Building a family tree can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenging one, especially if you’re working alone. Fortunately, with the rise of family tree online builders, it’s easier than ever to collaborate with family members and other genealogy enthusiasts on your family tree. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and best practices for collaborating with others on a family tree online builder.
Set Clear Expectations
Before you start collaborating with others on your family tree, it’s important to set clear expectations for what you hope to achieve. Decide who will be responsible for what tasks and establish a timeline for completing them. Make sure everyone involved in the collaboration is aware of the goals and deadlines.
Choose the Right Online Family Tree Builder
There are many family tree online builders available, so it’s important to choose one that meets your needs. Consider the features of each builder, such as its user interface, data entry options, privacy settings, and collaboration tools. Choose a builder that has the features you need to effectively collaborate with others on your family tree.
Determine Access Levels and Privacy Settings
When collaborating with others on a family tree, it’s important to determine who will have access to what information. Most family tree online builders have privacy settings that allow you to control who can see and edit your family tree. Decide on the appropriate access levels for each person involved in the collaboration.
Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is essential for successful collaboration on a family tree online builder. Use the collaboration tools available on your chosen builder to communicate with your collaborators. Be clear and concise in your communication, and avoid misunderstandings by asking questions and clarifying information.
Share Research and Documentation
When collaborating with others on your family tree, it’s important to share your research and documentation. Make sure everyone involved in the collaboration has access to the sources you’ve used, such as census records, birth certificates, and family photos. Sharing your research and documentation can help ensure the accuracy of your family tree and make it easier for others to contribute to the collaboration.
Resolve Conflicts Constructively
Collaboration can sometimes lead to conflicts or disagreements. When this happens, it’s important to resolve conflicts constructively. Listen to each other’s perspectives and work together to find a resolution that meets everyone’s needs. Remember that the goal of collaboration is to build a better family tree, so focus on finding a solution that supports that goal.
Collaborating with family members and other genealogy enthusiasts on a family tree online builder can be a fun and rewarding experience. By setting clear expectations, choosing the right builder, determining access levels and privacy settings, communicating effectively, sharing research and documentation, and resolving conflicts constructively, you can create a family tree that accurately reflects your family’s history and heritage. Collaborating with others can also help you learn new research techniques, discover new family members, and connect with distant relatives. So why not start collaborating on your family tree today?
