Lots of families already keep in contact via e-mail -- but have you ever wanted to have your own family Web site?

You might think it would be a big task to set up and maintain a Web site -- and it can be. But here's a simple way to do it.

MyFamily.com and FamilyBuzz.com offer private family Web sites that are a snap to make -- really! You can start yours in five minutes or less.

Once you it set it up, you can send e-mail invitations to as many family members as you would like. They will receive a password to get into the site.

Why Have A Family Web Site?

Whether your family lives in the same house or on the other side of the globe, it's convenient to have a central location on the Web to keep everyone updated. Pictures are one of the most fun things to share online with loved ones. From pictures of new babies to events that not everyone can attend, you can post images on your site for all to see.

A family Web site can also help keep dates organized. Your family can create a family calendar of birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates, for easy access and lookup.

Options:

Your site can be as detailed as you want it to be. Maybe you just want to use the calendar, photo album or address book options. That's fine, but there are lots of additional options, such as:

Polls: Have a decision to make? Ask your family to weigh in -- make a poll question on your site.

Family Reunions Planner: Figure our who is bringing what and RSVP on the site so everyone knows who is coming.

Photo Albums: Share pictures -- weddings, babies, pets, etc.

Chat: Hold a weekly or monthly family chat. Set the date as a regular family event. Save on phone bills.

Build A Family Tree: Build your own family tree and link to extended family's Web sites.

Recipes: Share special family recipes

Maintaining The Site:

Once you set the site up, everyone who visits can help keep it updated. Remember it's password protected, so only those you give the password to can get in. But once they are in, they can add content and your Web site will grow.

Cost:

You could spend hundreds of dollars hiring a company or designer and programmer to create your site. And then you would still need someone to update and maintain it for you. MyFamily.com and FamilyBuzz.com are inexpensive and you have all the control.

MyFamily.com is free to set up and offers a 30-day free trial. If you decide you like it, the fee is $30 a year.

FamilyBuzz.com is $1 a month -- $12 a year. PayPal available.

Ancestry.com offers help on setting up your family tree and searching for long lost relatives.