Re: Validation of genealogy data

Ron Savage wrote:
> OK. So we're saying we should be able to store multiple versions of any
> assertion, since - at least at first - it's all 'just data'.
> 
> Then, we should be able to report on various matters regarding this
> data, such as the error/warning (of type 'inconsistent') when someone
> says today (Aug 6th) is a Sunday, when in fact it's a Saturday, since
> they may have meant Aug 7th.
> 
> To me this suggests that all the data be preserved indefinitely, even
> after the user (or the program as the user's behest) has somehow chosen
> one version to be promoted as the definitive version (not necessarily
> making it correct), even though future research could change the status
> of that version. This in turn suggests the need for a multi-valued flag
> attachable to each version indicating the researchers degree of faith in
> the veracity of that version.

Yes, much as you say, though details can vary.

> Do any current programs support such labelling of assertions?

None that I know of, but I am aware that some savvy genealogists retain all of 
their sources even if contradictory.

-- Darren Duncan