RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: CaroleW on Wednesday 27 August 08 18:25 BST (UK)
-
Hi
Has anybody else had an email from Ancestry re: their new pricing structure?
The access that you now pay £69.95 for is increasing to £83.40 for the first year but you will get less access. Thank goodness mine was paid earlier this month
Essential Membership
£83.40 a year
Contains key historical records - including UK Census records 1841-1901, World War One military record collection and more. However, it will no longer include Parish and Probate records, selected new records releases and Irish records
If I am reading it correctly - if you want all that you have now for £69.95 plus perhaps a little more - it will then be classed as "Premium" Membership for which you will pay £83.40 for the first year as a discounted concession, but from the second year it will be £107.40
Premium Membership £107.40
£83.40 for your first year
Access all the records featured in Essentials, as well as new and existing Parish and Probate records, Irish records and selected new record releases.
-
Hmmmmm. Are these prices before or after VAT?
Not happy
K.
-
That will be the actual price you pay so includes VAT
-
Hi Carole, I received my renewal notice in July for annual UK membership for 79.95, just got my statement and 83.40 has been taken from my account, and while using ancestry a lot last weekend, now find I'm paying more for much less access! The only email I've had was my renewal notice, have never had anything to inform of any changes!! It keeps trying to make me choose a new package before accessing records but I don't trust them to not to take the whole payment out again, not just an 'upgrade', anyone else done this successfully??Not very happy to say the least!! :'(
-
Hmmm, me thinks I'll be failing to renew my membership and be using Ancestry free at work far more often now...thank heavens for free access in the libraries!
-
Here's what they just sent me.......
Thank you for your continued membership of Ancestry.co.uk.
This is a courtesy e-mail to remind you that your Ancestry.co.uk membership will be automatically renewed on 14 September, 2008.
We're confident that you're making the most of our unrivalled family history record collections as well as our extensive family tree building tools. To continue your membership no further action will be required on your part.
Your membership to be renewed is as follows:
U.K. UKI Records Collection Subscription (Billed Annually) Total cost £69.95
And two days later
Your new membership:
As you are a valued customer of Ancestry, when the time comes for your membership to renew, we will transfer you to our new Premium Membership at the specially discounted Essentials Membership rate of £83.40* for your first year. The payment will be taken automatically through your normal payment method, so you needn't do anything further.
After this introductory first year, your Premium Membership will continue at the advertised price, which is presently £107.40* a year. Or, of course, you can choose to change your membership.
We are confident that you will agree this still offers excellent value,
A very crafty way of putting the price up methinks...but it does look as though I still have access to all that I had before.
Suey
-
Thanks Suey, I agree, very crafty! I didn't get the second email or the offer. have emailed them to express my displeasure at the changes! I was in two minds to renew anyway as I can also access free at the library, but it's easier to browse at home, and I tend to use it most when the libraries are closed, but I think I'll be cancelling next time, too late for this year. will let you all know IF I get any response.....
-
23p per day at that new rate !
why are they being crafty, I must have missed something - perhaps cos my renewal is in March ?
The Library offer Ancestry access - wonder who pays for that then ?
Lets see a few more lookups being done during opening hours :P
-
Hi Suey
The way I read it was that Essentials Membership (ie) the one we presently pay £69.95 a year for will increase to £83.40 BUT with less in the package than now.
However - they are also introducing a Premium package which would normally cost £107.40 but is being offered on an automatic trial basis to existing members at the discounted rate of £83.40 for this year only.
When you renew next year - Essentials will cost you £83.40 but if you stay on the Premium it will cost you £107.40
I think the "upgrade offer" is in the hope that you will stay with the Premium package and pay the full whack next year
-
My Ancestry,costs 79.95 for a uk membership at the moment and runs out later this month.Looks like I`ll be ending my membership.Do you have to give set time before you cancel?What are the prices like at FindMyPast etc?
Steve
-
I expect they are shown on their website ...... :)
-
Correct! ;D
-
Hi Steve
Just a warning about your Ancestry sub. Although I specifically asked Ancestry not to automatically renew my sub - for the first 3 years of my membership they just deducted from my credit card without even contacting me.
The only time they contacted me was when my credit card expiry date was before my renewal date.
I renewed in August - at least Ancestry renewed for me as again, no prior contact to check with me first!!
I am about to alter my details to show an earlier credit card expiry date so they will not be able to do it next year
I have also been looking at Find My Past as an alternative but will wait until next year to check for any increases there.
I appreciate this may not happen to everybody but once they have your money - no refund if you cancel
-
If you want to cancel, contact your bank and stop the order. Ancestry might, um... forget.... :o
meles
-
got me thinking there, sure I've never been asked for new details since joining ancestry, and have definitely had a new card since joining...... so I just went on and checked my details, they have my card expiry as 07/2007 ??? they have still debited it without asking me for updated details, and the card company accepted it.... hmm, think I'll try changing ALL the card details before next years renewal!
