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'''WikiTree''' is a free, shared [[genealogy]] website that allows users to individually research and contribute to their own personal family trees, while building and collaborating on a singular worldwide family tree within the same system. The site was created in 2008 by Chris Whitten, developer of the [[WikiAnswers]] website, and is owned and hosted by [http://www.interesting.com Interesting.com, Inc.]<ref name="valenzuela">{{cite web|last=Valenzuela|first=Robyn|authorlink=Robyn Valenzuela|title=WikiTree App Review|publisher=AppAppeal|date=2012-07-12|url=http://wikitree.appappeal.com/|accessdate=2014-08-15}}</ref> |
'''WikiTree''' is a free, shared [[genealogy]] website that allows users to individually research and contribute to their own personal family trees, while building and collaborating on a singular worldwide family tree within the same system. The site was created in 2008 by Chris Whitten, developer of the [[WikiAnswers]] website, and is owned and hosted by [http://www.interesting.com Interesting.com, Inc.]<ref name="valenzuela">{{cite web|last=Valenzuela|first=Robyn|authorlink=Robyn Valenzuela|title=WikiTree App Review|publisher=AppAppeal|date=2012-07-12|url=http://wikitree.appappeal.com/|accessdate=2014-08-15}}</ref> The site uses a “wiki”-based markup language that offers both beginning and advanced users the ability to create and edit personal profiles, categories and “free space” pages to document their family’s history. As of August 15, 2014, the WikiTree website has over 194,000 registered members and maintains over 7.8 million ancestral profiles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wikitree.com|title=WikiTree Homepage|publisher=WikiTree}}</ref> |
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==Mission== |
==Mission== |
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The stated mission of WikiTree is “to grow a single worldwide family tree that will make genealogy free and accessible for everyone.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/About_WikiTree#Mission|title=About WikiTree/Mission|publisher=WikiTree}}</ref> The website operates with minimal expenses and covers those costs with modest advertising displayed on public pages of the site<ref name="valenzuela" /> |
The stated mission of WikiTree is “to grow a single worldwide family tree that will make genealogy free and accessible for everyone.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/About_WikiTree#Mission|title=About WikiTree/Mission|publisher=WikiTree}}</ref> The website operates with minimal expenses and covers those costs with modest advertising displayed on public pages of the site.<ref name="valenzuela" /> Members who are logged in do not see the advertising. Accessibility is ensured by allowing members to contribute basic facts, personally-generated content and non-copyrighted information without limitations. |
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==Honor Code== |
==Honor Code== |
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Users requesting membership in the WikiTree community are asked to commit to a nine-point Honor Code<ref name="Honor Code">{{cite web|url=http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Special:Honor_Code|publisher=WikiTree.com|title=Wiki Genealogist Honor Code||accessdate=2014-08-15}}</ref> that encourages collaboration, accuracy and the use of sources and citations. Courtesy in dealing with other members, consideration of copyrights and respect for the privacy of others are also among the hallmarks of the Honor Code. |
Users requesting membership in the WikiTree community are asked to commit to a nine-point Honor Code<ref name="Honor Code">{{cite web|url=http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Special:Honor_Code|publisher=WikiTree.com|title=Wiki Genealogist Honor Code||accessdate=2014-08-15}}</ref> that encourages collaboration, accuracy, and the use of sources and citations. Courtesy in dealing with other members, consideration of copyrights, and respect for the privacy of others are also among the hallmarks of the Honor Code. |
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==Privacy Options== |
==Privacy Options== |
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WikiTree seeks to balance their users’ desire to protect their online privacy, and that of their more recent ancestors and descendants, with the ability to publicly share and collaborate on information related to their more distant forebearers. Each profile is managed by |
WikiTree seeks to balance their users’ desire to protect their online privacy, and that of their more recent ancestors and descendants, with the ability to publicly share and collaborate on information related to their more distant forebearers. Each profile is managed by one or more profile managers, and other members who may be related or willing to share information about that person can be added to the profile's "Trusted List"<ref>{{cite web|last=Seaver|first=Randy|authorlink=Randy Seaver|title=Exploring WikiTree - Post 6: Privacy Levels|publisher=Geneamusings|date=2011-03-11|url=http://www.geneamusings.com/2011/03/exploring-wikitree-post-6-privacy.html|accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref>. Members of a profile's Trusted List have full access to view and edit details on the page, regardless of the privacy level, and all changes are tracked for future reference. WikiTree maintains seven different profile privacy levels, as outlined below. |
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==== |
====Unlisted==== |
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The "Unlisted" option hides the entire profile from everyone except those on the Trusted List, and is the default privacy level for the profiles of living children under the age of 13. |
