RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: Guy Etchells on Wednesday 16 June 10 17:40 BST (UK)
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The new Findmy past offer has been announced
see
http://www.findmypast.co.uk/world-cup.jsp?utm_source=FB&utm_content=160610&utm_campaign=WorldCup160610
Now one has one and a half hours at any time during the period 9am UK time on Friday, June 18 and 9am Saturday, June 19.
That is another generous offer and should alleviate many of the access problems.
Well done Findmypast.
Cheers
Guy
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Ooooh that looks better ;D Perhaps I can tidy up some of those missing 1911 census returns this time. It was so frustrating the first time.
Carole
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Wow, can't wait to be able to get on to the site... Just have to convert to our Canadian time will will not be hard to do..
Thanks for information Guy.
Cheers
Anne
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Ohhh, Roll on Friday! Thanks Guy.
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Oh great,a possible 2 days without getting into findmypast.
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I tried to take advantage of this offer but I couldn't get on the site! :(
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If anyone has not used Findmypast before or was unsuccessful last week I suggest they log in to findmypast today and give the system a try.
Searches on the 1881 census are free so it is the perfect database to try and check you have registered and understand the search techniques.
Note you will be able to search and get the transcribed return only. Not the original image.
Any problems can be ironed out before the free session.
Cheers
Guy
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Note you will be able to search and get the transcribed return only. Not the original image.
I knew it was too good to be true. ;)
I'm still trying to work out whether you can only use the free 90 minute period when:
(a) England are actually playing a football match or
(b) is 90 minutes just the length of time it takes to play a football match and you can use it any time on those specific dates? In which case, how about injury time and extra time so we can bump it up to 2 hours or more?
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There will be no extra time played in England's next two matches as the tournament has not yet reached the knock-out stages. After that it is a possibility, if England have gained enough points to progress - to do so, they must finish first or second in their group.
Hope that helps.
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Does anyone know if the free offer includes the 1911 census, please?
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Note you will be able to search and get the transcribed return only. Not the original image.
I knew it was too good to be true.
I think Guy is referring to the 1881 census which you can experiment on prior to friday to get used to FindMyPast.
I'm still trying to work out whether you can only use the free 90 minute period when:
(a) England are actually playing a football match or
(b) is 90 minutes just the length of time it takes to play a football match and you can use it any time on those specific dates? In which case, how about injury time and extra time so we can bump it up to 2 hours or more?
It looks like you can use the 90 minutes anytime during the 24 hours. What it doesn't make clear is whether its one single session to a maximum of 90 minutes or multiple sessions that total 90 minutes.
Andy
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According to FindMyPast's blog, you have to use the 90 minutes in one go. So if you log on at a busy time, it's no good logging off and trying again later - it will assume you've had your free session.
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Hmm. I can see this becoming even more of a shambles than it was last week. :-\
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I don't see why ??? Instead of everyone having to use the site during a three-hour period, they get 90 minutes at a time of their choice anywhere within a 24 hour period. That's going to spread the load, so while the site probably won't be as fast as usual, it shouldn't come to a near standstill as it did first time. Given the fact that it's going to be used by people all over the world, I can't see that there will be a time when you could be certain that not many people will be using it, but I would certainly expect it to be running at a reasonable speed.
People complain that the big family history sites are just a bunch of money grabbers, but then when they do a free offer like this, they just seem to get swamped with complaints and criticism. I think this is a great offer by FindMyPast, but I honestly couldn't blame them if they didn't offer anything similar again in the future.
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Does anyone know if the free offer includes the 1911 census, please?
Hi Jellis
Yes the 1911 census is included :)
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Thank you!
I might have a go at finding my lost grandma! ;D
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Good Luck :)
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Note you will be able to search and get the transcribed return only. Not the original image.
I knew it was too good to be true. ;)
I'm still trying to work out whether you can only use the free 90 minute period when:
(a) England are actually playing a football match or
(b) is 90 minutes just the length of time it takes to play a football match and you can use it any time on those specific dates? In which case, how about injury time and extra time so we can bump it up to 2 hours or more?
No Downside I was suggesting you try today, before the freebie on Friday.
Findmypast always allow users to download transcripts of the 1881 that is why I suggested using it as a trail.
On Friday when the freebie is in place you will be able to download images from the 1881 census.
I was trying to suggest a method to ensure you did not have problems during your 90 minutes free subscription.
Cheers
Guy
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I think the catch is this, I registered at 10:30 and at 10:33 I had my first bit of spam from FindMyPast for virgin wine bank. Good job I registered using a different email address.
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Do we know if the 1911 site at http://fmpbsol.1911census.co.uk/search/tnaform.aspx?4 is also going to be free? It wasn't last time.
Paul
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I think the catch is this, I registered at 10:30 and at 10:33 I had my first bit of spam from FindMyPast for virgin wine bank. Good job I registered using a different email address.
I don't recall ever having spam from FindMyPast and I have been registered with them for a long time!
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I have been registered with them for years and have not had spam from them.
You did click the box stating you did not want to be contacted by associates didn't you.
Cheers
Guy
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As i live in Australia,i have to go onto FindMyPast in the time frame for free access but if i am already registered will i be able to do it for free.Or do i have to re register using a different email address ect.
Thank...Tim
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I won't be able to get in until the evening. I expect some glitches around 6:00pm but nothing like before.
I would suggest those who have the time, spend it between about 11:00am and 4:00pm unless someone puts up a warning here to say it is "having difficulties".
I plan to come back here to see how it has been during the day before deciding when I start my "time". I'll probably start my searches at about 10:30pm.
Paul
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I have been registered with them for years and have not had spam from them.
It's probably only those that are registering for the free 90 minutes that are getting the spam. It might be a one-off, only time will tell.
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Hi Tim
You should be able to get on by logging in. I did this the first time they had the free offer, but got kicked out. But hoping to stay in this time.
Cheers
Anne
Canada
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Tim.