-
I`ve just lost my credit card,and had a new one with a different number,guess that`ll cancel my subscription for me?
Steve
-
Mmmm - I rather doubt it! ;)
meles
-
It should as his new card has a different number than his old one which I think is the case in all cards that replace lost/stolen ones.
My credit card was used fraudulently last year (never left my possession - internet fraud) and when I got a new one it had a different number and also a different 3 digit security code.
I'll put money on it that his credit card company have a stop on his old number so will not allow transactions against it that take place after the card is reported lost
-
They have already informed me that all transactions with the old number will be stopped,and I should inform all relevant companies,bank,insurers etc that the card is no longer valid.I must remember to inform Ancestry. ;)
-
I must remmeber to inform Ancestry
But don't give them your new number or else-------(unless you intend to renew with them)
-
I have been a member of ancestry for nearly a year and is up for renewal next month, I am very tempted not to renew and go to Find My Past, membership £89.95 for the full works. I have used it on and off with credits and have been most impressed. :-\
-
The Library offer Ancestry access - wonder who pays for that then ?
]
No idea how it's funded elsewhere, but here in Wales the Welsh Assembly pays for access to Ancestry's Library Edition for all libraries and record offices. I imagine elsewhere (assuming the government doesn't pay for it) that it comes out of your local library services' budget for the year.
In short, the taxpayer...and really as a taxpayer and a librarian, I feel it's money well spent. Without it and other computer/internet facilities, libraries would have problems getting enough visitors to stay open these days.
-
as I said, lets hope that people put it to good use for research ..... otherwise its too easy to come here and ask for lookups from those who pay their own subscriptions ... :)
-
Hi
otherwise its too easy to come here and ask for lookups from those who pay their own subscriptions
I completely agree. There is an increasing number of people posting lookup after lookup request.
I am only referring to census and BMD lookup requests in these comments - stuff they can do themselves at the library. I realise that parish record lookups are an entirely different kettle of fish.
Whilst it is always nice to give somebody a start to their research, with some, it seems to be developing into a "much wants more" culture and they will post numerous lookup requests rather than take themselves off to their library and look it up themselves.
I appreciate that some people have disabilities or are housebound but I think that covers the minority rather than the majority
Before anybody jumps in - I also realise that it is entirely up to us whether we help or not and in that respect, there are certain "regulars" who I now ignore. In particular, those who are engaged in one name studies. I see that as more of a hobby than serious research and feel they should either buy their own subscription or use their library
No doubt this will now attract lots of other comments - both for and against!!
-
Hi
I was not aware that you could access Ancestry through the library, it is certainly not something that is advertised in any way.
Our library is very small and you have to pay for computer use. If it is available, then with school terms starting again I might find time to pop in for an hour and make the most of it, i'm just not sure it would be any cheaper to do that than pay for credits on SP for census records ( which is all i'm likely to want it for).
Is this something that is likely to be done on a county basis? In which case I don't stand a chance...
Kirsty
-
Hi
Without knowing what your library charges, it's difficult to compare costs.
SP charges £6 for 30 downloads over a 90 day period starting on the day you pay
-
very well put CaroleW - agree with the emphasis on the 'One Name' research - I asked the chap who researches an Irish name if he had registered the name with the Guild of One Name Studies - and he'd never heard of it !
-
Hi
Is this something that is likely to be done on a county basis? In which case I don't stand a chance...
Kirsty
you don't know until you ask..
http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=5025&query=Ancestry&hiword=Ancestry
Pauline
-
Thanks for that link. My local library website doesn't have any of that information as technically it's a different council area. Good to know for the future.
Kirsty
-
I dont think my local libary does it.
Will check soon.
-
I completely agree. There is an increasing number of people posting lookup after lookup request.
I am only referring to census and BMD lookup requests in these comments - stuff they can do themselves at the library. I realise that parish record lookups are an entirely different kettle of fish.
Whilst it is always nice to give somebody a start to their research, with some, it seems to be developing into a "much wants more" culture and they will post numerous lookup requests rather than take themselves off to their library and look it up themselves....
I appreciate that some people have disabilities or are housebound but I think that covers the minority rather than the majority
No doubt this will now attract lots of other comments - both for and against!!
I'm alway happy to help newcomers here, but there are some who are constantly seeking lookups. Either their trees are gigantic or they are taking the pi.... Well, I think they should pay for their research.
meles
-
Ricky - I will follow your advice.
meles
-
think that goes without saying - but its not the point really is it ?
ADDED: this was in response to Ricky's post.
