So, You Want To Create Your Own Genealogy Website?
Go Ahead, Do It! It's EASY!

Creating a website is not as hard as you may think!

If you can type a letter, you can create a website!

This page has been viewed times since Nov. 29, 2000
Last update, [June 21, 2001.]

I taught myself how to build my own website, with only a few hours browsing the web with "how to build your own website" sites...., and YOU CAN TOO!
As an avid "genealogy nut," I always wanted to put my genealogy information into print, to share with other "genealogy nuts" who are looking for the same information.

The internet, WorldConnect and FreePages at Rootsweb.com has allowed me to do that, without the costs associated with printing a book! I created my website for $40, the cost of my FTP (File Transfer Protocol - puts your "file or document" online.) I recently learned (not sure if it's new, or I just overlooked it!) that you can upload your pages for FREE to Freepages with their online editor! So you can design, upload, and maintain your website for FREE! No cost, No excuse!

Believe me, I was very nervous, about putting my genealogy information "on the internet for the whole world to see" 24 hours a day. I created my first "webpage" and uploaded it to FreePages in Feb. 2000, then (nervously and hesitantly) uploaded my first GEDCOM (my database) to WorldConnect in April 2000. Since I uploaded my first GEDCOM to WorldConnect, I have met, through emails, nearly one dozen distant relatives who are researching common ancestors, who FOUND ME and my information, through WorldConnect! Many have shared valuable information with me, that I did not have, or imagined even finding! So in effect, my website is working for me now! Now, looking back, I wandered why I waited so long!

If YOU would like to start your own website, to share your genealogy data, now is your chance! To put your family tree database on line at WorldConnect at Rootsweb.com simply create a GEDCOM file (*.ged) see the users manual, or help section with your genealogy software (usually "save as" "FileName.ged"). After your GEDCOM is created, you are ready to upload it to WorldConnect!

Why did I choose WorldConnect to share my database? WorldConnect gives me full control of my database. I can update it, or remove it at my will. I am always in complete control of my database. There is even a "filter" that prevents any personal information about living relatives from appearing in the database!
WorldConnect and Rootsweb are believers in "free genealogy" - they do not charge users for their services! They also do not take your information, and sell it, or burn it into a CD, and sell it like some other sites do.

What exactly is a website? A website, put in plain English, is a "typed letter, story, etc. with a few hidden codes written in to it! You can "create" your website using "Notepad" in your Windows Accesories, or by using other "editors" such as Cute.HTML. (I prefer CuteHTML because it will "color code" your "tags" which is more convenient when writing your webpage! (It is not necessary, just easier.)

Want to see what a webpage really looks like? On your browser, click on "View" then in the "drop box" click on "Source." Go ahead, do it NOW!
It may look intimidating at first, but it is simply a matter of learning a few "key codes."

What are the "basic key codes" I have to learn?

< HTML > < /HTML > The "HTML" code tells your browser that this is an HTML document.
< TITLE > < /TITLE > The "Title" code is the title of your page (It appears at the top of your browser)
< BODY > < /BODY > "Body" is the "content" of your webpage
< BR > < /BR > "BR" means "break" - or "start a new line."
< P > < /P > "P" means paragraph.
< CENTER > < /CENTER> will "center" your text.
The brackets "< >" are called "tags." That is what "tells your browser what to do!" Think of them as "on/off switches."


The first tag "< >" tells "when to start" the code. The second tag < / >tells when to stop the code. So < CENTER > would tell your browser when to START centering you text, and < /CENTER > would tell your browser when to STOP centering your text!

This information is intended only a "introductory to basics" lesson. See the links below to find more detailed information.

How Do I Get My HTML document "Online?"

You can use a FTP such as Cute FTP, or the "online editor" at FreePages.
*Note* If using online editor at FreePages, I would advise to create your document using NotePad, then when finished, "Copy and Paste" your document to the online editor. This will prevent frustrations, especially if your internet connection is broken!

Once you master the "very basics," you will want to learn how to do a few more "fancy" things.
Don't forget to add "fun things" to your website as well, such as a guestbook, counter, background, links to other sites, etc.!

Please! I ask one favor!

If I have inspired you to create your own website, Please send me a link or your URL when you get online!

Links to Help You Get Started!

If you would like to submit a link to be added to this page,
or find a "dead link," please let me know. Please let me know which page you are viewing, and which link is not working. If you know the correct "new" link to that website, please include that as well.

Cyndi's Genealogy Homepage Construction Kit
Cyndi's Genealogy Home Page Construction Kit

Learning HTML

Basic Help for Beginning WebMasters ~ by Rootsweb
HTML Reference Library can be downloaded to your computer
HTML Source HTML Help and Resources
1st Site Free WebSite Design Help
WebMonkey
WebMasters.com Web Design Resources

Getting Your "Stuff" Online

Cute FTP
FreePages at Rootsweb Help and FAQ's
How to Get Listed on Search Engines
HTML Editor - FREE! from HitBox
Linking to Your Files and Webpages
Resources for Webmasters
WorldConnect at Rootsweb to upload your GEDCOM

Other "Fun" Things to Add to your website!

FreeSite.com Free stuff for your website (Fonts, Graphics, etc.)
Genealogy Graphics by Chris
Genealogy's "Most Wanted Genealogy Graphics
Java Script Cool Uses!

Please let me know what you think of this page.

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