I agree that spreadsheets offer a powerful tool.  Current spreadsheets and
databases offer great flexibility and some can be connected to the web in
an interactive mode.
 
Because each beekeeper has a slightly (or greatly) different operation
(scale, size, products), or keeps bees in a different geographical area,
etc., a spreadsheet or database format offers the ability to customize it
for particular needs without having to be a computer programmer (well, at
least not in the sense of knowing one or more specialized computer
programming languages).  In fact, some of the stronger spreadsheets and
databases do utilize programming language such as Visual Basic.
 
Certainly, a number of the Bee List members must have constructed
specialized spreadsheet or databases to meet specific needs, whether it be
apiary management, taxes, invoices, or whatever.
 
Rather than argue the merits of any particular software program, database,
spreadsheet, I suggest that we begin to build some useful tools.  Let us
use Bee-L to actually do something.  For example, I believe that someone
did a survey of what most beekeepers keep as a record for apiary
management.  Can someone dig up and post the survey results?  It shouldn't
take too long to put it into a spreadsheet format which could then be made
available to the list for comment.  With a few iterations, we should be
able to come up with something that would help us all.
 
Cheers
Jerry J. Bromenshenk, Ph.D.
Director, DOE/EPSCoR & Montana Organization for Research in Energy
The University of Montana-Missoula
Missoula, MT  59812-1002
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
Tel:  406-243-5648
Fax:  406-243-4184