The Master Genealogist (TMG)

by Wholly Genes, Inc. (Bob Velke)
A comprehensive program with many features that include a powerful report writer and excellent source referencing. It has User Groups.

Purchase • Windows • Full Featured • Builds Website
http://www.whollygenes.com/
70 Reviews, latest Aug 25, 2010
Enjoy Using It3.37 out of 53.37 out of 53.37 out of 53.37 out of 53.37 out of 5 3.37
Use It Often3.59 out of 53.59 out of 53.59 out of 53.59 out of 53.59 out of 5 3.59
Easy Input3.29 out of 53.29 out of 53.29 out of 53.29 out of 53.29 out of 5 3.29
Useful Output3.68 out of 53.68 out of 53.68 out of 53.68 out of 53.68 out of 5 3.68
Overall Rating3.57 out of 53.57 out of 53.57 out of 53.57 out of 53.57 out of 5 3.57
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70 Reviews of The Master Genealogist (TMG)     RSS 2.0 RSS     Showing 1 - 20

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by George Dyer,  Aug 25, 2010

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What can’t this program do? It takes some time to get used to it, but it is designed to help the genealogist get into good habits, eg, use of sources.

Biggest Pro: Can handle almost any genealogical fact/event. Comprehensive
Biggest Con: Complex. There are so many features, it is difficult to know them all.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Kaye W,  Jun 11, 2010

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I have been a heavy user of TMG for about 6 years and really like it. Contrary to the previous review it does not have a problem with Windows 7. I use it on Win 7 and see no difference from XP. However, there is an issue with printing reports to Word with 64 bit machines. TMG promises that issue to be corrected in ver.8 which hopefully will be out before too long. There is a work around for the time being, though. The flexibility and sourcing possibilities are endless. One must realize, though, that you probably won’t use many of the options and it can get overwhelming if you try to use them all. If you can think of a way to enter data or to output data, you can probably do it. They say that the average user just uses a fraction of the features.

Biggest Pro: Flexibility and sourcing
Biggest Con: learning curve

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Roger N. Whiting,  Jun 11, 2010

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Great program…however, it is reported that it runs with great difficulty on Windows 7 and, of course, Windows 8 in the future. As I run XP Pro, I experience no problems at this time.

Biggest Pro: Extremely Flexible…
Biggest Con: Probably too flexible for most folks who then would be required to do a bit of thinking to use it!

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by John Buck, Jr.,  Jun 7, 2010

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I’ve used TMG for well over ten years now. It’s a powerful program, as others have noted here, and I’m still finding new ways to use it. The basic learning curve is probably no more difficult to master than any other program. Once you get the hang of data entry (which is pretty self explanitory) things go quickly, and when you build up your confidence with the program you can begin to experiment with some of it’s other features. I’m not a computer wiz and feel that if I can learn the basics easily and quickly, darn near anyone else can too… and you have the knowledge that this repository for your data is a seriously good program.

Biggest Pro: The ability to store as much, and as detailed, data as you wish.
Biggest Con: I was going to say that it’s not as pretty as some other programs, but I’ve customised mine in such a way that I prefer it to any other program I’ve seen.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Linda,  May 4, 2010

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I have used TMG since I purchased TMG 4 Gold and have upgraded every step of the way through the present TMG 7. It is a “powerful” program and one I should use, but I do NOT enjoy using it and have migrated over to Family Tree Maker which is easier to input images without having to have a separate file for them … that is, through Version 16. I have purchased FTM 2008 & 2009 and continue using the older Version 16.

TMG is a far superior program but the cumbersome manner in which it should be used makes it not an enjoyable program. Now, with Windows 7 64 bit I am going to have to find another program. I dread thinking of using TMG because it is not enjoyable to use.

In a delimna.

Biggest Pro: It’s an excellent “Powerful” program with great report outputs!
Biggest Con: Cumbersome in use.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Tiggersmomma,  Feb 18, 2010

  • 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5
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TMG can hold a big honkin’ boatload of data. Unfortunately, your data and input screens won’t make much sense until you learn how to use and personalise the software. I purchased a copy several years ago and was so completely frustrated, I felt like throwing my PC into a trash compactor. I’m far from stupid, and I’ve been using PC’s for over 20 years, starting with an Apple II+ and currently a Toshiba laptop with Win Vista.

TMG offers video tutorials and books that can be purchased from their website. I already had the book, but I think it was written by the same people who write the Microsoft user manuals…

I would not buy this software again.

