What's the best way to catalogue my media before import?

Question

I've got a new computer on the way and I wondered if some of you guys could help me set up a good file structure. I've been on a mac for the last 10 years and one thing that has got way out of hand is the way I import and save media from card. Although I've never lost connections to any media in the last decade it just looks a mess and it take me a while to locate thing because it has grown out of control.
Can anyone point me in the direction of some good links to read about this? A new computer means a fresh start and before I start editing on Premire Pro I want to make sure I've got the best possible file structure in place for my media.
All the best
Kevin

Answer 1

JIm, I assume that ... if one uses a camera with multi-part recording of data such as say, AVCHD, that renaming would be a right doggie. In that circumstance, then yes, I can see a "best practice" of never renaming those files.
Again, coming from stills, "best practice" for cataloguing includes extensive discussions of proper renaming protocol, as the name is considered part of the searchable metadata of each individual file. Often, commercial photogs include their name (or at least initials) and the date of the job in every named file. Of course, those files get used individually, sent off to clients for use, and having the name on the file itself is considered ... wise.
Within a portrait/wedding clientele, it's a good way to ensure at a glance that all the files in a folder being archived are where they ought to be, which of course, dsc_19843.nef doesn't help with at all. So it's a handy way to ensure that say, all the images going into a project or order for X client are actually images of X client. Of course, under the main name of the client/session, there'll be the original files (typically raw) in one folder, processed-for-use jpegs in another, and perhaps some tiff's or psd's with art-work still in layers in a third.  But this folder use is quite different from video use.
So ... other than "it's considered best practice" ... I wondery why it's considered "best practice". Not that I'm doubting it at all, especially as you are one of the people around here with oft the best advice. Just curious as to the rationale.
Neil