The annual cost to rent space (2 gigs is what we have rented) is about the cost of a lunch for two in a nice restaurant. The set up is user friendly and intuitive, and easy to maintain and operate.
There are sections set up for: A calendar that each memeber can input birthdays and anniversaries and meetings or what have you: A place to upload photographs (this is a big favorite) and of course they can be downloaded - It is amazing how many out standing old family photos came to light this way as each family member would go thru their old photo collections and scan and upload. There is a place for news, a live chat room, family trees you can fill out, a section for family histories, and recipes, and reviews and polls.
I set this up for both maternal and paternal families - it took off like a rocket on the paternal side and sunk like a rock on the maternal side. The maternal side just wasn't interested and most of them were not computer owners. But the paternal side really like it and use it all the time. On an average day about 20 family members will check in and leave updates or photos, wish each other a happy birthday, or swap recipes, or just read the family news from around the country.
It is a lot like an on going conversation, sometimes so many people are talking at once that you can hardly hear and other times it is quiet. It is sort of an ongoing online family reunion.
This really is an outstanding way for a widely scattered family to get back in touch, and to stay in touch. And no, I don't have any stock in this website, just wanted to share the idea with those of you who may find it beneficial.
It is http://www.myfamily.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow