Jenny-

Yes, it can be discouraging at first, but it gets pretty simple once you
get the hang of it. The records have a fairly consistent format, at
least within a particular jurisdiction at a particular time, so you just
have to figure out the format to find the names. They'll be in the same
place >from record to record.

I recommend that you pick up a copy of the Jonathan Shea or Judith Frazin
translation guide books. (Shea's is for Russian records, Frazin's I
haven't seen but is always recommended by others.)

Good luck!

Gary