The following announcement was written by FamilyLink.com, Inc.:
FamilyLink.com, Inc. Launches Genealogy Social Network Website GenealogyWise
Open community-based website represents a new option for family history exploration and unique way to discover and connect with family members around the world
Provo, UT, July 14, 2009 -- FamilyLink.com, Inc. today introduced GenealogyWise.com, a new web property that combines community interaction with tools and resources for people who are interested in researching and sharing their family history with others. GenealogyWise.com joins other web properties operated by FamilyLink.com, Inc. in an effort to connect families with each other and with their histories.
GenealogyWise is an open network that allows anyone to join and create social groups within the genealogy-focused community. The innovative and easy-to-use platform opens the doors of social networking to millions around the world who are interested in sharing their passion for family history and in meeting new people that share that passion.
"FamilyLink is focused on bringing families closer together and in connecting families around the world. GenealogyWise is a natural extension of our social networking efforts," said Paul Allen, CEO at FamilyLink.com, Inc. "We are thrilled to see the enormous interest in GenealogyWise. More than 3,000 users joined and contributed more than 10,000 items to the site within the first 4/days. The site is being created and driven by the users, truly leveraging the power behind social networks. We believe this type of service - connecting family and family history researchers with others who are interested in and share that same passion - is what makes the site so powerful."
GenealogyWise community members have contributed thousands of photos and hundreds of videos to the site. They have also created more than 2,000 social groups, some of which already have more than 200 members.
The service allows users to join surname groups, explore ancestral records, share photos, video, and family trees. Users can create a profile to tell others about their research interests, to receive and respond to emails from other users without publishing an email address, to create online family trees and personal research pages, and to collaborate with other users. The service is completely free.
"Social networking platforms provide the perfect technology for sharing genealogy information and connecting with an unlimited number of people from all corners of the globe," said Allen. "FamilyLink will continue to innovate and provide social experiences on existing platforms and new and emerging platforms as the company extends its reach and expands its efforts to connect families through social networking."
About FamilyLink.com, Inc.
A leader in social networking for families, FamilyLink has developed a suite of web properties, applications and tools to connect families with each other and their heritage. The FamilyLink network of web properties includes FamilyLink.com, GenealogyWise.com, WorldHistory.com, and WorldVitalRecords.com. FamilyLink is also the developer of the fourth most popular networking application on Facebook, We're Related, which has a user base of 50 million. The We're Related application helps individuals stay in touch with their families by connecting them to their possible relatives, and also by sharing photos, news events, links, favorites lists, and more. FamilyLink.com, Inc. also operates the AdMazing ad network that helps high traffic social applications and sites related to family history and heritage monetize their audiences.For more information visit corporate.familylink.com.
Within the UK a structure of groups has evolved on GenealogyWise
For instance, the England group http://www.genealogywise.com/group/england/
has links to the Wales & Scotland groups, and also to groups for many of the UK counties.
Posted by: Wendy Archer | July 14, 2009 at 06:03 PM
I finally broke down and joined GenealogyWise however, upon arriving on the site, I find it quite confusing and had to do quite a bit of searching. I'll see how it goes but presently I wonder if I need one more social site, genealogy or otherwise, to delve into ;o)
Posted by: Lucie LeBlanc Consentino | July 15, 2009 at 05:54 AM
Lucie,
Joining GenWise doesn't require breaking down! LOL. Like any new endeavor, you will likely have to experiment a bit. Since you are new to social sites, your confusion is understandible since the paradigm is different. Your existing skills will get you through, however. There is also an Arcadian group!
Happy Dae·
http://ShoeStringGenealogy.com
Posted by: Dae Powell | July 15, 2009 at 09:36 AM
I joined and started a group yesterday. But today, whenever I try to sign in, I can just get a page of Go Daddy ads. Can't get past them. Looks like the site has been hijacked.
Posted by: Dennis | July 16, 2009 at 07:12 AM
I was a member of GenealogyWise for over a week, and today every link to their site brings up a "GoDaddy" page. I checked on Wiki about GoDaddy and it's a domain registrar. At the end of the Wiki it mentions that GoDaddy has shut down at least three of its sites, for various reasons. Is that what has happened to GW?
Posted by: Marilyn | July 16, 2009 at 09:15 AM
I'm experiencing the same issues with GoDaddy & GenealogyWise's site. Dick, do you have any information on the problem, an anticipated resolution or contact information for the creators? I was going to do a lookup today for someone and I foolishly didn't copy the information and was relying on the post being available on the site. I hope this gets resolved quickly. I was really enjoying the site and can only imagine the possibilities as it grows. Thanks for any information or comments. Aleta :)
Posted by: Aleta A Krauss | July 16, 2009 at 10:28 AM
8:55 am Pacific Time-- It's back!!
Posted by: Marilyn | July 16, 2009 at 11:55 AM