The "Unlisted" option hides the entire profile from everyone except those on the Trusted List, and is the default privacy level for the profiles of living children under the age of 13. |
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==== |
====Private==== |
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The "Private" option allows all members access to a selection of public information, including the person's first and last name, prefix and/or suffix, and any public comments posted on the profile. Limited public information, including the person's middle initial, the decade of their birth, and a thumbnail version of the profile's primary photo, are made available to assist users in finding their correct ancestors. Personal information that is hidden on private profiles includes the person's gender, formal first name, nicknames, relationships to spouses, siblings and children, and personal memories posted by members of the profile's Trusted List. |
The "Private" option allows all members access to a selection of public information, including the person's first and last name, prefix and/or suffix, and any public comments posted on the profile. Limited public information, including the person's middle initial, the decade of their birth, and a thumbnail version of the profile's primary photo, are made available to assist users in finding their correct ancestors. Personal information that is hidden on private profiles includes the person's gender, formal first name, nicknames, relationships to spouses, siblings and children, and personal memories posted by members of the profile's Trusted List. |
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==== |
====Private with Public Biography==== |
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This privacy option is similar to the "Private" setting, with the exception that the "Biography" and "Sources" sections of the profile are publicly viewable, but editable only by members of the Trusted List. |
This privacy option is similar to the "Private" setting, with the exception that the "Biography" and "Sources" sections of the profile are publicly viewable, but editable only by members of the Trusted List. |
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==== |
====Private with Public Family Tree==== |
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Similar to the "Private" setting, this option allows public viewing of the person's family tree, gender and DNA testing information. |
Similar to the "Private" setting, this option allows public viewing of the person's family tree, gender and DNA testing information. |
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==== |
====Private with Public Biography and Family Tree==== |
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This option offers public viewing of the person's biography, sources, family tree, gender and DNA testing information. |
This option offers public viewing of the person's biography, sources, family tree, gender and DNA testing information. |
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==== |
====Public==== |
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On a "Public" profile, |
On a "Public" profile, anyone can view the profile, but only members of the profile's Trusted List are able to add or make changes. The "Public" option cannot be selected for persons who are still living. |
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==== |
====Open==== |
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Information on an "Open" profile is publicly viewable, and WikiTree members who have signed the Honor Code can add or make changes to it. All changes are tracked, credited to the contributor, and can be further edited or replaced with previously entered information. This setting cannot be used on the profiles of living persons, however, the profiles for persons with birth dates that are more than 200 years old are locked on the "Open" option. |
Information on an "Open" profile is publicly viewable, and WikiTree members who have signed the Honor Code can add or make changes to it. All changes are tracked, credited to the contributor, and can be further edited or replaced with previously entered information. This setting cannot be used on the profiles of living persons, however, the profiles for persons with birth dates that are more than 200 years old are locked on the "Open" option. |
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==Features== |
==Features== |
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The site maintains a page of “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) and a “genealogist to genealogist” (G2G) forum that allows users to get answers and help with both genealogical and technical questions. Points and badges are awarded to members who answer questions and contribute information to the site. Additionally, the site is managed by a team of experienced volunteer leaders and mentors that serve the community in a variety of capacities, the most important being to help users gain proficiency in using the system |
The site maintains a page of “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) and a “genealogist to genealogist” (G2G) forum that allows users to get answers and help with both genealogical and technical questions. Points and badges are awarded to members who answer questions and contribute information to the site. Additionally, the site is managed by a team of experienced volunteer leaders and mentors that serve the community in a variety of capacities, the most important being to help users gain proficiency in using the system.<ref>{{cite web|last=MacEntee|first=Thomas|authorlink=Thomas MacEntee|title=Interview – Chris Whitten of WikiTree|publisher=GeneaBloggers|date=2010-11-02|url=http://www.geneabloggers.com/interview-chris-whitten-wikitree/|accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref> |
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===Projects=== |
===Projects=== |
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Leaders also manage numerous projects within the site that further organize researchers by specific interests. Among the most popular current projects are |
Leaders also manage numerous projects within the site that further organize researchers by specific interests. Among the most popular current projects are the 1776 Project; Acadians; Australian Convicts and First Settlers; European Aristocrats; The Puritan Great Migration; Scottish Clans; The U.S. Civil War; and, U.S. Presidents. Many of the projects maintain social communities on Google+ to keep members informed of current happenings and topics for discussion. |
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Two new projects that are gaining in popularity on the site are the Global Cemeteries Project and the Global Family Reunion (GFR) Project, a tie-in to a worldwide family genealogy event by the same name that is being planned by best-selling author [[A. J. Jacobs|A.J. Jacobs]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Global Family Reunion|url=http://globalfamilyreunion.com/about/|publisher=Out:think Group|accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref>. The GFR is scheduled to be held in New York City on June 6, 2015. The site also maintains an entertaining [http://www.wikitree.com/blog blog] that includes two other popular features, the “Profile of the Week” and the “Photo of the Week”. Active members are asked to view and vote on the best submissions for each category. |
Two new projects that are gaining in popularity on the site are the Global Cemeteries Project and the Global Family Reunion (GFR) Project, a tie-in to a worldwide family genealogy event by the same name that is being planned by best-selling author [[A. J. Jacobs|A.J. Jacobs]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Global Family Reunion|url=http://globalfamilyreunion.com/about/|publisher=Out:think Group|accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref>. The GFR is scheduled to be held in New York City on June 6, 2015. The site also maintains an entertaining [http://www.wikitree.com/blog blog] that includes two other popular features, the “Profile of the Week” and the “Photo of the Week”. Active members are asked to view and vote on the best submissions for each category. |
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===GEDCOM Uploads and Matching=== |
===GEDCOM Uploads and Matching=== |
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Users can upload their computer-generated |
Users can upload their computer-generated "[[GEDCOM]]" files with digital genealogical data gathered from personal research and recollections, as well as from other non-copyrighted sources available elsewhere on the internet. Once a user's GEDCOM file is uploaded, WikiTree’s "GEDMatch"<ref>{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Kitty|authorlink=Kitty Cooper|title=Finding common ancestors with automation: Compare GEDcoms or use one world tree|publisher=Open Sky Web Design|date=2013-12-28|url=http://blog.kittycooper.com/2013/12/finding-common-ancestors-with-automation-compare-gedcoms-or-use-a-one-world-tree/#more-839|accessdate=2014-08-15}}</ref> tool compares data contained in the file and identifies matches with existing profiles, allowing the user to quickly find details about their ancestors that have already been entered by others, and eliminating the creation of duplicated profiles. |
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===DNA Testing and Confirmation=== |
===DNA Testing and Confirmation=== |
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WikiTree recently announced the implementation of their DNA Ancestor Confirmation Aid (ACA)<ref name="Eastman>{{cite web|last=Eastman|first=Dick|authorlink=Dick Eastman|title=WikiTree Announces DNA Ancestor Confirmation Aid|publisher=Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter|date=2014-06-26|url=http://blog.eogn.com/2014/06/26/wikitree-announces-dna-ancestor-confirmation-aid/|accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref> |
WikiTree recently announced the implementation of their DNA Ancestor Confirmation Aid (ACA),<ref name="Eastman>{{cite web|last=Eastman|first=Dick|authorlink=Dick Eastman|title=WikiTree Announces DNA Ancestor Confirmation Aid|publisher=Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter|date=2014-06-26|url=http://blog.eogn.com/2014/06/26/wikitree-announces-dna-ancestor-confirmation-aid/|accessdate=2014-08-16}}</ref> a tool that allows members to upload the results of their [[Genealogical DNA test#Y chromosome .28Y-DNA.29 testing|Y-chromosome (Y-DNA)]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genealogical_DNA_test#Mitochondrial_DNA_.28mtDNA.29_testing mitochondrial (mtDNA)] tests for purposes of scientifically confirming paternal (male) and maternal (female) relationships within their family tree. The ACA is designed to: |
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* confirm or reject paternal and maternal relationships over the past five generations (when DNA test results are available for other family members); |
* confirm or reject paternal and maternal relationships over the past five generations (when DNA test results are available for other family members); |
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* list relevant DNA tests that would aid in the confirmation of such relationships for family members who have not been tested; |
* list relevant DNA tests that would aid in the confirmation of such relationships for family members who have not been tested; |
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Revision as of 18:54, 20 August 2014
 | This article, WikiTree, has recently been created via the Articles for creation process. Please check to see if the reviewer has accidentally left this template after accepting the draft and take appropriate action as necessary.
