Genealogy Chat

Very probably a silly query for you much more experienced searchers.
However - I have a Tree containing almost 450 records and wish to allow a nephew access to view (only). If I apply to export the GEDCOM file should I be able to email this to him as an attachment, but still be CERTAIN that the original will remain on the Genes Reunited site for me to continue to add to and update. Can I also save a “back up” of the Tree for my own use. In view of the hours I have spent building the tree I am paranoid about the possibility that "exporting" the tree (to be emailed) will also result in the original work being "deleted". Your reassurance will be so much appreciated. Thank You for any help you can give.

Your best bet would be to ask GR, by emailing the support team

The people using these boards are only paying members like yourself.

Also, google ‘Gedcom’ and read some of the multitude of articles on the subject

Yes, you can email a GEDCOM to your nephew, and your original tree will still remain on GR.

The GEDCOM is only a copy of your tree.

However, your nephew will have to upload it to a genealogy site (GR or some other) in order to make sense of it.
If he wants to, he will also be able to change or add things to it once he's uploaded it - but that won't affect your own GR tree.

And yes, you can keep a copy of the GEDCOM on a memory stick or similar, or just on your computer.
But if you want to have it as insurance against somehow losing your original GR tree, you'll have to keep the file updated whenever you add anything new to the original tree - and to do that, you'll have to upload it to some genealogy site or other.
Once that's done, there will be no point in keeping the GEDCOM any longer. as it will be out of date as soon as you add anything to your tree.

The GEDCOM file in itself just looks like gobbledegook, and can't be worked on until uploaded somewhere.

Many Thanks to ErikaH & AygyllGran, with apologies for late acknowledgement of your help. Busy Sunday with family.
I have emailed GR as you suggested - and hope to get the "official" guidance soon
The suggestions and extra ideas you gave AG were more than I hoped for. Over the years I have found that information from someone who has been there, tried it out and sorted the potential potholes can be the best available. Thank you both. Be sure that once I have had the chance to settle down in peace and quiet I will be hitting that EXPORT button

If you need more reassurance, I export Gedcoms from here and email them to my brother who has his own GR account and loads them there. He doesn't work on the tree though, he is mainly my insurance against losing my tree on here, or indeed, a sudden demise....I continue to make changes to my tree on here from time to time.