-
Hiya all
I pay for Ancestry monthly and it was £9.99 - it went up a pound three months ago and they didn't even have the curtesty to notify me it was going up
They havent said what will be available to me when the new prices come in for everyone else either (soz just noticed they have said I will get the Essentials Membership after the 2nd)
Willow x
-
dont disagree with that Ricky ! - but its not the point that was raised later :)
-
Hi Ricky
I think we all agree that prices for everything are increasing.
However - Ancestry are actually now going to charge more subscription but withdraw some of the parts we presently get. Please see my initial post on that subject
Those of us who have current subscriptions cannot get a refund if we decide to cancel so what we are looking at is whether to continue with Ancestry when our sub expires or go with another site (eg) Find My Past
What Newsfer and myself and others are saying, is that there is an increasing number of users of this board who will post numerous lookup requests rather than use the Ancestry access at their library - or pay for it themselves. In other words - we pay but they gain!!
I think most of us who are regular helpers on Rootschat are aware of the main culprits and we do boycott them as you recommend. Unfortunately - somebody else then comes along and does it for them so they continue posting and the situation perpetuates
-
I consider myself repremanded Newfster - nay, slapped down. :-\
But my point was - there are at least a couple of people on this site that seek (free) info from us and it is clear they are using it for commercial gain.
meles
-
Meles dear chap, I wasnt reprimanding anyone, just gently pointing out to Ricky that the point was being missed.
Interesting in what you say about commercial gain - do the site admin / owners know, thats bad news !
Carole - as ever, most succinct !
:)
-
Hi
and it is clear they are using it for commercial gain.
Perhaps the moderator should be advised in these cases. I have also had my suspicions about some posts but have no proof
-
But surely if someone were asking for information for their personal financial gain, any person offering/doing lookups has the right to know that, and should be able to take an informed decision as to whether to assist.
And of course, we would be in breach of the terms of use of some resources (freebmd) if it were used for commercial gain.
Pauline
-
Meles dear chap, I wasnt reprimanding anyone, just gently pointing out to Ricky that the point was being missed.
I was clearly being too sensitive. My apologies, Newfster.
meles
-
Meles, apology not necessary - no problem.
Ricky - you betcha !
-
What no one has mentioned also is that the price of subscription to Ancestry has risen due to the fall in value of the Pound to the Dollar.
Regards
William Russell Jones
Cefn Mawr
Wrexham.
-
ahhh but the pound went up before it went down... and its still high against the dollar.
Don't know how many of you have seen the 2 new databases that have crept in... probably part of the selected "not included new" - still a very long way from complete but the reasoning behind the basic and premium UK packages
England & Wales Christening Records, 1530-1906 - New!
England & Wales Marriages, 1538-1940 - New!
I've got WW for a short while but someone else I know can't search them as it tells her to up her subs >:(
Jenny
-
What Newsfer and myself and others are saying, is that there is an increasing number of users of this board who will post numerous lookup requests rather than use the Ancestry access at their library - or pay for it themselves. In other words - we pay but they gain!!
I think most of us who are regular helpers on Rootschat are aware of the main culprits and we do boycott them as you recommend. Unfortunately - somebody else then comes along and does it for them so they continue posting and the situation perpetuates
That probably explains some of the rather blunt replies I've seen recently when people have requested look ups, such as "If you look on the 1881 census on Ancestry you'll find what you want to know" etc. In fact CaroleW sent me a PM advising about such a request - thanks again for the info Carole. ;D
Slightly off topic - What I find a bit surprising, is when I ask for information about say a landmark in a particular town, which I can't find out about other than by visiting or asking someone who lives in the area, and I get no response. Fortunately, it doesn't happen often, but when it does I am slightly taken aback. That kind of local knowledge doesn't cost anyone anything and I've usually searched thoroughly on the internet before I requested the information. Happily today, I got lots of information about a town I was asking about.
Don't know how many of you have seen the 2 new databases that have crept in..
No not noticed those Jenny, I'll have a look tomorrow.
Lizzie
-
Hi,
well I think the price for my sub is the same. The new package which they are putting me on is called "UK heritage" ( I'm currently on the UK & Ireland Records Collection sub) -They are putting me on The " UK heritage " package because I live in Australia and they are giving me access to Aus records on top of the uk records.
Apparently I do not have a choice to the UK heritage package upgrade thing if I want to renew my "normal" sub . Anyway, the price is $149.95 au - they are billing me in au dollars this time ( which is around about 75 pounds give or take a few pounds).
my last sub was around 70 pounds , around the $140's au mark that they charged* if I recall( *I'll have to go through bank statements, or my emails to get the exact price)
When my renewal is up ( NOV) and If I do discover that there is a big increase,I will be cancelling my sub (I've been a member since 2004 with them), but my latest news email from them apparently says I will be billed $149.95 for my renewal which I really don't think is an increase for me.
One thing that really irks me with ancestry, surely they should have loyalty rewards ? For example each year they should offer current members a little bit of a discount for the next year and so on - not an increase. Loyalty, I don't think they know the meaning of the word.
Kind Regards:)
-
Dont forget some people on here carnt get to a library, and if its anything like the one close to me, you have no chance of getting on the computers.
Any library worth it's salt should allow you to book a computer session in advance for when suits you, especially if they have a reference department. If they don't, then that's frankly disgraceful...and so is charging for computer use. We're meant to be providing a service and delivering what people want, and in the modern world that's computer and Internet use!
-
With this increases does anyone use Find MY Past or Family Relatives?I might change to one of these and woukd be interested to hear from anyone who knows or has experience of these sites,
Ringrose
-
Hi
FindMyPast is a very good site at a good price but does not have the 1851 census. Also - the 1901 census is still incomplete
I seriously considered joining FindMyPast but the lack of those 2 censuses was the reason I renewed with Ancestry.
I don't know anything about Family Relatives
-
My renewal just came through for ancestry and I have to say I have cancelled it. To be honest I can't afford the one off payment, although I am missing the ease of the 'one stop shop' for most stuff. I do most of my searching post libraray hours but maybe I will have to change some habits as they say. I may have a look into the othe sites you have all talked about as it is so frustrating to have a burning question which you can't check out there and then!
I have to also comment that when I first found ancestry there was quite a bit you could look at for free and it was also really clear what that was. That appears to have changed too and you can see virtually nothing without the subscription.
Anyway, now my moan is done with for the day I shall get on with some searching!
Claire
-
Claire if you cant afford the one off payment go for the monthly one like I did
Its also easier to stop if you want to change
I'll go for FindMyPast once they have a bit more stuff online but really wish they would do a decent monthly subscription. PPV is a bit too limiting and I'm afraid no one will be getting look ups if I go that way
Willow x
-
Hiya Ricky
Yes I use the monthy at least it stops me getting bank charges because I forgot to leave the money in for the yearly fee lol ;D
Willow x
-
I use the 3 monthly one ;D
KHP ;D
-
I use the 3 monthly one ;D
KHP ;D
thats cos your posh ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
I use the 3 monthly one ;D
KHP ;D
thats cos your posh ;D ;D ;D ;D
So them of us wot pays fer a year must be bloomin' Royalty ! ;D ;D
Say's I hiding the credit card bill from hubby ;)
-
So them of us wot pays fer a year must be bloomin' Royalty !
;D ;D ;D ;D
Hubby checked out the prices first before I was let loose with the credit card and decided that 3 monthly was the best option to go ..... that way money wasn't wasted
KHP ;D
-
The local library got a pain in the neck. I could only get there Saturday afternoons, they only allow one hour slots and it was sooo sloooow.
My subs are due this month, deliberately timed so that the credit card had expired by the time it came up, but looking at some of the earlier posts I'm not so sure. ???
Decisions, decisions ::) ::)
Phil
-
I must be the odd man out. I do take an annual subscription as it is cheaper. Ancestry UK has a lot more local content with more coming alone.
Just this week I have found valuable information from their WWI database and I note that it is being updated all the time.
Like many others I have no interest in the American databases but that does not perturb me.
Most of the alternative sites mentioned here are hardly worth the trouble and are either very deficient or very expensive.
A wonderful resource for baby money is the new Forest of Dean Family History site which is a remarkable work in progress. As I have many ancestors from that area I have found it superb with lots and lots of Parish records.
I am sure there are other good local sites around for most areas. One should not rely on only one source of genealogical data.
-
Not many hobbies that are as cheap IMHO.
-
A wonderful resource for baby money is the new Forest of Dean Family History site which is a remarkable work in progress. As I have many ancestors from that area I have found it superb with lots and lots of Parish records.
I agree with you Hack - but it's free! (Donations welcome I believe)
Kind regards, Arranroots ;)
-
I'll go for FindMyPast once they have a bit more stuff online but really wish they would do a decent monthly subscription. PPV is a bit too limiting.
Hear hear. I emailed them and asked them why they don't offer a monthly sub option. They replied saying they had no plans to introduce a direct debit option (which I hadn't mentioned at all, grrrr).
When I finally got a reply to the question I'd asked, it was again "no plans to introduce" a monthly option. Very disappointing. I have used credits as I had some free with my Family Historian package, but I was appalled at how many can be used up on a single look up. I lost a good few when pages failed to load properly as well. Not impressed.