I was aleady registered (years ago but never did anything with it) but re-registered just to be sure. I think I even used the same email address and password. FindMyPast sent the confirmation email etc.
The deal with the first England match was I think you had free access to FindMyPast while England were playing, so if you live in Australia at about 4.30 am. So I missed that one. ;)
The second match is different. Free access to FindMyPast is available on the whole day of the match from 9am to 9pm on the 18th (Friday). However taking into account the time difference I've estimated that as I live on the East coast of Australia, then free access for me runs from about 6pm on Sat 19th to 6am on Sun 20th. I hope I've got those times right. You are only allowed 90 minutes free access, so set aside a time when you won't have any interruptions.
Someone please let me know if my timing calculations are wrong. :)
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Tim,
It's a 24 hour deal (not 12) :)
any time between 9am UK time on Friday, June 18 and 9am Saturday, June 19
and if you're 9 hours ahead of UK, that's from 6pm Friday to 6pm Saturday
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Does anyone know if the other Census are included? 1841/51 etc?
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Hi goldie61
From the Find My Past.co.uk site:
World Cup widows –
90 minutes free access
If you sign in between 9am on Friday (UK time) and 9am Saturday, you'll become a Full subscriber for 90 minutes – for free!
Cathy
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Tried a bit of a practice run, but all I ever get is "0 results". Even 1881 will only do a street search.
What am I doing wrong.
Peonie
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Tim,
It's a 24 hour deal (not 12) :)
any time between 9am UK time on Friday, June 18 and 9am Saturday, June 19
and if you're 9 hours ahead of UK, that's from 6pm Friday to 6pm Saturday
OK, well I was wrong by 24 hours! :-\ Typical ... I'm rubbish at working out stuff like that.
Good-o, so I know what I'll be doing later this evening. ;D
Thanks morganllan. If I'd relied on myself I'd be most disappointed this time tomorrow ... ;)
I believe they changed it because the site couldn't cope the first time. Morganllan, do you know if you have to use the full 90 minutes in one hit, or can you do some now and some later?
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I'm not getting free access, do you think it's because I signed in at 10 to 9?
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Signed in at 09:00 keeps going to payment options :(
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Peonie, you might be entering too much info. The search is idiosynchratic, if, for example I search 1881 for Frederick G Clennett b 1874 I get "0 results". If I remove just the forename I get 3 results, one of which is Frederick G Clennett. I've no idea why it works like that but the trick seems to be to do a broad search then try and narrow it down by adding more info.
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Can now gain access 8)
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me too :)
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Thanks everyone for the advice
HAPPY HUNTING................Tim
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I have just spent an hour on FindMyPast with no problems whatsoever :D
Annie
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I think the catch is this, I registered at 10:30 and at 10:33 I had my first bit of spam from FindMyPast for virgin wine bank.
Are you sure it's spam - FindMyPast offer a £20 voucher for Virgin Wines when you register.
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Find my Past is working beautifully!
Got on at 6.50pm Sydney Australia time.
Cathy
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Excellent! ;D Off I go! 8)
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Just had my 90 mins free access, NO problems. Last week I couldn't get on. :) :) :)
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I have also just finished a wonderful problem-free 90 mins. Didn't find anything to break down brick walls, but useful, all the same - Thank you, Find My Past :D
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Me too nice and easy this time
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I have just spent my full 90 minutes with no problems. I was amazed - my own internet connection didn't cut off either.
I'll send FindMyPast an email to thank them (I sent them one pointing out last Saturday's problems, so it's only fair).
I'll make out a list of what to look for ready for the next match.
Tofgem
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Thanks angelfish, it worked at the beginning, but towards 60min it was 0 results again. Hope I am luckier next time.
Peonie
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I'll make out a list of what to look for ready for the next match.
Tofgem
Will we get another go next time, do you think?
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I couldn't get on the site last saturday, the new offer is great.
You get 90 minutes free any time between 9am today Fri 18th and 9am Sat 20th, thats UK time.
You need to be registered.
I had a list of 1911s I wanted and have successfullydownloaded them all.
Great offer.
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Perfect I've done all my 1911 census returns and it's just as fast as normal.
I found one interesting occupation which I thought was an odd mixture - Architect and Surgeon - he turned out to be an Architect and Surveyor ::) A lot of the transcription leaves much to be desired.
Carole
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My 90 minutes was trouble free....excellent :) :) :)
Think they deserve thank you emails
mariac
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Very frustrating last week. Managed to get 4 1911's this time , almost trouble free (couple of 0 matches, but worked out in the end).
Very pleased. FindMyPast did a good thing ;D
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It's a bit like being a kid in a sweet shop and deciding what to go for first.
As usual it has thrown up as many queries as it has answered:
1) I have someone who is on the 1911 Canadian census and but who is also on the 1911 British census. Is that a first?
2) A couple I who I thought had two children but they were living with their parents are now claiming that they have no children. So who are the parents of the two children then?
3) Two elederly widows living together as wife and wife in 1911?
It will probably resolve itself in time but for now I am suffering from information overload. :)
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1) I have someone who is on the 1911 Canadian census and but who is also on the 1911 British census. Is that a first?
Canadian one was 1st June. English one 2nd April. So Possible.
3) Two elederly widows living together as wife and wife in 1911?
Maybe they still considered themselves wives of their dead husband's?
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My mother who registered for FindMyPast yesterday has been unable to obtain the free access for 90 minutes as advertised. Very annoying. >:(
Nigel
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Does anyone know if the other Census are included? 1841/51 etc?
The whole site is free.
Last Saturday I was able to get on and was expecting it to be slow so didn't mind as they gave access for 3 hours.
This time they've reduced that to 90 minutes.
Personally I'd rather take the slow loading times and have the full 3 hours freeness.
Carole
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Not been on today yet.
BUT - did you know that from 1 July, FindMyPast are simplyfing the charges for pay as you go searches. This means increasing the amount of credits needed to view records. eg BMD result increases from 1 to 5 credits. :o
Now I may be cynical, but offering free 1911 access may reel some in to purchasing credits for future use. Might not seem such a bargain when price goes up.
