"And he thought my filing system was bad" Topic

Early last month a long-time friend and co-conspirator passed away. Karl and I each had our separate businesses but we were co-located for about 6 years. His sister dropped off Karl's computer a week or so ago so I could pull his artwork files and take care of his customers.

Now, previously, we'd covered for each other while one or the other of us was on vacation. He'd always gripe about my filing system when I returned. I organize my various files by customer and then by individual project. I could generally find my way around his machine, but as he'd gotten busier, apparently he just kept saving files on the uppermost "level" – the equivalent of saving all of your files in the "C" directory on a PC rather than saving them to "Photos" or "Documents."

On the other hand, his paper documentation is incredible! I can find contacts for his print vendors, product dimensions and more. I can't claim that much organization. All of my stuff is on disc, and the discs are all in one place. You're just going to have to know where/how to look.

The lesson here, for those who run their own businesses, is to have some documentation in case you are unable to continue (permanently or temporarily) so that someone can pick up where you left off. And, come to think of it, this also applies to people with collections of miniatures and etc. who don't have another family member familiar with your stuff. Documentation – even on a basic level – is the difference between your stuff going to a good home or to the dumptster. A photo inventory with notes is also critical for insurance purposes. I was quite surprised when I found what my comic book collection is theoretically worth – I think an insurance adjuster would be hard-pressed to believe what a complete set of 2nd Edition Talisman with all the figures would fetch on the open market if one had to try and replace it.

Wyatt

I agree and I need to but… It falls under the "best laid plans of mice and men" with me as usual….

I totally agree.
I used to work in a music store (selling instruments and such). The most memorable story is the guy whose brother died and they were going through his stuff and found a few of his bass guitars. The brother brought them in saying he wants to sell them. The store owner (long-time vintage guitar dealer) asks how much he was expecting to get. The brother looks around at the stuff in our shop and says "I don't know, I don't play. Something like maybe $1,000".

Among the collection:
Alembic 5 string looked brand new(starting price >$3,000)
1952 all original Fender Precision bass (in very good condition, upwards of $30,000 at that time)

Fortunately for the brother, the store owner has some morals, took the guy to lunch to discuss prices and they came up with a deal that made everyone very happy.

Words of wisdom.

Sorry to hear about your friend, Wyatt.