Kelly,
 
I am new to this list so this is my first posting here.
 
I do not now keep bees but I have a strong interest in them.  I am a
professional at recording data, and I can tell you from my experience that
the best way I have found is to write the information on a standard form,
on Write In The Rain (TM) paper, and carry it back to the computer for
input.  It seems to me that this scoring system is perfectly suited for a
standardized form to score each hive.  It would be quick and easy to
simply enter numbers into each form as you do your inspections.  Over time
you could track trends such as weather, queen introductions, etc... The
hives would have to be numbered.
 
Recording your information on paper (weather proof), I feel, would have
the following advantages:
 
1) Data would not be lost to computer glitch, batteries, etc.
2) Paper provides a permanent record.
3) No wear and tear on an expensive piece of equipment.
4) A convenient, easy to carry way of recording the data
5) Using a standardized form is faster than entering into a computer in
the field.
6) If you drop paper it won't break
7) A big glob of honey on your key board and your done!
8) If you forget your clip board on top of your truck, it will still work
after you run over it (unless you smash the clip!)
 
OK, I'll stop. :-)
 
I think a recorder works well for keeping track of management things as
you are doing your inspections, such as "need to repair the bear fence"
etc...
 
Well, there's my $0.02.  Hope you found something of use.
 
Wayne
 
On Wed, 28 Feb 1996, Kelley Rosenlund wrote:
 
> I have been playing with the idea of using an electronic notebook with a
> database program where I would only have to write the hive number and up
> pops it's history which can then be updated. Has anyone tried this or know
> of any software that would work in this application? Granted these notebooks
> are in the $600-800 US range but it might pay for itself by streamling
> recordkeeping.
>
> Kelley Rosenlund  [log in to unmask]
 
 
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Wayne Clifford                             | Phone (360) 427-9670  X-581
Technical Administrator                    | FAX (360) 427-7798
Mason County Department of Health Services | PO Box 1666 Shelton, WA 98584
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