Hi folks
Last week was easy as we had no topic questions unless I missed something!. Hopefully,
this week will be just as informative.
Directory Access -
Each FM has access to the Rootsweb server and then into their respective county folders
for updating, editing and managing files. Random clicking of the mouse is a habit derived
from excessive key-boarding and must be avoided when opening your county folders. Suffice
it to say, when you are logged in to the server, please ensure you are in the right folder
for typical maintenance and chores.
I will only mention the following for those FMs that are also CCs for KyGenWeb. Some time
back, USGWARCH decided to consolidate all the archival data into one server directory.
You may notice that some of your archive files are still visible on the server for county
home pages. These folders are viewable only and can not be uploaded to from that specific
access portal. You must be logged in with the kygwarch I.D. and our specific password to
do your magic as the KyArch FM. There are a lot of CCs that still use their home page
directories to store data. This is okay since it really doesn't matter where the
files are hosted because you can link to them from any web site. The difference is
recognized easily in the URL (uniform resource locator) or web address. It is a matter of
beginning with http or ftp for the domain. Computers and browsers don't care which
one is used to roll out the carpet.
Directory Structure -
Logging in will net you the ability to use one of two USGW Archive Project folders. They
both have specific uses that we must adhere to for general purposes. They both also have
sub folders for each KY county. Use caution if you mis-click on the wrong county folder
when inside the directory (mistakes do happen!). You could very easily overwrite work
published by another FM without knowing it until it is too late. A lot of the web page
and text files have the same name in most counties. e.g. *toc.html* or *index.html*
Going in, we see... home0023 / kygwarch /
1) archive_ftp
2) archive_html
You should never upload files to either of these directory folders or at this entry
portal. Select the appropriate folder and THEN select your respective county folder
before uploading any work. I have moved several files from here and tried to drop them in
the correct county folder. If you see a file name starting with *x-*, it is probably a
copy of an uploaded or mis-dropped file from someone that didn't realize they were in
the wrong directory folder. Delete the varmint at your discretion. Example...
*x-home.html* is a mis-located copy of *home.html* and can be sent to the waste basket if
you don't need it in your county folder. County folders also have sub-folders for
storing the different types of data or web page files and organizational purposes.
Managing these is where the real work comes to bear.
Lets look thru the front door for a minute...
*/ kygwarch / archive_ftp* is the directory folder you open to upload archival files that
have been converted to the proper format for storage in the appropriate county folder.
This is also the folder where the automated forms feature creates the submission files you
are notified about when that happens.
*/ kygwarch / archive_html* is the directory folder you open to upload web page files and
graphics to your respective county folder when selected next. Archival data should not be
stored in this folder which is used for managing the county archives.
Now we can see the structure clearly enough to associate it with a standard file cabinet
[kygwarch] that has two drawers (archive_ftp & archive_html) containing folder hangers
(county) with data records (bios, wills, cemeteries, deeds, bibles, etc, etc.) of text and
web page files (toc.html, bios.html, morgan123grb.txt, jones123grd.txt, etc.) The
structure and system is basic filing methodology and the important thing to remember is
which folder you need to access to upload your work in progress.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The automated feature for each county is activated. Those files are
created automatically when a form submission is received from a contributor and then it is
sent to the appropriate folder before you get the notice. There is NO need to upload the
file attached to your notice. The only action required at that time is updating the TOC
with the URL link found in the file content. Any graphic file will also have the correct
URL indicated in the attached file to use as the data link.
CAUTION: Moving a data, material or graphic file from its FTP folder will create havoc
nationwide. That URL link is the key element for the public to view the resource. It is
not a good mission to undertake unless there is a strong supportive reason for the move.
Time for Q&A again. You have the basics now and should understand how the structure
fits our needs. The system is not bullet proof and we do have occasional hiccups along
the way. So far, those varmints have been kept under control.
Have a good week.
Tom Hembrey
SFM, KYARCH