Amsterdam based Zooof is a connected family network designed to let families work together to form a biography of the family using several interactive web 2.0 tools. Hopefully, using Zooof will allow you to connect with relatives you didn’t even know existed and make stronger ties with those relatives you do know.
How it Works
Accessible in 35 different languages, Zooof sign-up is really quick and you can begin building your family tree immediately. Each family member you add must be given a relation to some other member of the family. As you build the family out, the typical family tree structure you are used to is available. Each family member gets their own photo uploaded so you are less apt to forget that long-lost cousin you see once a year. There is also a section for family photos which can be divided into different albums.
The collaborative aspect of Zooof is what adds the real usefulness. You can speed up the lengthy process involved in building a really elaborate family tree by inviting different family members to work together on the project. This will help you fill in gaps in your family tree and possibly meet family you never even knew existed.
GEDCOM Upload
I learn something new every day as I browse for new websites, and I must admit that I have never even heard the acronym before. Evidently, different genealogical software companies share this standard format (GEnealogical Data COmmunication) to exchange genealogical data. The format was developed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to aid in research. Enough useless facts, Zooof supports GEDCOM files by allowing you to upload one you have already made. This could be a real time saver unlike my explanation of the technology.
Opinion
I know quite a few people who have spent many hours putting together family histories in scrap-book form or on the computer. I think this would be an awesome tool for those type of people who don’t have the time to sit down and scrap book, but still want to build a family history of sorts. Zooof is easy to use and definitely has some great features. I did notice a few small bugs and a few instances where I couldn’t figure out what to do next, but overall, I think this is a great tool.