-
I’m in the process of deciding which site to subscribe to as I must knuckle down and sort out this Family Tree of mine. I feel a bit wary of Ancestry – they seem to be everywhere and advertise a great deal. I notice that FindMyPast state on their website that if and when you renew an “Explorer” or “Discover” before the renewal date expires there is (currently) a 20% “Loyalty” discount – interesting for the future. The site that seems to “click all the right boxes” for me is The Genealogist – but haven’t seen this one mentioned on here.
Any comments/views please?
Thanks
John
-
Having read your post I went on line. They have a free trial which doesn't include adding any bank details/credit card details. It is a bit wooly about what you will be able to view and what you need credits for. However, as I was 'homeless' I have taken the plunge and will see what it is like. I have received my code and entered it and obviously they try and sell you their subscription straight away. I am ignoring that bit and will let you know what it is like.
Claire
-
"They replied saying they had no plans to introduce a direct debit option (which I hadn't mentioned at all, grrrr)".
Just a mild query - how else could they offer a monthly sub unless by Direct Debit?
-
Mmmmmmm not too impressed and only been on it for 5 mins. It gave you 10 free credits and gave the impression that searching was free. Tried to locate someone on a census - who I know is on a census I just need some extra info and it says they are not there. I tried a range of spellings etc and then realised they had taken 5 credits away.!!!
Claire
PS now am very dubious
-
"They replied saying they had no plans to introduce a direct debit option (which I hadn't mentioned at all, grrrr)".
Just a mild query - how else could they offer a monthly sub unless by Direct Debit?
The same way you pay them for anything - online credit card payment, cheque in the post, whatever. I'm talking about paying for one month's access, not a year's sub paid monthly. Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I did spell out what I meant in my email to them.
Claire31, which site are you looking at, is it The Genealogist?
-
Yes sorry I was looking at The Genealogist as mentioned by The Musicman. It si incredibly vague as to how it works or I am just not getting it. It could be either at the moment. The only consolation is the credits costs me nothing and they only have my email address, so I guess the worst they can do is send me lots of annoying emails???????? Maybe I am being naive!!!
I may try it again today and see if anything works without removing credits!
Claire
-
I seem to recall the same thing happening to me when I tried The Genealogist.
It's odd that Ancestry appear to be alienating customers with increased charges and reduced services just when FindMyPast looks to be on the up and up in popularity.
This is the time they should be reversing their policy - reduced charges and increased services!
Selina
-
I have just had another bash at the Genealogist. Credits have gone and I have learnt nothing and I don't think I can find anything else out without new credits. The BMD are just the same as everyone else. The census is a pain, they want you to choose a county first, so if you have lost a relative you could be there for a while. It doesn't give you enough info to make an informed decision about which to pay to look at. So you can see surname and age, but not area, male/female. I think it talks a good talk but you would lose alot if you did it on credits and spend a lot of time messing on a full subscription. In addition to that, I lost credits through pages not loading, did someone say that happened to them on other credit based sites?? All in all I wasn't impressed. I am going to spend my life in the library instead!
Claire
-
About a month after I renewed my annual Ancestry World Membership, I purchased a copy of FTM 2008 which had 6 months free subscription, so it topped up my membership for another 6 months. So, I'm fully paid up until September 2009 ! ;D
-
I used to have an unlimited annual membership for the Genealogist at the time when 1841 had just come online but not yet on Ancestry. Credits are just not worth it!
It is also very good for BMD Index search and no missing pages like Ancestry, you can zip through the trawl easily.
It doesn't have 1881 census but it does have the others. Searching is done by county so could take longer but you can also search by street or add occupation. The result list has occupation so you can filter quicker if your person had a defined occupation. I often found my person in the Genealogist which had been poorly transcribed or even missing in Ancestry
In the end, it wasn't worth having 2 subs one for Ancestry and one for the Genealogist but I liked both of them. Parishes are not worth it and other small databases they have - never found a sausage in there. As I had done my major BMD work, I opted to stay with Ancestry for Censuses and other databases.
Jenny
-
pretty much the conclusion I reached - plus Genealogist struck me as over-heavy in useage conditions and also somewhat arrogant.
-
Dont want to brag.but last year when my subs were due I rang them and gave a code with 20% discount which they gave me this year I got an email before my renewel
Dear ISOBEL,
Thank you for your continued membership of Ancestry.co.uk.
This is a courtesy e-mail to remind you that your Ancestry.co.uk membership will be automatically renewed on 10 August, 2008.
We're confident that you're making the most of our unrivalled family history record collections as well as our extensive family tree building tools. To continue your membership no further action will be required on your part.
Your membership to be renewed is as follows:
Annual UK Membership
Total cost: £55.96
-
To Claire – thank you so much for reporting on how you got on with the “trial” you did with the Genealogist site – it’s very much appreciated (though it sounds rather frustrating!). Thanks also to Selina, Jenny and Newfster for your views. I think it’s going to be between “Ancestry” and “findmypast”! Will go to the Library in a few days (a bit of a struggle as it’s a 5 minute walk from here!) and try Ancestry and see how I get on with it.
