Can You Have an Interest in Family History Without Diving into Genealogy?

It's a common misconception that an interest in family heritage requires one to become a full-fledged genealogist, digging through church records and census lists. In fact, our research suggests that most users of platforms like MyHeritage are more interested in collecting their ancestors than doing traditional research. These users often turn to features that allow them to build family trees with just a few clicks, simplifying the process of "ancestor collecting."

The Problem with Unverified Family Trees

However, this simplicity comes with a serious issue: platforms like MyHeritage, whose business model relies on user-generated content, are indifferent to the quality of the information being shared. This uncritical approach results in a lack of data verification, meaning errors can spread easily from tree to tree. Since most users on these platforms are "ancestor collectors" who prefer quick assembly over careful fact-checking, mistakes can proliferate widely.

The Divide Between Collectors and Finders

The divide between ancestor collectors and dedicated family historians—or "ancestor finders"—has led to frustration on both sides. The ancestor finders, who thoroughly verify each piece of data before adding it to their trees, often feel that the ancestor collectors' approach is "damaging" the integrity of these genealogy sites. We, however, believe that the fault lies not with the ancestor collectors themselves but with the platforms that fail to quality-assure their product.

A New Solution: OAL's Vision for Family History

At OAL, we've developed a completely different business model than the one currently dominating the genealogy market. We believe that it's possible not only to provide a product that is as close to 100% historically accurate as possible but to do so more affordably than the current subscription prices of other sites. Our platform will bridge the gap between ancestor collectors and ancestor finders, offering cost-effective membership plans for both groups.

Verified Data for All Levels of Family History Enthusiasts

Ancestor collectors will have access to verified data, ensuring accuracy in their family trees without the worry of perpetuating errors. At the same time, ancestor finders will have the opportunity to earn significantly from their research and genealogy expertise. For those who have spent years building massive family trees with thousands of connections, OAL will help turn this labor into a valuable product for you, together we are making millions of data points available to others—without compromising quality.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

Our platform is going to be a place where family history enthusiasts of all levels can come together, ensuring that both hobbyists and professionals can engage with accurate, trustworthy data. With OAL, we're building a new foundation for family history—one that honors the accuracy and integrity of the past while making the process accessible and rewarding for all.