My 204 remaining credits expire next Jan. Will run out a bit quicker now.
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Just done my 90 minutes - it seemed to slow up near the end - whether this was because the system was slowing or because these were the ones that didn't want to be found I can't tell. I was purely doing 1911 as have a sub without this. I got all bar a few that are either too common a name combination or are too well hidden - I'll have another go on the standalone site before next week's match.
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Canadian one was 1st June. English one 2nd April. So Possible.
Hi Ann
The person was in Canada but returned to the UK - so the mystery deepens.
I think a transciber made a mistake with one of the widows status. They were not related and they both living on independent means so mayne the transcriber didn't know what else to put?
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Personally I'd rather take the slow loading times and have the full 3 hours freeness.
Because everybody seems to be spreading the load the speed was quite whizzy, and I managed to get double what I got during the three hours last week.
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Did my 90 minutes from 12 til 1.30 and it was lovely only one sluggish blip near the end. Could have done with longer though! Thank you FindMyPast. Getting a list ready for next Wednesday.
One comment from my son " did I have a 15 minute break at half time?" ;D Definitely NOT ::)
SS
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Getting a list ready for next Wednesday.
Ohh is that the next one? Great. Thanks, will start getting list together! ;D
Downside:
The person was in Canada but returned to the UK - so the mystery deepens
I'm sure they do it deliberately, just to keep us interested >:(
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Just in case you hadn't heard, every time England play in the World cup you can view all records for free on Findmypast.
You have to register before midnight the day before the match (if you're already with them you don't have to do this)
You can then sign in any time in the 24hrs from 9am on the match day &
once you have signed in you will have 90 minutes to search and view the records for free.
Annie
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So they've changed the rules from the last match then...not 3 hours as it was before for the duration of the match, but an hour and a half, any time today. here's hoping there will be better access then today! ;D ;D
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Many Thanks to FindMyPast.
Sooooo much better than last time, - I didn't get timed out at all!
I've still got one left that I would like to do a further search for...& so fingers crossed that this isn't the last football freebie ;D ;D
Romilly :)
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well, thats todays rules anyway ;D
no doubt they'll change again for the next one ::)
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I'm not complaining! ;D ;D 90 mins free is still free...and at least this time, the window is bigger, and will help to prevent the site crashing like it did last week! ::)
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I may be exempt as sometime I remain signed in. That must mean my 90 minutes was up this morning.
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Just had my 90 minutes. Found some good stuff. Website is working perfectly. What a difference from last time. Well done FindMyPast.
;D
Luzzu
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I was on there earlier this afternoon and the site was running really well. Not at all like it was on Saturday.
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I signed in briefly to find out what the story was, then signed out again...please tell me that won't now exclude me from logging in later for 90 mins?
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Afraid it probably will. The wording is "Once you have signed in you will have 90 minutes to search and view our records for free - just choose the best time for you within the 24 hours." Signing in actually triggers your free session.
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I stay signed in, & my 90 minutes started from when I opened the site in my browser.
Very pleased with the results, thank you FindMyPast.
Betty
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Really? I stay signed in so if I log in now, my 90 minutes must start.
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Managed to get a burial. Although the site did time out after I asked for a new search.
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Can anyone confirm where this deal is described officiallly - I'm logged into findmypast.co.uk right now at 7.30pm and it still says it wants to take 10 credits if I look at a 1911 transcript?
Pen :-[
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Missed last weeks offering but by the sound of it, it was a bit of a shambles.
Didn't realise they changed the offer for this week, logged on just before 7pm and managed to whizz around the site finding various bits and pieces.
Unfortunately has ground to a slow crawl now, no doubt others didn't realise the deal had changed and many more have logged on now.
However, a big THANK YOU to FindMyPast for the opportunity to have free access, regardless of any issues. I may be struggling to access the site now, but the few records I did manage to download are worth the wait. I will make sure I log in during the wee hours next time!
Tamar
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The deal is explained on http://www.findmypast.co.uk/world-cup.jsp but as yet it's still asking me for payment.
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Many thanks Gartag - will explore
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I've still got one left that I would like to do a further search for..
Work it out from the indexes on the 1911online site using the hints, then search the FindMyPast site with the names and ages you have and find a unique one, then you will be ready to download it immediately you get your next freebie.
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All I get is the subscription page?
Anyone having any success?
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Yes, but currently very slow!
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Try signing out, then before you sign in again, go to the front/home page. In the top right hand corner is a bit about football widows. Click on that, and try signing in from there. Worth a try.
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Although it's still saying how many credits required for each transcription or image it is still letting you search and pull up transcription without charge. Images are not coming up. So far this has been on the passenger lists I've searched.
I'm getting 0 results on any 1911 census searches and of course the whole thing is slow.
So don't be put off by the pop ups saying #credits required.
Good luck all.
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thanks I will, back in a minute with a result (or not!)
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I have just enjoyed over an hour of free access to FindMyPast and found (I think) my grandma in 1911! I have also found Military records for my husband's great uncle at last. Earlier searches had yielded no result so I am pleased with my 'free gift' ;D
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Hi,
I had already signed in earlier without any luck, now I've gone in tonight and of course now it wont let me look at 1911 transcript >:(
annie
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Same Here Registed But Not Getting any results only a Page asking me to Pay :(
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Well its still not working for me, but I suppose I shouldn't complain I had some luck last week.
Plus, I didn't read the new deal just assumed it was the same as last week, free during the game ::)
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I didn't wait until the game started as I saw the postings regarding the times of the offer.
Once the game started, the site kept freezing up and I gave up. I was lucky this time. Last week I couldn't even get the home page. :D
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It's working but very slow. Includes 1911 Census
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tried on the PC and seems to working for me now - slowly.