Once again, my thanks for the input.
John
-
Interesting to read the various reactions to the increase. I seem to be the only U.S. person on this thread, and just got my notice of renewal. I haven't a clue what the "old" price was as I've used Ancestry for what seems forever and find it so nice to be able to sit comfortably at home and wander through all those wonderful databases. The county library here has computers, but limited time and always busy, and the LDS church library is just far enough away that I'd rather do my research at home. It does have a subscription, however, (actually I think it's got two, with the local genealogical society paying for one in return for using their facilities for our meetings.)
I haven't used their computers much, but do order films to be used on their film readers, particularly old parish records in England. Otherwise, it means a trip to Los Angeles to the big library there, at least a 2-hour drive through usually heavy traffic......hence my use of the local one.
Ancestry is my one "vice", and I stopped worrying about the price long ago......I count it as offsetting travel costs and time wasted along the road! I really would like another trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, though, where the library has countless books and films and CDs and lots of helpful volunteers to head me in the right direction. If any of you are near enough to an LDS library, do take advantage of it......all free to all researchers, and willing and able assistance with a smile.
Margo
-
I'm staying with Ancestry for now. I've had my sub for three years (I think :-\ could be longer) and this is the first time the price has gone up. Working on the basis of three years it works out at an increase of £4.48 per year. I too have wasted far more than that on pay per view and buying credits from other sites.
This is the time they should be reversing their policy - reduced charges and increased services!
...and pigs might fly ;D I guess at the end of the day we all want a bit more for a bit less but real life ain't like that!
Suey
-
I'm wondering how many people who are complaining about the increased fee from ancestry have tried the ancestry press feature. You can put together multiple book projects of up to 250 pages which can be printed on your own computer/printer without obligation to use their publication service.
I don't know if this is included in basic membership - I was lucky enough to renew recently just prior to the change in pricing structure. But it seems to me that this is excellent value for money as are all the WW1 records that are now available.
So despite their inaccuracies, arrogance and billing methods etc. I still think they offer the best bang for the buck in a very innovative package.
-
Perhaps I need to start a new thread now, but further to the post from Margo I was wondering what information I may find at a LDS site. I live just a very short drive from a LDS site in Crawley, West Sussex and wonder if perhaps I should go along and make use of it. Is there any real benefit from visiting or can I source the same indexes and databases from other places just as easy?
Steve
-
I know when my parents began their family research several years ago they used a LDS site quite frequently. They found them very helpful and found alot of data. However, I couldn't tell you for certain if with the advances in online research, how much is now available from home computors which wasn't availabe when they began. I suspect what you do get is people who can help and know the databases.
Claire
-
The LDS libraries have (or can get on loan) many films that you won't find on any database, like early parish records. I got several on loan at our local small library and discovered the parents and grandparents of my g-g-grandfather, Joseph Bradfield. I thought he was born in one parish and found he actually was from the next one over. I'd learned that by accident from a CD of West Yorkshire parishes that didn't have either of those parishes, but did have a William Bradfield married in still another parish and listed as from that "next one over"; rather a round about way to find the family, but with the films from all three parishes, I found it to be the right one.
That gave me Joseph's grandmother's name, and thus another line of ancestors to track down, way back to the middle 1500s. Now that was really knocking down a brick wall!
The libraries also have books and CDs which can be helpful, but those volunteers can sometimes be really experts, especially in the larger libraries. They can show you how to find things you'd never locate on your own, so yes, I believe it's well worth it to go to one. And they will never ask you whether you belong to their church before they offer assistance...........all researchers are welcome.
-
I cancelled my Ancestry sub a month or so ago because of the price increase, this was before this thread had started and thus more information came to light up what they are doing. After paying £69 for one year they wanted £83 for the next year which I am not going to pay especially as it looks like that will now rise to over a £100 for the following year. Add to this that there seems to be less records available unless you stump up the cash. Ancestry seem to want to alienate customers and at a time where they have more competition it is surprising that they are doing this.
-
pretty much the conclusion I reached - plus Genealogist struck me as over-heavy in useage conditions and also somewhat arrogant.
Yes. The last time I loooked, you could only use it on one PC. I have three different PCs that I use, so it would be no good for me at all.
-
Like Isobel, I had a 20% discount (about 3 years ago I think) and it's been renewed at the same rate twice since. Let's see what happens with the new pricing structure when it's renewed next March.