Reviewer tools: Inform author |
| Type of business | Privately held company |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 |
| Headquarters | New York, New York, USA |
| Founder(s) | Chris Whitten |
| President | Chris Whitten |
| Industry | Genealogy, Social media |
| URL | www.wikitree.com |
WikiTree is a free, shared genealogy website that allows users to individually research and contribute to their own personal family trees, while building and collaborating on a singular worldwide family tree within the same system. The site was created in 2008 by Chris Whitten, developer of the WikiAnswers website, and is owned and hosted by Interesting.com, Inc.[2] The site uses a “wiki”-based markup language that offers both beginning and advanced users the ability to create and edit personal profiles, categories and “free space” pages to document their family’s history. As of August 15, 2014, the WikiTree website has over 194,000 registered members and maintains over 7.8 million ancestral profiles.[3]
Mission
The stated mission of WikiTree is “to grow a single worldwide family tree that will make genealogy free and accessible for everyone.”[4] The website operates with minimal expenses and covers those costs with modest advertising displayed on public pages of the site.[2] Members who are logged in do not see the advertising. Accessibility is ensured by allowing members to contribute basic facts, personally-generated content and non-copyrighted information without limitations.
Honor Code
Users requesting membership in the WikiTree community are asked to commit to a nine-point Honor Code[5] that encourages collaboration, accuracy, and the use of sources and citations. Courtesy in dealing with other members, consideration of copyrights, and respect for the privacy of others are also among the hallmarks of the Honor Code.
Privacy Options
WikiTree seeks to balance their users’ desire to protect their online privacy, and that of their more recent ancestors and descendants, with the ability to publicly share and collaborate on information related to their more distant forebearers. Each profile is managed by one or more profile managers, and other members who may be related or willing to share information about that person can be added to the profile's "Trusted List"[6]. Members of a profile's Trusted List have full access to view and edit details on the page, regardless of the privacy level, and all changes are tracked for future reference. WikiTree maintains seven different profile privacy levels, as outlined below.
Unlisted
The "Unlisted" option hides the entire profile from everyone except those on the Trusted List, and is the default privacy level for the profiles of living children under the age of 13.
Private
The "Private" option allows all members access to a selection of public information, including the person's first and last name, prefix and/or suffix, and any public comments posted on the profile. Limited public information, including the person's middle initial, the decade of their birth, and a thumbnail version of the profile's primary photo, are made available to assist users in finding their correct ancestors. Personal information that is hidden on private profiles includes the person's gender, formal first name, nicknames, relationships to spouses, siblings and children, and personal memories posted by members of the profile's Trusted List.
Private with Public Biography
This privacy option is similar to the "Private" setting, with the exception that the "Biography" and "Sources" sections of the profile are publicly viewable, but editable only by members of the Trusted List.
Private with Public Family Tree
Similar to the "Private" setting, this option allows public viewing of the person's family tree, gender and DNA testing information.
Private with Public Biography and Family Tree
This option offers public viewing of the person's biography, sources, family tree, gender and DNA testing information.
