IPhoto v7.x (iLife 08) RAW workflow

Question

I'm looking for some opinions on a workflow here.
I have an Olympus E-510 and shoot in RAW. For my amateur needs, iPhoto's editing tools are sufficient and I like iPhoto's library characteristics. I import the Oly RAW files and then edit as needed which of course creates a jpeg. There are some pictures that I really don't care about keeping the RAW file as it considerably increases the size of the iPhoto library. I can of course right click on the particular photo and select show original file which shows the RAW file in the Finder, and of course can then delete the RAW file if so desired.
The problem (which I guess isn't really a problem, just kind of anal on my part) is that the edited (jpeg) picture in iPhoto still "points" to the original RAW file's location. I.e., you can right click on the jpeg and select show original file and it opens the folder in the finder where the original RAW file was. I've tried rebuilding the iPhoto library after deleting the RAW file but it makes no difference.
I could of course use another editing program first to edit the RAW image and save a high quality original size jpeg to import to iPhoto, but I kind of would like to keep everything to one application.
If there's no solution to this I simply need to make the decision to either keep the RAW files or ignore the jpeg thinking there is still an original RAW.
Just wondering if anyone else has considered this or has any opinion/suggestion.
Thanks,

Answer 1

Terry:
Deleting the RAW file as you've described is tantamount to committing the cardinal sin of iPhoto, messing with the contents of the library via the Finder. There's really no way to do what you want other than exporting those edited photos you want to keep to the desktop at full size and quality, import into iPhoto and delete the first copy of them.
Another possible workflow would be to upload the RAW files to a folder on the Desktop from the camera. Using a 3rd party editor create a folder of jpg files from the RAW, burn the RAW files to disk or another drive to store as digital negatives and import the folder of the jpgs.
Since iPhoto uses nondestructive editing you're always only one generation away from the originals jpg file. You won't get any significant image quality loss due to multiple edits.
Unless you use a 3rd party editor, like Photoshop, to edit the RAW files there's little advantage to using RAW in iPhoto. With an application like PS RAW files can be handled/edited far better than any other format but you need such an editor. Also, all edits are then saved to another format leaving the RAW untouched.
Since you're only using iPhoto for your editing needs just shoot jpg as that will eliminate several steps in your workflow and save lots of disk space.
Happy Holidays
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.