Since I only grow heirloom tomatoes, here is what works for me...I cut the mater in half (Ripe) then squeeze each half over a sieve to catch the seeds & gel, then remove as much of the largest bits of tomato (you can even save the seed as you eat a tomato) I then pour the seeds, gel and rest of the tomato bits in a bowl. I add an equal amount of powered cleanser and stir the contents to blend. the cleaner will dissolve the gel and bits of tomato and disinfects the exterior of the seed and reduce disease transmission. I usually let this set for 3 or 4 hrs (and sometimes overnight) . Then I use the sieve (or you can use a piece of screen wire) and pour the contents of the bowl into another cup, then I pour "cold" water over the seed a couple of times. this really cleans the seed. I pick out any remaining tomato bits and gel with tweezers, which won't be hardly anything. I use a small piece of screen to put the seed on to dry, spread the seed out and they wont stick together. after they are good and dry I place about 10-12 seed in small plastic ziplocks (like you get in craft dept at walmart, 100 for $1.00) I print name and date on a small piece of paper and put in the bag with seed. This procedure, cleans and disinfects the seed and helps in transmitting disease's. I use the ziplock bags because I raise several different varieties of tomatoes and I do quiet abit of seed swapping in my area . There are several ways to save seed, but this is how I do it and always worked out well. Tailgater, I see nothing wrong with the way you do it either. If it works for you, then do it!
thanks and good gardening