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I'll have to hope for a miracle that England to manage to get through then - and remember NOT to sign in until day of the match - if there is another match ::)
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I was on there at 9 30 this morning got all the hits i needed
and it was up to speed as well
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Just tried to log on now and Firefox brought up an error message saying server was taking too long to respond. More time on Facebook and then back to FindMyPast after full time me thinks!!
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don't log off though, or you wont get it for free
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Couldn't even log on!!
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Have just been on for a total of about an hour, it was a bit up & down but got what I wanted. It cut me off altogether once but I did log back on and got it free so I think its a bit hit & miss.
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A brilliant service :)
I only wanted to use the 1911 and managed to find quite a few.
maidmarion
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When I finally managed to get on the site and start searching, it wouldn't let me view anything said I had to buy a subscription :'(
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Had no problems today
logged on about 16.25 and was told at 18.05 I had to pay
Was brillant
but a lot of my records are irish but still printed off some stuff
regards
genseacher
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Wonder why it kept taking me to the subscription screen ???
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I got on with no problems and found my remaining lot. Went and had a look at the "living relatives" bit and searched for myself...it was a little disconcerting to see my address pop up :-\
off to tweet a thank u to FindMyPast now
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Think I'll send FindMyPast a complaint........
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once I got on it seemed to move okay. I'm happy :)
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Lloydy - it did the same to me...but I logged on earlier today to see what the story was, and decided I would go back and look later. Alas, as i had already logged on, I have just lost out, as they only seem to accept one log in!
Okay...looks like I am going to have to wait until wednesday. :'(
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That's my 90 minutes up. Was a lot easier than last time, it didn't crash once this time and I managed to get a lot more census' which have some interesting things :)
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Wednesday?
In my 90 minutes I was able to find 6 families in the 1911, I lost a lot of time trying in vain to find 2 families.
Overall I'm happy considering it was free. If there is a next time, I'll try to plan ahead.
Mick
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I too can report a very happy 90 minutes playtime.
Just need to get it all collated before the next match.
Pauline
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I had a great time!!!
I now find myself with 40 new images to assimilate. :) Half of them are from Aldershott barracks in the hope of finding my gt gfather's regiment.
A great day for me! Thank you FindMyPast and all of you with patience who backed off. :)
Paul
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I have just had very successful access to the free FindMyPast and have e mailed FindMyPast to thank them for the change from the first offer.
Ceeoh
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What a successfull time, i now have a lot more information about relatives.
Thanks FindMyPast
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Was trying yesterday from 7.00 til about 10.00 and then this morning from about 6.45. Keep getting the subscription page :(
Have to log off now, people to see and things to do. So that's my 90 minutes or so for today. :(
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If there is going to be one, does anyone know what the free deal is for the next match? (Wednesday 3pm UK time I think?) I take it they will let everyone who's registered know the deal before the match.
Last night I managed to find some families on the 1911 census, but didn't look at anything else on FindMyPast. I think this free access may do them some good - I even looked at the cost of subscribing. Maybe others did the same. :)
I was logged in to check a few details about the offer, fiddled about a bit with other things, then read that the 90 minutes started when you log in, so went into panic mode thinking I'd wasted some of my 90 minutes. It turned out that I hadn't and the 90 minutes countdown seemed to begin from my first search. Wish I'd known that before so I could've timed it better without interruption - unfortunately I had to take 20 minutes out to run an errand.
Still, can't complain ... ;D
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Some information about the free 90 minute session offered by FindMyPast:
1) You register with them by clicking on Guy's original link.
2) FindMyPast then send you an ACTIVATION email and you MUST click on the link in that email to activate your account.
3) You MUST follow their instructions as to when you can use that free 90 minute session.
4) If you log out during the 90 minute session, it is not the end of the session as some have speculated e.g. I accidentally pressed the Home button instead of the Back button and logged myself out during my session but I logged back in again and the session continued until my 90 minutes elapsed.
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had my 90 minutes this morning
Found some Northamptonshire probate records
Need to go to the RO now
Funny how one thing leads to another
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So how was I getting the sub page all the time then?
I am already registered with them, have a few credits left still...did I understand wrong, that if you are already registered, you had no need to do it again?
I certainly didn't receive any email, or notification regarding the last match offer...actually came looking here (RC) to see what the story was.
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My husband had problems until he went in through the offer advert. We have both had a successful 90 mins---me with 1911(19 records) and a few early 1700 records---then my time was up . Frustrating but a big thank you for the generosity of Find My Past. Im sure it enabled people who had not used the site to see what it was like and with luck they may get a few new subscribers now the appetite has been whetted
Ringrose
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I found that each search brought up information on how many credits it would cost and how to subscibe or top up. I ignored that and clicked search/view etc and it continued on right through to the actual image. So, yes, it does keep askinmg you to subscribe or pay to view but it stil goes through for free.
Once again I didn't get very much, but maybe I'm searching wrong. However, on the 1911 census all my search enquiries comes back with 0 results, yet when the period was over the same queries brought up an index but needed payment to view. I still can't understand this. I've seen the above comments where many of you have got results during the free period.
Garth
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Daisy Loo, looks like I am having the same problem as you. Garth I find that you have to search/view first and then it take you to the subscribe page. Once on the subscribe page there is no other search or view option.
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Oh dear, seems we have different problems. At least I have been able to get a few passenger lists of my grandfather keep hopping over to India. Upto now I just have him coming here each time.
Have you tried emailing FindMyPast direct? From what I hear, and see, they are very helpful.
Godd luck
Garth
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I'll just try again when England play next week. It is free after all so perhaps I won't email them
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I found that each search brought up information on how many credits it would cost and how to subscibe or top up. I ignored that and clicked search/view etc and it continued on right through to the actual image. So, yes, it does keep askinmg you to subscribe or pay to view but it stil goes through for free.
Once again I didn't get very much, but maybe I'm searching wrong. However, on the 1911 census all my search enquiries comes back with 0 results, yet when the period was over the same queries brought up an index but needed payment to view. I still can't understand this. I've seen the above comments where many of you have got results during the free period.
Garth
I found a couple things with the searching Garth. Try to do your searches on the index before the next free period so you can type in exactly what you want, e.g. John Williams born 1896 living in Islington. I did find the site ran slow once or twice, and at those times it couldn't find matches, but it did when the site got faster again. I also found it nearly always returned no matches if I entered both a year of birth AND a place of birth, but it found the person I wanted if I only entered year or place. It also seems a bit funny on the place of birth field - it didn't find people if I said they were born in Burnham Market, but it did if I just put Burnham. Seems to be one of those 'less is best' search facilities. Hope that helps a bit.
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Worked fantastic yesterday and found loads on 1911 however the way England played football again be amazing if they do many more offers. Will make the most of Wednesday's chance .....have a list of things to do already!
Tazzie
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Thanks Silvi,
Strange actually, normally on most sites Ausually start with minimal information then add a bit to narrow down the results. I suppose because I was so keen to get something I was filling in everything. Unfortunately I'm not around wednesday so I can only hope england win with something like 5 - 0 then I'll get another chance.
Good luck to all who can get on line wednesday.
Garth
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Its incredible that not one person has said they would subscribe to findmypast.If thats what this offer was about then it was a big let down for them.
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I'd love to - I was seriously impressed with the site. But I'm far enough back on my tree now that I'm not using censuses and BMD's much, and I spend what money I have for my hobby on the specific parish records that I need. I wouldn't have paid for the 1911 census as it was only to fill in background information, but I wasn't going to turn it down for free ;D I'm hoping FindMyPast are going to listen to all the people clamouring for them to bring in a scheme to take out membership for a short period, as I would use that from time to time. But I can't justify paying for a long membership when I know I won't use the site that much.
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I joined last year when they said that it included all their records - only to find out afterwards that it didn't include 1911 census. Quite a few of us were fooled & complained to them, but to no avail.
I wont be joining again - loads of records that don't appear on their site, yet can be found on others (Ancestry). I 've reported a few transcription errors to them as well (which could easily be seen to be wrong on originals) but they refused to change them - so I dont bother telling them now ::)
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I joined last year when they said that it included all their records - only to find out afterwards that it didn't include 1911 census. Quite a few of us were fooled & complained to them, but to no avail.
No good complaining to them! Their advertising campaign was indeed seriously misleading, and people should have taken it to the Office of Fair Trading or Trading Standards or whatever it is. I haven't heard of anyone doing so, so it looks like they got away with it. >:(
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actually, I did complain to trading standards and to OFT and was told they couldn't do anything because by the time they investigated FindMyPast had changed their website ::)
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Managed to trace down one 'missing' line via the census'
I already had my grandmother in the 1911 cens by that time married to my grandfather, so I looked for her father and found him in '11,'01,'91,'81 and '71 he was born in 1865. What I didn't know was that the whole family moved to a different part of the country. So then I looked for her my great great grandfather and found him 1841 to 1881 and also my 3x great grandfather born in 1790 in the 41 and 51 census. Also identified a whole lot of siblings and aunts, uncles and cousins of my grandmother I will need to track down.
Well worth it I reckon and not being a footie fan, gives me something to do
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Managed to trace down one 'missing' line via the census'
I already had my grandmother in the 1911 cens by that time married to my grandfather, so I looked for her father and found him in '11,'01,'91,'81 and '71 he was born in 1865. What I didn't know was that the whole family moved to a different part of the country. So then I looked for her my great great grandfather and found him 1841 to 1881 and also my 3x great grandfather born in 1790 in the 41 and 51 census. Also identified a whole lot of siblings and aunts, uncles and cousins of my grandmother I will need to track down.
Well worth it I reckon and not being a footie fan, gives me something to do
What an amazing advance!! I am very happy for you.
This puts my "what regiment of the Dragoon Guards my gt uncle was in in Aldershot?" quest a little lame. :)
Paul
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I can also report an exciting find.
I found my husband's grandfather's brother's Military records. What an exciting life for a young lad spending time in China and Singapore. Such a pity he contracted STD's which ruined his later life. He never had children. He married a widow who had lots of children and they separated, perhaps he passed on the disease to her.
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I found on the first night that their servers couldn't cope with the demand - probably why they changed to an all-day offer on the second occasion!
I found several of my family on the 1911 census. I haven't really looked to see what else might be useful to me.
Having traced my family on most lines back to the 17th century or beyond, most of what I am doing now is filling in the gaps and coming forward on various lines.
I won't be subscribing - as most of the records I need are available locally I don't often use the internet and I object to paying commercial organisations (especially non-British ones like Ancestry, etc.) for access to material that is in the public domain.
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This is just what I'd been waiting for! I had a dozen or so very promising search results from previous investigations at FindMyPast. I'd even saved the search result pages to my PC so that I could simply open my saved page and click the link...
Well, that was the plan! Unfortunately it didn't work. But not a real problem, it just meant doing the search again
Still, when you get something for free it's rather churlish to complain, eh! ;)
And I was very pleased with the results - I've discovered a fair bit of new information and some new leads.
Pete
Re subscribing? I'd consider it if they had a monthly option, and I've mentioned this on their feedback forms.
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Has anyone received any details about the FindMyPast offer for the next England match (Wednesday?)? Is it the same deal as last time?
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Hi
Information re access tomorrow
http://www.findmypast.co.uk/world-cup.jsp
Andy
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Thank you Andy. :)
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I object to paying commercial organisations (especially non-British ones like Ancestry, etc.) for access to material that is in the public domain.
We have had discussed this point many times before on rootschat. Although the records are in the public domain, the actual searchable index has to be manually created using lots of labour and that costs a lot of money and the company had to recoup that by charging subscribers. Imagine searching for information but not having an index? Where would you begin?
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Be careful, they have sneaked in another condition:
On free access days you’ll need to make sure that no-one else has already logged in on your computer - we have restricted the free 90 minutes to one session per computer.
http://blog.findmypast.co.uk/
Could be a problem for people using library computers and the like.