Biggest Pro: Handles tons of data
Biggest Con: Handles tons of data appropriately ONLY if you are willing to spend half your life learing to do your own programming.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Jean Hoffman,  Jan 6, 2010

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TMG thinks the way I do and provides a chronological list of an individual’s life events. Flexible workspace, meaningful narrative output, lots of sourcing options, lots of report options to help plan research. It is a super program. I do find its companion SecondSite makes it even more useful.

Biggest Pro: Narrative output and research reporting
Biggest Con: less one-button action than some other programs

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Michael,  Dec 18, 2009

  • Not Rated
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I have used TMG for many years. As a historian it has no rival. It encourages you to record things systematically and correctly. I do however agree it is in need of a facelift. I have recenlty been introduced to TNG which I also like. My own feeling is that TMG should spend a year or two on a new interface and consolidate it otherwise very good features. I doubt i will ever abandon it but i may try other programms from time to time.

Biggest Pro: A very flexible program that encourages good research practice
Biggest Con: needs a facelift. Can sometimes appear too cluttered.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Jim Hibbard,  Jul 16, 2009

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The tags are fully customizable to ANYthing you want. The “roles” function allow you to do ANYthing you want and is unique(I think) in genealogy programs. The flags function is totally programable to do almost anything!

This program can be programmed to do almost anything - its a custom computer LANGUAGE for genealogy!

Biggest Pro: custom computer language for genealogy
Biggest Con: Takes time to learn the ins & outs (of anything)

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Bob Craycroft,  May 28, 2009

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I used FTM for many years and versions but eventually I wanted a program that would handle source citations more effectively and allowed me more flexibility in entering data and creating new tags. I tried a few different programs and immediately fell in love with TMG. Its handling of source citations is much more comprehensive and flexible than FTM. It is very customizable and rich with features.

There is a learning curve involved with TMG because of its many features, but this depends on just how many of the features you want to use. As i became more familiar with using TMG is was able to customize tags, create new ones and modify output sentences for reports of various kinds.

Overall, I would recommend TMG to anyone who is serious about their research and its presentation. I would highly recommend it to professional genealogists because of the capability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Biggest Pro: Rich features, source citations, customization
Biggest Con: Learning curve

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Pete,  Jan 15, 2009

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5
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I have been a TMG enthusiast and active user group member from its very beginning, but with some sadness “the emperor aint got no clothes”.
After several years of angst I just abandoned what ‘was’ the best, for finally a not perfect Legacy. I waited for years for TMG to embrace a real windows interface and finally realised that I was actually into genealogy …more than computing. I was spending too long trying to shoehorn data into the program with the eternal worry of whether I could one day get it out from its grossly aging methodology and the seemingly growing workarounds and fixes too complicated to recall month by month that the enthusiastic techy types so enjoy creating. A program that required such extraordinary diligence and effort to drive beyond basic attracts a certain passionate user such that I need real therapy to admit I put the old dog down.
TMG will take any data you throw at it. Despite its age it still has the most wonderful see everything customisable main screen. It has a real user friendly lockable tag system but near everything else is past its use by date. Data entry is tedious and templates are anything but compared even to some poor competitors. UK data entry was again an uninspiring shoehorn even with a UK version with conventions still being debated. Like most programs too US 20th century centric and Europe data type is an arkward and ill applied afterthought. A program that had everything and needed a radical rewrite 5 years ago has missed the boat.

Biggest Pro: Customisable main screen that really suits serious genealogists. Great tag / colour design.
Biggest Con: Universal find function, lack of real templates and complicated consistent source citation. Gedcom debate. Data in / Data out ‘maybe’. Image handling. Arkward and frustratingly unintuitive.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Tony,  Jan 14, 2009

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I have tried very hard to like this software.

Bought Ver 4 Gold used it for a while, then moved onto something else. Bought Ver 6 Gold again gave it a shot, but gave up, even bought Ver 7 Gold, but just can’t seem to like this program.

I agree it is great for displaying all your information and can be fully customised to suit your needs, but the data entry…….wow that is tedious!!!

Entering people or sources is such a loooooong process with screens popping up everywhere. I found I was spending more time entering information then doing anything else that the program has to offer.

No doubt I will try again when they release Ver 8.

Biggest Pro: Can see everything o the one screen
Biggest Con: data entry is painful

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Kumungi,  Jan 12, 2009

  • 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5
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A tired, crowded & outdated user interface that looks like its from the old DOS days.

