NOT move any files from existing folders until you
have addressed the fact that the file is linked across the Internet. This could create
havoc if done improperly. We will cover those limitations in a later topic.
Opening the archive_ftp directory will show you all the county archive folders. DO NOT
drop any files in this part of the directory. The ONLY folders we should see are the
county folders. Selecting your county folder will open the list of folders you manage as
the FM. Then selecting the respective folder for the type of archived data you want to
work with is next and where you upload your work or check on the automated file
submissions. Here is the URL (uniform resource locator) path to get to a biography in
Jefferson County:
archive_ftp / jefferson / bios / graham.txt
I would click on each folder until I get to the file for viewing or editing to make any
corrections necessary. I would also click on each folder to get to the correct one for
uploading another biography file submitted to me for manual handling. Corrections to any
file may be made when we have validated the change. The validation will probably come
from a researcher who has already done the leg work for you. This is a valid task and the
informant should always be notified the change has been made to a file. You are the file
manager and expected to ensure any file submitted or corrected is as current and accurate
as possible. To do this, you should download the file to your computer, update or correct
it and then upload it back to the same location by overwriting the old file. The new file
date will help you identify the task has been completed.
New Folders:
Not a good idea unless it becomes absolutely necessary. You can create a folder if your
FTP software has that option, but make sure it does not already exist anywhere in your
directory. Duplicate or redundant file locations are not conducive to good organization
of managing the archives. The least amount of folders is definitely better in this case.
When in doubt, Please ask someone for guidance.
Existing Folders:
For now, we must leave them alone. It will take a project level effort to clean up the
chaos we see today in many of the counties. The priority is on the file itself and the
links to it across the Internet. A mission to clean up all the anomalies we have would be
a great undertaking involving many volunteers with lots of time on their hands for about a
whole year.
In summary, you should not upload anything to the top level of your directory or state
folder FTP structure. Attention to detail when accessing the correct location for a file
submission is the key to ensuring you have a good work routine established without any
confusion. Asking for assistance or guidance is a good thing, too! Happing Landing...!
Next week we will detail the html folders and finish up on folder structure and directory
maintenance. Those are your benchmark folders for conducting duties as the county FM.
Now is the time for Q&A about the FTP Structure.
Have a good week and enjoy the nice weather coming ahead. I've already cut my grass
twice!
Tom Hembrey
SFM, KYARCH