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I think it was like that last week too - to stop naughty people registering/ logging in using different emails. As if anyone here would do such a thing. ::)
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I think it was like that last week too - to stop naughty people registering/ logging in using different emails. As if anyone here would do such a thing. ::)
I wish I'd thought of doing that! ;)
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I think it was like that last week too
I don't think it was stated anywhere. That may account for some people having had problems. Tough if there's only one computer in the house and both of you want to use it, huh.
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Per computer? That would mean taking note of the MAC address of the machine being used to log on.
It would be much more likely that they are logging the ip address - which then doesn't actually restrict to "per computer", hubby and I could both have valid accounts and one of us would be unable to use our 90 minutes because we would come from the same ip address.
However, given that hubby and I have at least 8 computers between us, restricting to one 90 min session per comuter wouldn't really work either...
Moot point from me as I have a full sub (and just one account) anyway, just curious as to the technical details behind the "per computer" criteria.
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I wonder if OH and I could log in from separate PC's within the same house? We will try!
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Well we have three computers and two broadband lines
You're giving me ideas!
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It would be much more likely that they are logging the ip address - which then doesn't actually restrict to "per computer", hubby and I could both have valid accounts and one of us would be unable to use our 90 minutes because we would come from the same ip address
While that is true, you can quite easily change your IP address just by rebooting your router so that is probably why they haven't done it that way.
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I have to put my hand up - I have had two accounts with FindMyPast, one for my old computer, and one for new one on broadband; two different email addreses.....I tried to get two 90 min sessions, but it knew who I was and wouldn't let me have free access the second time :'(
I don't know how it did it, but it did. :-\
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That'll be ip address logging in that case.
Your ip address is what identifies your to the outside world on the internet - no two internet connections can have the same ip address at the same time. If you have multiple computers at home (ie one for you, one for your significant other, one for the dog) you will all have the same ip address (just like you have the same physical house address) and so only one of you will be able to log on - just keep your fingers crossed that the dog doesn't beat you to it!
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Just finished my 90 minutes, easy and quick. Might be our last chance today!! :)
Peonie
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You can quite easily change your IP address just by rebooting your router so that is probably why they haven't done it that way.
Not so. Unless you have AOL (who allocate ip addresses for 60 minute periods and can change your ip address while you are actually online. At least they used to) it is unlikely that your ip address will change by rebooting the router or modem. IP addreses are often allocated in 24 hours blocks and unless they are inactive for a period of more than a couple of hours it is more probable that you will reboot and get th same ip address.
We've had the same virgin ip address for many months - only when we have upgraded has it actually changed (and no, we don't have a static ip assigned).
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Well, I managed to get in today...just finished my 90 mins...and i managed to get 1 x 13 image service record, 1 x 18 image service record, and a few 1911 records of wider family members. Oh, and a six page service record of a fella I had given up finding!
Thanks FindMyPast - much appreciated. I won't be subscribing now, but I will refer to it a bit more, especially military records, on a PPV basis. Very happy. Now I'm off to read my records :)
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The only thing that's been "free" for me is the 1911 census and I've run out of people I can think of to look up. One problme I've found with the 1900 census is a bit of a lack of house numbers/names in the returns. Just a street name doesn't help much.
Carole
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England win so maybe another free session
Haven't used this one yet!
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Hopefully there'll be at least another game/free session! Woohoo (game could have been better though!)
This time, I'll be a bit better prepared with who I want to hunt for!
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Next match will be Sunday afternoon.
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Wooohooooo! Never thought I'd care whether England won or not ;D
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Shame on you Ann ::) ::) ::)
Just had my 90 mins and found out quite a lot - thank you FindMyPast!
Polly
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Me too!
I found my gt grandfather's army record and I didn't even know he went in the army!!
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Had a good search as well today. Found some missing people on census records. Will have another list for Sunday.
Thank you find my past. Had no luck trying to find my great grandfather's army records. I know he was in the 1st WW as I have a picture of him in his uniform..
Anne
Canada
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To Anne in Canada - I have never found my grandfather's WW1 records either, so I assume they were destroyed. I know he was in the army (loads of information from my late father) and I have photos of him in his uniform also.
I have found more 1911 census records today; it's quite alarming how fast the last 20 minutes is used up, isn't it?
I am also grateful to Findmypast for this free gift.
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Jellis:
Glad to know that I am not the only who can not find any army records... At least we know that they were in the army..
anne
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Had no luck trying to find my great grandfather's army records. I know he was in the 1st WW as I have a picture of him in his uniform..
Was he in the British Army? If so, there are two possible reasons why you may not be finding his record. First, as you probably know, the majority of WWI service records were destroyed in a WWII air raid (the surviving records can be found on Ancestry*). Secondly, if your GGF remained in service or re-enlisted after 1920, his records will still be held by the MoD.
*Unless he was an officer, in which case they may be held by TNA or MoD.
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I just had my 90 minute session. I think I was cut off about 5 minutes early though, according to my clock. Never mind - I can't complain. :)
So as England are playing again on Sunday does anyone know if will FindMyPast definitely be offering the same free deal again?
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Sloe Gin:
I know he did not stay in the army as he was a gamekeeper, it is just my luck that his records probably got burned...
Anne
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From their site:
Every time England play in a World Cup match you can view all the records* on findmypast for FREE at a time that suits you – just register by midnight (UK time) the day before
Don't suppose they were expecting them to actually get beyond the first stage - or for so many of us to take advantage of their kind offer ;D
Ann
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Hi All.
We had 3 hrs as both my friend and I are registered.
I downloaded 300+ images all army though, so much easier
than having to look one by one for individual families.
Ruskie the World Cup Blog still has Wednesday/Thursday
offer displayed, so it will be announced soon I am sure.
Thanks FindMyPast yet again.
Sandy
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Don't suppose they were expecting them to actually get beyond the first stage
The blog entry of 18 June does display a certain lack of confidence in the team's prospects .... ;D
For a chance to win the prize, send us your answers to all the competition questions when England get knocked out of the competition - we’ll give you details of how to enter then. Remember to make a note of your answer to each part of the competition - you’ll need to send us your answers in one bundle after England get knocked out.