Public
On a "Public" profile, anyone can view the profile, but only members of the profile's Trusted List are able to add or make changes. The "Public" option cannot be selected for persons who are still living.
Open
Information on an "Open" profile is publicly viewable, and WikiTree members who have signed the Honor Code can add or make changes to it. All changes are tracked, credited to the contributor, and can be further edited or replaced with previously entered information. This setting cannot be used on the profiles of living persons, however, the profiles for persons with birth dates that are more than 200 years old are locked on the "Open" option.
Features
The site maintains a page of “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) and a “genealogist to genealogist” (G2G) forum that allows users to get answers and help with both genealogical and technical questions. Points and badges are awarded to members who answer questions and contribute information to the site. Additionally, the site is managed by a team of experienced volunteer leaders and mentors that serve the community in a variety of capacities, the most important being to help users gain proficiency in using the system.[7]
Projects
Leaders also manage numerous projects within the site that further organize researchers by specific interests. Among the most popular current projects are the 1776 Project; Acadians; Australian Convicts and First Settlers; European Aristocrats; The Puritan Great Migration; Scottish Clans; The U.S. Civil War; and, U.S. Presidents. Many of the projects maintain social communities on Google+ to keep members informed of current happenings and topics for discussion.
Two new projects that are gaining in popularity on the site are the Global Cemeteries Project and the Global Family Reunion (GFR) Project, a tie-in to a worldwide family genealogy event by the same name that is being planned by best-selling author A.J. Jacobs[8]. The GFR is scheduled to be held in New York City on June 6, 2015. The site also maintains an entertaining blog that includes two other popular features, the “Profile of the Week” and the “Photo of the Week”. Active members are asked to view and vote on the best submissions for each category.
GEDCOM Uploads and Matching
Users can upload their computer-generated "GEDCOM" files with digital genealogical data gathered from personal research and recollections, as well as from other non-copyrighted sources available elsewhere on the internet. Once a user's GEDCOM file is uploaded, WikiTree’s "GEDMatch"[9] tool compares data contained in the file and identifies matches with existing profiles, allowing the user to quickly find details about their ancestors that have already been entered by others, and eliminating the creation of duplicated profiles.
DNA Testing and Confirmation
WikiTree recently announced the implementation of their DNA Ancestor Confirmation Aid (ACA),[10] a tool that allows members to upload the results of their Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) tests for purposes of scientifically confirming paternal (male) and maternal (female) relationships within their family tree. The ACA is designed to:
- confirm or reject paternal and maternal relationships over the past five generations (when DNA test results are available for other family members);
- list relevant DNA tests that would aid in the confirmation of such relationships for family members who have not been tested;
- show which such relationships have already been confirmed (via comments provided by other tested relatives);
- identify which relatives should take certain tests in order to confirm or reject such relationships; and,
- aid in finding relevant resources and other helpful information.
References
- ^ "Site Overview, WikiTree.com". Alexa.com. Retrieved 2014-08-15.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ a b Valenzuela, Robyn (2012-07-12). "WikiTree App Review". AppAppeal. Retrieved 2014-08-15.
- ^ "WikiTree Homepage". WikiTree.
- ^ "About WikiTree/Mission". WikiTree.
- ^ "Wiki Genealogist Honor Code". WikiTree.com. Retrieved 2014-08-15.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ Seaver, Randy (2011-03-11). "Exploring WikiTree - Post 6: Privacy Levels". Geneamusings. Retrieved 2014-08-16.
- ^ MacEntee, Thomas (2010-11-02). "Interview – Chris Whitten of WikiTree". GeneaBloggers. Retrieved 2014-08-16.
- ^ "Global Family Reunion". Out:think Group. Retrieved 2014-08-16.
- ^ Cooper, Kitty (2013-12-28). "Finding common ancestors with automation: Compare GEDcoms or use one world tree". Open Sky Web Design. Retrieved 2014-08-15.
- ^ Eastman, Dick (2014-06-26). "WikiTree Announces DNA Ancestor Confirmation Aid". Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter. Retrieved 2014-08-16.
External links
Category:Genealogy websites Category:Companies based in New York City Category:Internet properties established in 2008