This page updated 28 Dec 2007
Version note: Applies to TMG 6 & 7
The genealogy site RootsWeb has a marvelous section that allows anyone to display their own "family tree" in a way that is easy for others to search, with some very nice display features. The user who posts the information retains complete control on how the information is displayed, and is able to change or remove it at any time. See the RootsWeb WorldConnect site for details.
Some of TMG's features are quite helpful in managing your WorldConnect posting. First, it helps to understand that the way you update your file on WorldConnect is to submit a replacing file. The new file completely replaces the existing file; it does not just "update" it.
Because of this, once you have posted your file to WorldConnect, you will want to be able to generate a new copy, reflecting any additions or corrections, easily. Unless you are sending your entire TMG file to WorldConnect, TMG's flag feature can be a big help in keeping track of who you have posted to WorldConnect and creating updated GEDCOM files to submit.
To do this, open Flag Manager from the File > Flag Manager menu. Click Add, and enter a Label like Worldconn. Enter values N,Y for no and yes. N is first so it's the default, and the flag will be set to N for everybody at the start. You can ignore the Key area. Click OK or Yes as required to exit back to the main screen.
Next, identify the individuals you want to include in your WorldConnect file by setting the Worldconn flag to Y for them. The easiest way to do this is generally with the List of People report. If you need help with this, refer to my Filter Tips for suggestions (but remember to substitute the Worldconn flag for the Scratch flag shown in that section).
To generate your GEDCOM file to send to WorldConnect, use the GEDCOM Export feature – see my article on Exporting – using a filter of "Worldconn Flag Equals Y." Set the other export Options as you like, and generate the file.
Do NOT delete your Worldconn flag - save it for making future updates to your file.
When you decide that you have made enough changes in your Data Set to warrant updating your WorldConnect posting, you just create a new GEDCOM file as before. This will generate a new file including the same individuals as before, but reflecting all the changes you made to your TMG Data Set. If you want to add a few people to the file, you can either change their flags manually to Y, or run a LOP report with filter if that is easier.
I generally decide as I enter new people or add information about existing people if I want to include them in my next update, and if so, change the Worldconn flag for that person then. Adding the Flag to the Add Person screen makes this easy to do. See my article on Customizing the Workspace for how to do that.
My new book, A Primer for The Master Genealogist, is now available.
Details are available here.
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