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Well, we were all thinking it...weren't we ???
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Well, this time I did manage to find a few documents, mainly census with which I was well pleased.
To make the most of it though, I saved them (click here to save to your computer) not the actual images, just the transcripts.
But now, when I try to access them, a box appears saying that the file is unrecognised by microsoft - it then asks if you'd like to to be directed to the web for 'help' which leads only to solutions costing money for that help.
Did anyone else experience this, and if so have you resolved it?
Leofric
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Hi
were you using Internet Explorer? Not sure what you have saved - was it a htm or mnt file?
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FindMyPast has confirmed the 90 minute offer again between 9.00am on Sunday and 9.00am on Monday (UK time).
http://www.findmypast.co.uk/world-cup.jsp?utm_source=FB&utm_content=160610&utm_campaign=WorldCup160610
Nigel
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I downloaded 9 military records for someone I thought was my grandfather but sadly it wasn't. I'll keep them just in case as it is an unusual name and may connect up one day.
It was lovely to discover they were in colour!! Far better than the B/W ones you get from Ancestry.
Paul
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For those not too interested in Football the Findmypast site are offering free use of their records for 90 minutes whilst England are playing.. Check out the site so you can register,
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Cheers Susan, and another good tip... I'm of to practice searches. So far I've only found a couple of out going passenger lists, but even thats more then I had.
Been desperately trying to find 2 families on the 1911 census but just get '0 results'
Ahh well, the practice have been good. Thanks FindMyPast
Happy Hunting all
Garth
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Please take note Garth.
The invitation has changed and you now get a period free sometime during the day. It was 1 1/2 hours last time but check the website. Don't go practising tomorrow, the first time you log on is the start of your time.
Paul
Added: The 1911 site is not free but you can search the 1911 from FindMyPast and get the images for free. Practice that. :)
Paul
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Tip when searching remember less is often more.
Try searching without adding too much information (name and approx date of birth is often enough) as that can lead to 0 returns.
Only add more information if too many results are returned.
If unsuccessful in finding a family under the man's name try a search using his wife's forename and the husband's surname.
Cheers
Guy
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Been desperately trying to find 2 families on the 1911 census but just get '0 results'
I can't understand why I cannot find certain individuals when I use one set of search criteria but then find then when I use a slightly different set of search criteria. They must be using some kind of complex algorithm where one value has precedence over another. As a general rule LESS IS MORE. I have found that by gradually reducing the the number of search fields I tend to finally get my target family.
I know there are some hopeless mistakes like:
Rihcard = Richard
Peckham, Sussex = Rackham, Sussex
I find if I search by Surname and put just a county not a village or town in the Where Born fields it tends to work when all else fails. Unfortunately it does return a lot more results and if you have only 90 minutes to play around with that can be a factor, but it does seem to work.
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I've found that if I search using two forenames, ie Charles Albert, no results are returned, but if I search for Charles, the search results include Charles Albert. ???
For all it's foibles, I still prefer Ancestry.
Betty
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Thanks for all the advice folks, I'll definately only put in minimal info to start with. Regarding the practice was going to do that without logging in. The other week I was getting '0 results' on every search in the 1911 census but the same criteria after the time was up gave me 5 results but I couldn't see either transcripts or images without paying the dredits.
It is possible I suppose I reversed a couple of letters or something (gregroy instead of gregory) but I don't think so. This time I'll do the searches with out logging in, copy and past to word if I get any results. When I've done several I'll log in and copy them back eactly and I should get the same results.
We'll see. Cheers all.
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I was unable to find some WW1 records. I have his name, date and place of birth, his regiment name(no number) but I stll couldn't find any records of him. I'll try again tonight but I'm sure I searched with minimal info. He has a very common name ... :-\
Looking forward to the 90 minutes. :)
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Hi Ruskie
WW1 service records are not on FindMyPast, those that survived the fire during WW2 are on Ancestry.
Andy
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oh, thanks Andy. I feel like a right dill now. :-[
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With you there Ruskie... I was going to try that too. oh no I wasn't; it's WWII I wanted.. dohh!
Anyway, if nothing else I hope to find where two branches went to India in the late 1800's. Ancestry has been great in showing me incoming lists but aparently I need FindMyPast for the outgoing.
Fingers crossed; Hapy Hunting all.
Garth
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Are WW2 online? I thought they were still in (um ... that place in London) and to view them you have to prove your relationship to the serviceman. Or have I got that wrong too?
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Hi Ruskie
WW2 Service Records are still with the Ministry of Defence and if the Service person is deceased, next of kin can apply for copies. Details are in the link below
http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html
Andy
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ohh great!! Maybe I should go back to bed!
Thanks Andy, at least that saves me a fruitless search.
Garth
PS. Sorry if I gave any false hope there Ruskie
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I am getting a Data Access Error now, which is annoying as I only have 30 minutes left or so
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I have had my 90mins with no trouble. :)
It has been great.
mariac
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Garth
PS. Sorry if I gave any false hope there Ruskie
No that's fine Garth. I almost got it right except 'that place in London' is the MOD. I did think it was the Ministry of Defence but it kept bringing to mind a comedy sketch so I decided not to call it the Ministry of Defence for fear of embarassing myself further ;). (Isn't it near Trafalgar Square?)
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I've given up on it today... ???
It was probably silly to leave it until the football was actually on before logging in...it was taking forever to get to anything...:-(
One thing that is confusing...
I know where my Grandfather William James Wilson (1860-1937) was for the 1901 and 1911 Censuses. He was at 113 St Helens Road, Swansea Glam. on the 1901 and 93 St Helens Road, Swansea on the 1911.
Why then, when I put his name and dates in, do I get a '0' results for all of the Censuses? But when I search by Address, I find him straight away...Why is that?
Romilly.
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Someone else remarked about oddities when searching for people with two forenames...