They should be using TMG in Programming 101, to illustrate how NOT to make a user interface.

Using this program turns a person off entering their Genealogical information into a computer.

Anyone who thinks this is the best out there, needs to start trying some of the alternatives.

Biggest Pro: None that I can see
Biggest Con: over priced, over rated & outdated look

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Carlene,  Jan 11, 2009

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Best of all programs.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Campbell Stanford,  Jan 8, 2009

  • 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5
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Without doubt the most comprehensive programme available that allows very detailed input and output for dedicated enthusiasts yet simplified usage for beginners. Regular testing and reviewing by very keen and exacting users is responded to well by the programmers.

Biggest Pro: Affords very detailed and full data entry and customised reporting.
Biggest Con: Like most other programmes, does not have data entry forms based on templates of original documents (e.g. census forms)

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Tim Cox,  Dec 31, 2008

  • 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5
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I’m a veteran of PAF and Family Tree Maker. I loved FTM for 11 years, but out grew it. I wanted more and tested a few others and settled with The Master Genealogist. This program is not for beginners! It’s for genealogists that are tired of canned reports and canned sentences. Wholly Genes has a website that has a message board that is very active and has several expert users answering questions for new users and the not so new users; and there is the mailing list that is mega active and keeps my inbox entertained! I have learned so much just reading the emails that have questions from users of all levels and then the answers and the inputs from the community - WOW! - what a way to learn a program! I’ll never leave TMG!

Biggest Pro: The immediate help available online from expert users or on the 800 number and the freedom to create sentences that don’t sound so canned as the other programs I’ve had in the past.
Biggest Con: The learning curve. It takes a while to get used to it. But don’t give up!

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Mike M.,  Dec 18, 2008

  • 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5
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I have been using TMG for nine years. Generally, I am satisfied, but my ambivalence has grown through the years, even as I learned new features and tricks. BTW, I am not exactly a “power user,” but I am above average and use complex programs on a daily basis (Photoshop, Quark, InDesign, various office suites).

I purchased TMG because of the reviews that said it was the most flexible and the choice of professionals, and specifically because, at the time, it seemed to be the program that could best handle “cross cousins” and a few other anomalies in my data. For basic data storage and searching for data, it’s a very good specialized database. However, I have some frustrations.

While TMG has definitely added some new features and refined some others, it is still extremely similar to the way it looked and worked in 1999. It has the look and feel of a DOS program from Windows 3.1 days. Despite numerous comments and complaints in every review about “usability” and “ease of use” and “learning curves,” you still have to needlessly drill down, change screens and sometimes jump through hoops to get your data into the program. This didn’t seem so bad years ago, but it’s time for a major overhaul. Basic long-range consistency is good in software; stagnation is not good.

It just takes forever to input detailed information about a person. It shouldn’t be this hard or confusing to figure out how to put sentences together. I can’t easily find suggestions or tips on common actions. For example, over the years, I’ve tried three or four different methods for recording immigration and ship manifest information so that it prints in a coherent sentence and I dread the day that I will finally go through the data and make everything uniform.

I do not dread trying to do something new in Photoshop. And I shouldn’t have to learn a coding language to do some of the things that I’d like to do every time I add data to my database.

The fact that no major updates have come, and that the Wholly Genes web site is also not very usable (difficult to find information in the boards, few hints, looks like it hasn’t been changed since 1999) does not increase my confidence that big improvements will come to TMG. Or that this company is going to be around forever.

Other software has been catching up to TMG in terms of flexibility, but I haven’t found one that I’m certain will allow me to import all the tags and notes and everything else from TMG. On the other hand, I shouldn’t have had to input note after note and detail after detail on screen after screen like I did with every person in TMG. As soon as I’m confident that another program can handle my data, I’m pretty sure that I will switch.

Biggest Pro: Eventually, you will probably figure out how to input any data. Eventually.
Biggest Con: I would use more of the features, but it’s not worth giving up everything else in my life in order to do so.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Randy Seaver,  Dec 12, 2008

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I’ve only evaluated this program in trial periods.

Biggest Pro: very flexible - able to create almost any report requested.
Biggest Con: Very difficult to learn to use well

The Master Genealogist (TMG) Review by Dork Westman,  Dec 8, 2008

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The biggest waste of money on the market. Not for the professional, as it lacks basic features. It cannot even make web sites. inflexible interface is dated and very messy. Slow program too.
No upside at all. Everything else is much better.

Biggest Pro: none
Biggest Con: slow, expensive, messy, lacking in features

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