USING WORLDCONNECT at ROOTSWEB to PUBLISH and BACKUP YOUR FAMILY HISTORY DATA

by Gerhard Ruf, gruf@byu.edu

COPYRIGHT 2008
updated 8 Nov 2008

     This class will introduce you to the WorldConnect database how to use it to publish and backup your your genealogical data. WorldConnect is the largest and oldest collection of genealogical data submitted by individuals. We will review details about the extensive tools provided to limit the data that will be displayed and limit the ability of others to download it.

  1. What is WorldConnect (WC) and How is it Viewed?
    WC started accepting GEDCOM files in Nov 1999.
    It is a collection of databases contributed by individuals, which includes more than 550 million individuals.
    The collection is growing at more than 3 million names per month over the past 2 1/2 years.
    It will help you find others working on common ancestral lines.
    Go to WC from the Family Trees tab on most screens at RootsWeb.com,
            or go there directly at http://wc.rootsweb.com/,
            or here using WC Advanced Search (no wild cards allowed),
            or use wild cards and search in the old AWT database at Ancestry.com (no subscription required).
     
  2. Why Publish Your Data?
    Share your genealogical data (especially if it's well researched)
    Find others working on common ancestral lines
    Find lost cousins for a family reunion
    Bring the family closer together
    Publishing on the Web is not permanent. It may be easily updated, or removed.
    Make data available beyond the death of the submitter.
     
  3. Two Ways to Contribute to WorldConnect
    The original method is accessed from the "Click here" link on the Family Trees tab at RootsWeb.com.
            Assign a name and password to the tree you want to upload,
            or provide the name and password of the tree you want to edit or control.
            The Standard option has 14 settings.
            The Advanced option has 36 settings.
     
    The new method (since Fall 2007) is accessed from the "Start Here" link on the Family Trees tab.
            Asks you to log into your free RootsWeb account,
            or start a submission by providing a tree ID and Title,
            or list the tree IDs and their titles that you've already submited.
            Most of the advanced opionts are accesible on four screens.
            Additional options are available.
     
    1. New Method - Display Options:
      Title
      Bold Names
      Uppercase Surnames
      Default Pedigree Style
      Default Pedigree Depth
      Max Pedigree Depth
      Max Register Depth
      Max Ahnentafel Depth
      Homepage URL
      Homepage Title
      Page Heading
      Page Footer
      Allow HTML in GEDCOM
      Fix buggy CONC usage
       
    2. New Method - Living Person Options:
      Lliving Individuals
      Cutoff Year
      Force Cutoff
      Process Descendants as Living
      Remove Notes
      Remove Sources
      Process Events as Notes
      Other tags to treat as notes
      Tags to Remove
      Message for Living
      Individuals to Remove
       
    3. New Method - GEDCOM Download Options:
      Allow User GEDCOM Download
      Max Download Depth
      Message for Individuals in Downloaded Gedcom
       
    4. New Method - Owner Information:
      Separate Owner Info
      Owner Name
      Owner Email Address
      Notify Me about Post-ems
       
    5. New Method - Additional options:
      Manage Post-ems
      Replace Tree with New GEDCOM
      Download GEDCOM
      Take Tree Offlin
      Delete Tree
      WorldConnect FAQs
       

     
     
  4. Some Thoughts About Using WorldConnect to Publish and Backup
    With so many options to control which of your data is displayed, it is safe to send your complete GEDCOM file to WC.
    The file can be retrieved by the submitter at any time.
    The GEDCOM file can be replaced or deleted at any time.
    You retain the copyright of your data.
    You control if others can download your data.
     

A FINAL THOUGHT
     The rewards of publishing are commensurate with the effort you put forth.

If you have questions or comments on the above please contact me at gruf@byu.edu

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This page was last updated 8 Nov 08.