Oldest Genealogy Site launches collection of GEDCOM files (Rootsweb Worldconnect Project Launched)
RootsWeb Press Release 10Nov99 N6
Oldest Genealogy Site launches collection of GEDCOM files (Rootsweb

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA -- RootsWeb.com, the oldest genealogy site on the Internet, launched its WorldConnect Project November 10th, in an attempt to collect and provide GEDCOM files containing genealogical data. The project, located at http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/, already has 5.5 million names in the files uploaded during its 4-week beta test period.

Rootsweb says that the site provides an easy, unrestricted way for genealogy hobbyists to share data. Unlike on the LDS Church's FamilySearch website, users have complete control over files they have uploaded to the site, and can change or remove the file at any time. However, this also means that the files on the site are only as accurate and consistent as the individual that prepared them.

Users of the site can upload files in GEDCOM format without converting them to HTML first. The files can be linked to a home page, and information about living individuals can be screened or removed from the files. Both the file's owner and file users can also attach "Post-Em" notes to their files, which can include comments or even links to other GEDCOM files. The GEDCOM files in the archive can also be displayed in a variety of ways, and users can download only portions of the files, starting with a particular individual and downloading a file with only that individual's ancestors or descendants.

If a user has trouble uploading a file to the archive, RootsWeb has a postal address where floppy disks or ZIP disks can be sent.

"Our GEDCOM program has been months in the making and was developed by some of the most talented programmers in the business," said Dr. Leverich. "The display capabilities set a new standard. This new feature reinforces RootsWeb's leadership position in the rapidly expanding online genealogical community which we helped to create and continue to define."

"RootsWeb prides itself on being the consumer's friend. You will never see it taking the hard work of RootsWeb users and burning that information into a CD-ROM or charging others to access," said Dr. Leverich. "In addition, users have FULL control of their GEDCOMs and can change or remove them at any time."