Since genealogy is basically the accumulation of data about your relatives, it is important to keep track of this data in an organized, consistent way.
The way to do this, is to keep a "style guide", a simple document that is basically a list of rules that you follow when you record data.
My sample list of questions that you should answer in your style guide is here:
http://genealogyideas.blogspot.com/p/ten-stylistic-decisions-to-make-in-your.html
My advice is NOT to write up a style guide by answering all those questions before you start your research! Instead, as you start your research, think about these questions as they come up for you. If you come up with an answer that works for you, then use it and add it to your style guide. If it continues to work for you as you continue your research, then continue to use it. If it start to cause problems, then change it or remove it in your style guide.
You should keep your style guide up to date by reviewing it every now and then, and making sure it accurately describes what you are actually doing. (And does not represent a wish list of what you think should be done.)
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