A Word About Procedure

So I’m trying so hard to figure out a method for getting these documents catalogued and organized in a way that makes sense, is easy to use, and that is universal enough that my aunts and uncles and cousins won’t have any trouble getting to these documents and using my system.

It turns out that is so much easier said that done.  The first night I started with scanning into tif files of 600 ppi, because I read that was a good resolution for precious documents like this.  However, that makes for a huge file, so now I have to figure out how to make a second set of all of this that is much smaller in file size for just general perusal.  I haven't found a good method to do that yet except re-sizing each file to a jpeg in Irfanview, so if you have ideas I'd love to hear them!

I'm also transcribing everything in a Word document that is getting the same file name.  I figure I may also want to tag the files themselves, but I'm not yet sure how I want to do that.  

I realized tonight that I should be printing copies as I go so that I can make notes and keep track of my questions and whatnot on those copies.  However, my printer cartridge is low (I hate mundane things like that which must be tended to but always at a time that's inconvenient!), so I think I'll print them in town in a couple of days.  Until then, I have lots more to figure out, so I'll probably change plans five more times before I even have a chance to print the files.  

Ultimately, I'm hoping to have pictures, letters, Grandpa's book excerpts, comments from relatives clarifying and illuminating things, recordings, and anything else I come upon, all together in one digital place.  What do you think?  Is that possible?  Would I have to be a museum to do it?  Speaking of museums, I will have a question for you about museums tomorrow!  Come back so you can give me some answers!