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Topic: Filemaker vs Access databases
| Author | Message |
| Nonprofiteer | Posted – 11/26/2007 5:34:31 PM | show profile | email poster I am about to set up a journalist database of about 3,000 names + I'm not the most tech-savvy, so I want the system to be easy -- intuitive -- to use. On the other hand, I want to have a lot of flexibility in terms of reporters' beats, interests, geographic location, etc. I've heard that both Filemaker + Access are good choices and I'd love to hear what other publicists think. |
| maphop | Posted – 11/26/2007 8:34:27 PM | show profile I've used Access - and like it - but, personally, I prefer ACT! (the exclamation point is part of their name, not my being over-eager.) |
| maphop | Posted – 11/26/2007 8:36:01 PM | show profile One other thing: with the assumption that you're using a purchased database like Bacon's, be aware that you can also set up private call-up lists, available to no one but yourself - as part of your subscription. That will save you a couple of hundred dollars... |
| Nonprofiteer | Posted – 11/27/2007 10:14:46 AM | show profile Thx, maphop. Bacon's isn't so good on international journalists plus it sometimes gives me way too many reporters so I've developed my own list that I use in conjunction w/updates from Bacon's. I'm currently using a database that's been developed for fundraisers but have found that it's way too complicated for a press list -- I'd really like to simplify my system and am trying to decide between Access + Filemaker, having never used either..... |
| maphop | Posted – 11/27/2007 12:50:46 PM | show profile Interesting although I confess that I use MediAtlas for my international modules rather than Bacons and I find them to be pretty good. Microsoft USED to offer a trial on Access (it's not a cheap software program) so perhaps that's a way to go to try it out unless you've got it as part of a office package? |
| Foreigner | Posted – 11/27/2007 12:57:56 PM | show profile Microsoft still offers a 60-day trial on the latest version of Microsoft Office, which includes Access. |
| linjohn | Posted – 11/27/2007 1:41:59 PM | show profile I used Access for years and liked it, and then moved to a new firm that only used Filemaker. In two years there, I could never entirely figure it out. My coworkers at the new place - who had never used Access - had no problem with Filemaker, but I just didn't think it was as easy to use, or, as you say, "intuitive." Now that I am on my own, I basically just use Bacons, but if I had to choose, I would go back to Access. |
| Nonprofiteer | Posted – 11/27/2007 3:32:16 PM | show profile Thx, all! Sounds like Access is the way to go.... |