Pauline
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I know where my Grandfather William James Wilson (1860-1937) was for the 1901 and 1911 Censuses. He was at 113 St Helens Road, Swansea Glam. on the 1901 and 93 St Helens Road, Swansea on the 1911.
Why then, when I put his name and dates in, do I get a '0' results for all of the Censuses? But when I search by Address, I find him straight away...Why is that?
??? ???
A basic search in 1901 for William Wilson born 1861 +/- 1 year, resident in Swansea, gives one result - your William J. Wilson.
The same search in 1911 gives the same result.
Jennifer
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Well, that's that. No more freebies. :'(
Still, it was good while it lasted :D
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Well, that's that. No more freebies. :'(
Still, it was good while it lasted :D
errr did we lose then? oh, I thought it was another round of 3!
Well, I can't complain, I did ok this time.
Why then, when I put his name and dates in, do I get a '0' results for all of the Censuses? But when I search by Address, I find him straight away...Why is that?
Romilly.
I was getting the same thing on previous occasions (except without the results on address) but this tgime I followed the advice of our fellow chatters on here. put the minimum in the search engine. I just put in first name, second name and year of birth, it came up a treat. However, if I put in a middle name or even town of birth it came up with nothing.
Well, if they bring out monthly subs I'll certainly subscribe.
Happy Hunting all,
Garth
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Did we lose? 4-1! :'(
Still, there's always next time. ;D
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WOW! were we playing the rest of the world then?
err next time? Do you think FindMyPast might do the same offer next world cup then?
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We were playing Germany. ::)
Who knows if FindMyPast will offer us the same deal in 4 years ;D
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Hi
I think I've missed the freebie. It is now about 10:45 am EST in Australia. Wasn't the game played this morning at 4:30 am? and shouldn't I have 24 hours in which to view the site? After signing in and finding a record I was asked to pay for credits. Not at all what I had hoped for.
Les
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Their 24-hour period finished about 4 hours ago.
Pauline
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Thank you Pauline
Les
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HI LesB
In Australia - you had to sign on between 7pm Sunday night & 7pm Monday - so you should still be ok (I think ?)
Cathy
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Les, you have until about 6pm eastern Australian time to take advantage of the freebie. I just signed in a minute ago to use my 90 minutes and I'm in the process of viewing some 1911 census returns - all seems to be OK.
Have you tried logging out and then logging in again?
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I've found that if I search using two forenames, ie Charles Albert, no results are returned, but if I search for Charles, the search results include Charles Albert. ???
That's because if you are using the basic search it only gives you a box for the first name. When you put the second name in the same box it looks for it as one name and thus doesn't find it.
When you search only Charles, it will display Charles Albert as well because the middle names are displayed.
Think of the first and middle names as two separate things - just like the first and last are totally separate.
Click on the advanced tab and you will see it has a separate box for first and middle names.
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Ah well done with the free sessions
I have previously visited the National Archives and used free access to the 1911 Census there.
I did complete most of the people I had not previously found - at least those no a problem to find
Dorset PRs for my wife's family and Huddersfield district PRs for mine were also helpful, and discovered an index to Northants probates (Think I used this once before when this index was on the familyhistoryonline site that is now defunct) So well worthwhile and thanks FindMyPast
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I've found that if I search using two forenames, ie Charles Albert, no results are returned, but if I search for Charles, the search results include Charles Albert. ???
That's because if you are using the basic search it only gives you a box for the first name. When you put the second name in the same box it looks for it as one name and thus doesn't find it.
When you search only Charles, it will display Charles Albert as well because the middle names are displayed.
Think of the first and middle names as two separate things - just like the first and last are totally separate.
Click on the advanced tab and you will see it has a separate box for first and middle names.
Many Thanks for that JustKia,
That answers my problem! Too bad that England's out now...because we won't get any more freebies:-(
Best Wishes, Romilly.
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Well, the freebies from FindMyPast are over but maybe with so many saying they'd like subscribe if they had a monthly plan will get them to provide that.
In the meantime, there is one site that gives free information, free support, a confidence boost, has a sense of humour, and is very inspiring.
THIS ONE!
Thank you Rootschat and to all you rootchatters that come here.
Happy Hunting
Garth
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Thank you JustKia, you learn something new on here every day :D
Luckily I was searching for fairly unusual names, so didn't get swamped with search results, but knowing this will make life easier if I use FindMyPast again.
Betty
I've found that if I search using two forenames, ie Charles Albert, no results are returned, but if I search for Charles, the search results include Charles Albert. ???
That's because if you are using the basic search it only gives you a box for the first name. When you put the second name in the same box it looks for it as one name and thus doesn't find it.
When you search only Charles, it will display Charles Albert as well because the middle names are displayed.
Think of the first and middle names as two separate things - just like the first and last are totally separate.
Click on the advanced tab and you will see it has a separate box for first and middle names.
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Many thanks for notifying everyone. While I saw the advertisement in a different area, I hope everyone gained from it. I found the military records for a "brick wall" ancestor and have now been able to push back four generations on one side (with special thanks to diddymiller and suffolk*sue on this site whose help was invaluable).
David
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Many thanks for notifying everyone. While I saw the advertisement in a different area, I hope everyone gained from it. I found the military records for a "brick wall" ancestor and have now been able to push back four generations on one side (with special thanks to diddymiller and suffolk*sue on this site whose help was invaluable).
David
I found some military records too! 2 of my gt grandfathers and also my gt grandmother's brother. That one was a shock...he was sent to India at the age of 16 and almost immediately contracted syphilis!! It was mentioned on his medical records for two years. I expect he is turning in his grave right now!! LOL!!
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Don't make the same mistake I did, and use the separate 1911 site (1911census.co.uk - operated by findmypast): you will be charged, even though credits purchased through findmypast are applicable to both sites. World Cup free access to the 1911 Census is only available directly though the findmypast site. Having said that, the nice people at findmypast did re-credit my account as a good will gesture.