Diana
-
Hi
My local LDS in the UK used to have Library edition of Ancestry, but Ancestry changed it to Institution Edition which means you can't see UK census copies ??? Don't think my local library has full access either, and it's so much nicer from home, so I am currently weighing up the options on what to subscribe to so thanks everybody for their feedback.
Rosie
-
Reply to Tsu
I use my subscription on loads of PCs at work at home were ever I go with no problems at all
Isy :)
-
....Don't know how many of you have seen the 2 new databases that have crept in... probably part of the selected "not included new" - still a very long way from complete but the reasoning behind the basic and premium UK packages
England & Wales Christening Records, 1530-1906 - New!
England & Wales Marriages, 1538-1940 - New! .....
Jenny
I had access to these as part of my standard subscription, then found i had to upgrade a few days later, I dont remember getting a mail saying they were changing their pricing structure. Not happy at all, it was very sneaky & underhand.
Pete
-
further to my posts earlier in this thread, this was reply I got when i queried my lack of notification re price/package changes....
"Thank you for your email.
I apologize as we wanted all customers to know of the changes that were coming. We sent out emails detailing all the changes as they occurred. I sounds like our emails were put in spam or junk mail or blocked entirely. We split the membership as the older records are more expensive to get access to and digitize to make available online. This makes it so only those who will use the records pay the price for it. Call us at the free UK number 0-800-404-9723 M-F 9am-7pm, S 9am-5pm GMT if you need further assistance on this issue.
Kind regards,
Nathaniel
Member Solutions
Ancestry.co.uk
http://ancestryuk.custhelp.com/"
didn't answer the questions I'd actually asked, and I definitely wasn't emailed, checked all spam, junk, deleted messages etc just in case, nothing! can kind of understand restricting access to new record sets, but to remove access to some of those already digitised and previously included? good customer care there........ :(
Acorna.
-
A few days ago I at last discovered my "Cook" connection on the 1851 Census , mistranscrbed as "Tack"
I corrected all eight names and today recieved 8 messages from Ancestry.com .thanking me etc.etc.
I'm tempted to ask for a rebate for doing their work for them!!
Spring
-
I corrected all eight names and today recieved 8 messages from Ancestry.com .thanking me etc.etc.
I'm tempted to ask for a rebate for doing their work for them!!
Spring
I thought the same thing about asking for a rebate for doing their work, I must have done over a hundred by now ::)
I always receive emails in confirmation of them, so what happened to my Email about an increase in the fee's ???
Ambers
-
I too had a UKI Collection subscription.
There was no correspondence to say my subscription had been changed to UK Essentials despite having paid for a UKI Collection subscription until 2009.
Over the past week or so I've had a long e-mail dialogue with Ancestry UK support arguing about the lack of definition of the UKI Collection, UK Essentials and UK Premium - there is nothing on the web site indicating what databases are covered under each category (and nothing for UKI Collection since it started except the original subscription confirmation indicating it covered all UK and Ireland databases). The definition of Essentials is just
* English and Welsh Birth, Marriage & Death indexes 1837-2005
* UK Census records 1841-1901
* The largest online collection of British World War One military
records
* The British Phone Books and newspaper records
* *And more*
(whatever that means)
The outcome was they finally agreed to upgrade my UKI Collection subscription to UK Premium for the remainder of the original UKI Collection subscription period without any further charge.
It might be worth checking to see whether they did the same for all UKI Collection subscriptions or whether they need prompting to do so!
-
I got my notification e-mail today; no niceties, no offers, just Essentials or Premium at full price. >:(
I've sent my Mr Angry e-mail asking for an explanation, but apparently they are experiencing high volumes of mail and it may take some time to get an answer. ::)
Phil
-
I recently signed up to FindMyPast as my Ancestry and Genes will be ending soon. I have tried FindMyPast before using credits and found it very good, what was of special use was the access to military BMD indexes which I could not find elsewhere. But the census records are limited and you get much better access with Ancestry as far as the census is concerned. I am likely to cancel my Ancestry as it looks like FindMyPast is an up and coming site and should get more content very soon. I will of course keep you updated. :)
-
I sounds like our emails were put in spam or junk mail or blocked entirely.
That's funny. I never received anything about the change in price structure, but they were quick enough to email about how I hadn't updated my credit card details when I received my new credit card...and then were quick enough to cancel my subscription, despite having followed their instructions to make sure it wasn't canceled to the letter!! ::)
-
I recently signed up to FindMyPast as my Ancestry and Genes will be ending soon. I have tried FindMyPast before using credits and found it very good, what was of special use was the access to military BMD indexes which I could not find elsewhere. But the census records are limited and you get much better access with Ancestry as far as the census is concerned. I am likely to cancel my Ancestry as it looks like FindMyPast is an up and coming site and should get more content very soon. I will of course keep you updated. :)
There's no way that I'm cancelling Ancestry with the London Parish records, Poor Law documents and London school admissions coming online in 2009 - see here (http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_culture/Records_and_archives/Ancestry+digitisation.htm) for details.
