Splitting two first names and Last name

[Guest]

Our db is set up with one customer name field. I need to decide on setting up
names as either A) Smith, Jane and Bob OR B) Jane and Bob Smith.

My problem arises here. In one of my reports (letter) I have an address
block and salutation.
Scenario A/Question 1: How do I change output of address block to Bob and
Jane Smith? I have proper salutation of Dear Bob and Jane:
OR if I set up Scenario B/Question 2. Address block is correct but I cannot
get both Bob and Jane in salutation. I know how to get Dear Bob or Dear Jane
not both. How do I get both first names on salutation to read Dear Bob and
Jane? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Rick B]

I would suggest fixing your structure. Personally, I would store the
various names in separate fields that you can have more control over.
PrimTitle, PrimFirstName, PrimLastName, SecTitle, SecFirstName, SecLastName,
etc. The problem is how to handle Mr. Joe Smith and Mrs. Sue Smith. Is it
Mr. and Mrs. Smith?

While it is not the best approach, I have added a "Salutation: field in a
similar database where the user could type exactly how they want it to show
up on their letters. I created code in my form to default this field based
on what was entered in the other fields. The problem with this approach is
that if you change any of the name data, you must remember to go back and
also correct your salutation. Again, not the preferred method, but it works
in instances where you want more control over the actual salutation on the
letters. I used this in a Real Estate database.