Names should be entered only by two fields: First part of the name, and Last part of the name. Default sorting would be on last part, with a checkbox indicating for a name that it is sorted by First part.

Modification of the present database would merge first name and middle name, which would fit in 99% of cases.

In the first part, we would have title and given names in general cases, surname for Asian names (with checkbox checked) , and stage name when unique (with checkbox checked).

In the last part, we would have surnames in general cases, given names for Asian people.

I think it should not be very hard to implement, and solve many problems.

Some examples

Tommy Lee/Jones
Thomas/Rosales Jr.
Gong/Li                      Sort by First part : V
Miou-miou/                  Sort by First part : V

Present sorting :

Miou-Miou
Jones, Tommy Lee
Li, Gong
Rosales Jr., Thomas

New sorting:

Gong, Li
Jones, Tommy Lee
Miou-Miou
Rosales Jr., Thomas

I like it, Surfeur. 

@Skip
how would the merge cause problems and more work? If the merged name is wrong, then it means the original entry was wrong and needed editing anyway.

Not at all north, you evidently have not dealt much with merging data. I have never seen one go perfectly, there is always something that goes south. The last merger of data for Profiler was a good example. I have never seen reality match the theory.

I also have always followed a philosophy, well-learned from years ago, never nerge IF the objective can be achieved without it. And I think the issue can be resolved in a simplker way, retaining surfeur's basic concept.

I think the basic idea has merit, however. It doesn't mess with the Rules and seems to solve an issue which is dear to your heart.

Skip

I like it too, the only trouble I think is that not many people would like to give up the middle name field.

I have to agree with Giga Wizard.

I don't see the point.

What problem is being solved here?  Possible "double-barreled" names could still be parsed two different ways.

The only answer is a single name field.

Some of those would probably be Rules violations, Giga

Skip

Ok since you brought that part up, surfeur. Sorting and searching are a local issues not an Online issue. So now you have raised a question in mind, like Giga said what is being solved. We don't do sorting and searching through the Online. Therefore, a user can do whatever he wishes, he can choose to call Chow Yun-Fat Joe Smith if he wants as long as he doesn't try to Contribute it. <shrugs>

Skip

The program runs LOCALLY, north and is separarted from the Online. You can change any of the names locally to ANYTHING you wish. For example, Add Name Li Gong and replace the entries for Gong Li and you can then search and sort as YOU wish. You lose the ability to contribute those titles as they would violate the rules, relative to Cast or Crew but. The Onlins is a data start point, YOU are in total control of your local data and can set it up ANY WAY YOU WISH. At the local level you are the man in charge and control and you follow your parameters, the Rules are for Contributions ONLY.

Sounds like wew need a Profiler 101 class.

Skip