Organizing treasure leads

How does everyone organize their treasure leads??  I am looking for a way to organize mine. Some of the ideas that I have come up with are plastic sheet protectors, three ring binders, and laminating the information (articles, etc.) Just curious what other are doing to save their treasure leads. Thanks for your input.

Mods: please feel free to move if this is in the wrong area. Thanks.

I keep a balance between my web links for my online stuff located in a Treasure Files folder in my Firefox browser, and then I have a digital treasure folder on my Windows desktop where I try to keep everything digitized and organized by separate folders within the main folder. There is a method to my madness... though I might be the only to be able to know where it's all at. I do keep hard copies to sometimes... I just prefer digital copies, as they are easier to search through on the laptop and I can keep multiple backups between my laptop and my two external hard drives. I also keep much of my digital content on my flash drive that I carry everywhere with me. Wow, I'm now realizing how OCD I really am.

Bran <><

Mostly hard copy. I do have some computer files, but to me theres nothing like having the paper in my hand. My main lead is in a separate folder, which is larger than the folders with my other leads. In fact, I need to make sub folders for it. I don't have anything laminated, but thats a good idea.

i keep a journal, carry it with me all the time, and back things up in a binder i might want for in the future.  works well for me. also... map on the wall of the country with push pins... easy reminders

map on the wall of the country with push pins...

I like the idea with a map on the wall! For online treasure leads I use Evernote, a free software where you can save stuff you find on the internet(text, pictures, you name it) and also create your own notes. You can tag all your notes so it's really easy to sort through them. One of the advantages with using Evernote is that you can sync your data between computers and the data gets backed up 24/7, no risk of loosing all your leads because of a hard drive failure. I also have a binder with printed out leads. I also have a folder on my harddrive with PDF's. I use Dropbox to back up the files and sync them between computers. With Dropbox you get 2gb storage for free.

http://www.evernote.com/
https://www.dropbox.com/

http://www.evernote.com/

I'm gonna give this program a shot and see what it's all about...

Bran <><

I have a separate file cabinet with file folders arranged by subject and state and shipwreck name, etc. All in alphabetical order. All hard copies. You can never loose that data.

I have a separate file cabinet with file folders arranged by subject and state and shipwreck name, etc. All in alphabetical order. All hard copies. You can never loose that data.

Never say never, your house might burn down or someone might break in and steal your file cabinet. The risk isn't big, but it's there. Digital online backup of your hard copies might be something to consider, or a fireproof file cabinet if you can afford it. 

Notebooks and a box of file cards are still the best way to go.  No batteries, no extention cords, the cost of ONE computer will buy enough notebooks and file cards for two lifetimes.  Spreading a few cards or notebooks pages out on a table top for easier cross checking facts is a lot easier and more functional than fooling with a computer; switching window views, etc. 

Remember, the K.I.S.S. principle is STILL the best guide.