When did Facebook become the best way to keep up with family online vs. e-mail?

Immediately - A lot of my family was already on Facebook and I found them quickly. We don't e-mail nearly as much now.

A little while - It took a while for us to connect (or for them to join), but eventually most started using Facebook.

Still waiting - I communicate with some of my family on Facebook but many are still sending me emails.

What's Facebook?

My family doesn't believe in Face-space, My-book, smart-phones or any of that computer nonsense. We stick to phones that don't offer us suggestions.