Genealogy Chat

Thanks Kate, I had read someone was suspended for advertising a website, but I didn't know who. As a small voice of dissent, I'd like to state that I'm pretty happy with the site, and think it's actually good value for money. If there is a problem, it is undoubtedly caused by this site's popularity. A lot of the things we used to get away with - like advertising rivals, giving away Gale Group passwords or free look-ups - always were very naughty, but were generally overlooked. It seems like the honeymoon period is over.

Welcome back Jacqie! I was too busy yesterday to get onboard so missed yr triumphant return. Regarding comments about how site is not as good as it used to be; I am amazed at the lengths many of the board helpers go to to get answers for posted queries. Is it possible that it's case of familiarity breeds contempt? Julian Warner ps just asking - no ulterior motive!

What site have they gone to Nichola? Would youmindsending me a message (might try it when this runs out). Thanks Jacquie

I'm right behind Diane on this one, also who said it was a rumour about the site etc ??? when one of the main men who owns some of g/r has made a statement about it, not only in a mag but somewhere else, then i can assure you its only a matter of time before it changes. that is official. Heather there was a site set up last year and you will find a lot of the older members of g/c on there, so even though most have disappeared from here they are over there if you get me, also some members on here are there as well. LOL. Its true its not the same as it was 3 years ago. :-)

I think the difficulty is the many conflicting pieces of information. There's the article in Your Family Tree, the emails that several members received in relation to the site and then the threads posted by Genes Support. None of them match up and it leaves members feeling very much in the dark. I have other reasons behind my decision to leave the boards. I have a lot going on between now and January and Family History is unfortunately going to have to take a back seat and it seemed pointless to renew a membership I will rarely use in the coming months

I believe somebody on the general board has the option if the boards went. It was being talked about the other week when several members had e mails saying the boards would be closing and things transferred to the connextions site. I am going by the article I read in Your Family Tree. Which included a statement from the chief executive of this company.

Has anyone got the nouse to set up a website of our own if the worse comes to the worse? I so miss people who have left and always had so much to contribute. Im sure they have kept in touch with some people on here. I just wondered with all the experience and knowledge between them, surely it would be possible to set up a similar 'help board'?

But we don't know what is likely to happen. 'IF' they sell the site. And if they do - it may not change all that much. Please don't judge on hearsay, or on fears. If is does change, and charges are made, then we can allow our membership to lapse, meanwhile, I do hope that we can continue helping and supporting each other. I have only been a member for a few months, so I can't comment on what it was like. But it seems that we are already missing those who gave so much. How sad. Anne

I agree. It sounds like they want to turn the site into a one stop shop so the boards will go

This site is a shadow of it's former glory days. I shall not be renewing next year. If the so called sale happens things will I believe drastically change anyway. I really think they will no longer allow look ups etc., if they make it into the site as described by the chief executive in a recent issue of Your Family Tree.

Hear Hear!!! Totally agree, its the People who make this site. Im new here and I have had my faith restored in human nature, thanks to the help and kindness Ive been shown, I have sent of for B/C for family members. I still feel like im learning to walk, and have found it so much easier having someone to hold my hand !

Glad to hear that they can admit mistakes. Welcome back! However, I am so sad that so many of the brilliant'old hands' and not resubscribing to the board. It really is the people on this board which makes GR brilliant. The other info is available anywhere but the amazing help and tenacity by some of the guys on here who have helped me beyond any call of duty, is breathtaking. GR without these people it is just another chat board. All those hundreds, thousands of messages on the Success Board thank GR for their successes. But be honest, GR does nothing but have the website for people to meet on - its the people here who have the energy and knowledge to help other members who make this site special. Be a great shame to see it all fold.

I have been a member for two and a half years now, and I don't think this site is anywhere near as good as it was when I first joined. It has become a daily part of my life, and I've contacted quite a few distant relatives and been given loads of help and information from lots of people. However there are a lot of people who were on the boards every day back then, who have just disappeared this year, and the site is a poorer place without them. My membership runs out at New Year and I must confess I am in two minds whether or not to renew (but I know I'll miss it if I don't). Kath. x

Hi, everyone, I've only been a member for about 3 months. I have found everyone on the site helpful. I have learned a lot, and have been given a good deal of information. I completely enjoy the boards, the wisdom and the wit with the sense of fun. If everyone who has decided to leave, does so, the site - and therefore the members - will be the poorer. I can understand the feelings, but pleeasseeee, think coolly about whether this is the best thing. ever hopeful Anne

Jacquie I would have felt the same, i can just picture it now when you were having a strop and deleting your info, i to would have been just like you. LOL :-) a lot of people are not re-newing, which is a shame as its always the nice helpful ones. Always welcomed over on the other site :-)

Good to see you back! This is one of the reasons that I'm not renewing when my membership is due on Wednesday. They treat well-meaning, helpful, friendly members appallingly, yet the ones who constantly bitch, cause trouble and offend are allowed to get away with it. Makes a mockery of this site Lou

Thanks I've just reloaded my ged file - I deleted it in a strop last Friday. I feel I was unfairly treated my genes and no they haven't added 3 days membership, so I'll see how they treat me between now and August as to if I renew or not (still miffed with them)! I think a month free would have been a fair offer to keep me sweet. I like to contribute to the boards every so often and have received some sound help/advice here over the bestpart of 3 years. Jacquie

Edited. Deleted part. I am pleased you feel you want to be here. Joy

hello welcome back. It should never have happened Claire

Twinkle, I think it is the case from the other day where she posted up a thread recommending a certain genealogy website and was banned from the boards by GR because they thought it was her own website! Kate.