I've searched for and found some threads on appeal code structure (or lack thereof), but this question is a bit more specific.  I am new to my organization and a BB user once again after a number of years of using other databases.  In the meantime I've had source codes/ appeal codes with a standard structure that carries meaning and facilitates reporting.  I am wondering if there are any other former Team Approach users out there and if so, if you've changed your appeal code structure in BB accordingly--so that each digit carries meaning. 

And if so, I'd also like to talk with you about the queries you've built for appeal analysis. 

Our current appeal codes are descriptive, but I'd like to standardize them and make them more functional.  And I want to do this not only with an eye toward more effective analysis, but also toward making it easier to prepare for a Target Analysis DonorCentrics Reports. 

So--anyone out there?

I have never used Team Approach but I do have a standardized Appeal Code Structure.

first 2 digits are the year
then a dash
then the next 2 digits are the month
then a 2 digit appeal category code (EV for event, DR, for Donor Renewal, AQ for acquisition, CH for Champions Newsletter, etc.)
For some mailings that is it but if It needs more then I leave a space
then I enter a 3-9 digit code with meaning

For example
08-03DR      was our March 2008 Donor renewal Mailing
08-09EV GALA INV     is our September 2008 Gala Invitation
08-09EV GALA SPON     is the September 2008 Gala Sponsorship packet

I use this approach so that I can more easily report on my appeals in chronological order.  At my previous place I used a similar system but I started with the appeal category code so they were grouped by category first then chronological.  I actually think I like that better.

Also never used Team Approach, but do have a similar setup in RE.  I enter the Appeal ID as the first two digits are the fiscal year (so since 7/1/2007 would be 08, and starting 7/1/08 will be 09) then a two digit ordering number (so the first appeal of the fy is 01, then 02, etc - this keeps them in order, and keeps entry simplified because we often have more than one appeal in any given month), then a space for a short alpha description.  The actual description field I use to put in whatever the fundraiser wants to name their appeal...then they can set up their RE to use the description, I can use the ID, and we're all happy.

So for the mailing that went out a couple weeks ago, it was ID: "0816 Legacy" Description: "Legacy Society Reception Mailing" as the 16th mailing in FY08 (tho I am trying to retrain myself to use what the institution is currently using, and saying FY07-08 with both years indicated...it just seems inefficient with those extra three characters...valuable real estate in ID fields)

Thanks both of you.   Right now we're doing something similar, with a year and then a small description. 

 I am interested in greater detail, but I want to make sure the detail would be useful in reporting, too.  It would be useful to me to look at--at a glance--and far more useful than what we have in place right now. 

 Going by the schema I'm used to, I'd be looking at something like this:

Activity Type (1 digit, alpha)--Annual Giving, Events, Businesses, Foundations, Churches (to name a few)

Campaign (1 digit, alpha)--Acquisition, Current, Lapsed, White Mail/General (for instance)

Method (1 didgit, alpha)--Mail, Phone, Email, Web, EFT, Personal Solicitation, Other

Initiative (4 digits, date)--MMYY

Effort (1 digits, numeric)--1-9

Segment/Source (3 digits, numeric)--001-999  This is helpful for indicating acquisition list

Now, TA had two digits for effort, but we're just now getting into sending a second effort in mailing, and even when I was using TA we would at the most send 3 efforts for one appeal (initial appeal and one or two follow up letters).

 But I want to make sure I can report on these, too. 

For those doing acquisition, how do note all of these things currently in RE?