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I've pored through this forum and even reluctantly used AI trying to resolve my dilemma, but to no avail. I am good with the proper format for city directories. Being a 'splitter', I have come to grips with having separate sources for each year for each city - even though it really clogs my source list in RootsMagic. And I know we don't get into software issues on this forum, however...
Because city directories follow the book citation format, the software is creating my source list using the publisher name in alphabetical order - which I would honestly expect it to do. I was trying to stick, as much as is possible, to a source list based on geography. And when it comes to city directories, that would work perfectly in a geographical-based source list.
I know I can do free form citations in the software (so this isn't a software functionality question at all). The question isn't "can I?" but "should I?". Using the book format source list entry, the city directories would potentially be spread all around my bibliography. And if the bibliography is large, and you didn't know the name of the publisher, good luck in finding it! Hence why I wanted to stick to geography.
How badly would ESM strike me down for violating proper genealogical standards? Ha! If rearranging the source list entries is not proper, I do not want to do it. I know it is MY work, but I do want to adhere to the proper protocol.
I think I already know the answer here, but I am stubborn and just need to hear it from the expert.
Thanks!
Hello, spcchap, Are you…
Hello, spcchap,
Are you following EE itself or simply working off the templates provided in your Roots Magic software? (Templates have limitations. Evidence Style citations are all about having options to meet varied circumstances.)
In every edition of EE, Chapter 2 "Fundamentals of Citation & Style" goes into considerable details re options for creating a Source List. In EE4, specifically see the discussions under these five sections:
2.46 Source List Arrangements: By Author-Title
2.47 Source List Arrangements: By Collection
2.48 Source List Arrangements: By Geographic Locale
2.49 Source List Arrangements: By Repository
2.50 Source List Arrangements: By Source Type
As you noted, I can't tell you how to manipulate your favored software to achieve your goals. What I can assure you is that (a) arranging source lists geographically violates no genealogical standards; and (b) ESM is not about to "strike you down" for creating your lists in the manner that works best for you.