-
There's no way that I'm cancelling Ancestry with the London Parish records, Poor Law documents and London school admissions coming online in 2009 - see here (http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_culture/Records_and_archives/Ancestry+digitisation.htm) for details.
I've never had a subscription with any site - I've just used credits at FindMyPast or bought pay-per-view at Ancestry two or three times a year, but I'm very interested in the London records, and reckon I'll have to have a subscription for them.
Carole
-
If you want the London records you should read DAwnsh comments on this thread first http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,329027.0.html
They will not be as good as you were hoping
Sylviaann
-
If you want the London records you should read DAwnsh comments on this thread first http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,329027.0.html
They will not be as good as you were hoping
Sylviaann
Well they'll still be useful - and I'll give them a pay-per-view go first!
Carole
-
Some of us are still waiting for them to complete the military records.
The medal index cards are far from complete and I don't think many people on the Armed Forces board are convinced that the service records are going to be complete by the end of the year as promised.
Phil
-
My basic sub. runs until February next.
When I received the notification,I found that I was being blocked and asked to upgrade for some of the data bases, such as parish records, etc. ,Which I ignored.
I have just trawled through many of the data bases and again have access to all that I had before!
Checked my Credit Card and nothing has been debited, so perhaps for the time being they have had to review their legal obligations regarding contracts!
Spring
-
If you want the London records you should read DAwnsh comments on this thread first http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,329027.0.html
They will not be as good as you were hoping
Sylviaann
Oh, I think that anyone involved in ancestry research will have realised by now that nothing happens fast :)
My main concern about waiting until 2012 is whether I'll live that long ;D
-
When I received the notification,I found that I was being blocked and asked to upgrade for some of the data bases, such as parish records, etc. ,Which I ignored.
I have just trawled through many of the data bases and again have access to all that I had before!
haven't been on ancestry this week, just tried and found the same, it's stopped trying to make me upgrade every time and I seem to have full access again, hurray!
-
Those of us who have current subscriptions cannot get a refund if we decide to cancel so what we are looking at is whether to continue with Ancestry when our sub expires or go with another site (eg) Find My Past
What Newsfer and myself and others are saying, is that there is an increasing number of users of this board who will post numerous lookup requests rather than use the Ancestry access at their library - or pay for it themselves. In other words - we pay but they gain!!
If findmypast had the complete censuses on, then I think I'd be sorely tempted to move. Though I have made quite a few really useful contacts through Ancestry, so I'm sort of loathe to ditch it completely. One thing I find really annoying is that findmypast have the (well, a fairly limited set of) records of those emigrating from the UK, but ancestry have the immigrants into the USA - so if I wanted to follow a person across the Atlantic, I'd need the two sites!
Does anyone know if there's a comparison anywhere as to what the various genealogy sites like ancestry, findmypast and other smaller names offer? It would be really useful to see it all in one place in a clear table.
The issue of asking for lookups here is an interesting one, as I'm on both sides of the fence: if something catches my eye that I can help with, I will. But I don't have ancestry's full world subscription, so I've asked here for help with US censuses, bmd and immigration for some, and use pay per view for others (usually the closer relatives). It's unfortunate that Ancestry's US census indexes really don't give enough information to know you've got the right one as ppv starts to become expensive, when it's a common name - that's when it's nice to know a rootschatter might be able to help.
-
Don't know how many of you have seen the 2 new databases that have crept in... probably part of the selected "not included new" - still a very long way from complete but the reasoning behind the basic and premium UK packages
England & Wales Christening Records, 1530-1906 - New!
England & Wales Marriages, 1538-1940 - New!
I've found a couple of things on those already. They seem to be the LDS BIVRI (British Isles Vital Records Index?) - what I understand is a sort of extension to the IGI, which has until now only been available on CDs you could buy from the LDS. Probably not too expensive to buy the CDs, but the sheer convenience of having the results pop up along with other results and not having to mess with swapping CDs and learning yet another search interface are all very valuable.
With regard to which site to use over another, I find it annoying that the likes of TNA doesn't have a single partner. Presumably there is a bidding war between ancestry, findmypast (and the other sites, but mainly those two, it seems) for who gets what set of records. Of course ancestry/findmypast/etc then have to put a lot of work of their own in when it comes to indexing them (maybe digitising them too?), but ultimately it must be down to who offers TNA best value.
If anyone could be bothered, it might make an interesting request to make under the Freedom of Information Act - how does TNA decide which partners to work with, and what level of contribution to TNA's funding do those partners make. Need to make it sufficiently vague re funding so they can't use a commercial confidentiality defence.