AncestorEbooks Reports Dramatic Changes to FamilySearch.org

AncestorEbooks reports on changes that have taken place to FamilySearch.org that will create a subtle change to the way GEDCOM files are downloaded.

Because GEDCOM files are not standardized ancestorEbooks have been asking their customers to use two sites for researching their ancestry and creating a family tree - familysearch.org and Ancestry.com

These two sites have provided for downloading a GEDCOM file of the Family Tree that is then uploaded to the ancestorEbooks website and used for the creation of interactive Ebooks that can be downloaded to iPads.

According to FamilySearch.org - Patron and Partner Services 'You cannot currently download information from the new FamilySearch system by exporting to a GEDCOM file. However, you can purchase other programs certified by FamilySearch that will let you download information. To see the current list of certified programs and the functions of each, go to https://www.familysearch.org/products.

A GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication), is a format of your family tree data into a text file that can be read by and converted into a family tree software program. The GEDCOM file was developed in 1985 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in their Family History Department.

At About.com Greg Lamberson and Russ Worthington are working with others to standardize this technology. By standardizing the GEDCOM file it would make transferring genealogical information between software. At present a file from one software or website can seldom be read at another without great loss of information at best and completely unreadable information at worst.

AncestorEbooks, in order to assist their customers in downloading their Gedcoms until this problem has been dealt with are referring them to a Twitter feed entitled 'Downloading GEDCOMs from the new FamilySearch.org Family Tree'.

As always customers are free to contact C Besendorfer through their email link ancestorebooks(at)gmail(dot)com