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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: nanny jan on Thursday 22 June 17 10:20 BST (UK)

Title: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: nanny jan on Thursday 22 June 17 10:20 BST (UK)
Free access to British/Irish records on FindMyPast from 22-26 June.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: rosie17 on Thursday 22 June 17 11:04 BST (UK)
Thanks for letting us know nanny jan  :) :)
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: kall on Thursday 22 June 17 12:13 BST (UK)
Thanks nanny jan
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: sunflower on Thursday 22 June 17 12:34 BST (UK)
That's great.  My sub ran out on the 13th.

Thanks
Carol
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ray T on Thursday 22 June 17 13:30 BST (UK)
Better find something else to do this weekend then!

The site doesn't work that well for people who have paid for a subscription and I hope all the freeloaders have the time to sit and wait for things to load.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: coombs on Thursday 22 June 17 13:44 BST (UK)
Thanks for the heads up. Saves me buying a sub.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: medpat on Thursday 22 June 17 14:12 BST (UK)
I have a subscription with FindMyPast and I've had an e-mail giving me 3 days extension in lieu to compensate for the free weekend.  ;D

 :)

Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ellenmai on Thursday 22 June 17 14:25 BST (UK)
Lucky you Medpat  ;D I wonder if all subscribers are getting the same? I haven't received an e-mail as yet
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: nanny jan on Thursday 22 June 17 14:33 BST (UK)
I have a subscription with FindMyPast and I've had an e-mail giving me 3 days extension in lieu to compensate for the free weekend.  ;D

 :)


Snap! Nice gesture.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: groom on Thursday 22 June 17 15:04 BST (UK)
Yes, no moans from me this time if they are compensating subscribers. Perhaps they had a lot who were wondering if it was worth subscribing as they keep giving free weekends!

Quote
You may have noticed that we’ve made all of our British and Irish records free to view for everyone over the next five days. As a loyal subscriber who always has access to the records, we want to reward you too. That’s why we’re adding an extra three days onto your subscription, free of charge. You don’t need to do anything, we’ll add the days automatically. It’s just a small token of appreciation for your continued loyalty. Enjoy!
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ray T on Thursday 22 June 17 15:59 BST (UK)
I've had such an email before but n'owt this time. It's about time FindMyPast got their priorities right. What effort does it take to tell is subscribers at the same time as publicising freebies?
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ellenmai on Thursday 22 June 17 16:03 BST (UK)
I have sent them an e-mail asking if we are all getting the extra 3 days, will keep you posted if I get a reply, but I shan't hold my breath  ;)
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: JJen on Thursday 22 June 17 16:09 BST (UK)
I have sent them an e-mail asking if we are all getting the extra 3 days, will keep you posted if I get a reply, but I shan't hold my breath  ;)

I've just done exactly the same, let's hope they get the message!

JJ
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ellenmai on Thursday 22 June 17 16:11 BST (UK)
Great minds JJen  ;D
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Geoff-E on Thursday 22 June 17 16:33 BST (UK)
I received an unsolicited Email telling me about the "gift" at 2.03pm today. :)
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: JJen on Thursday 22 June 17 18:27 BST (UK)
I have sent them an e-mail asking if we are all getting the extra 3 days, will keep you posted if I get a reply, but I shan't hold my breath  ;)

I've just done exactly the same, let's hope they get the message!

JJ

Result  :)  :)

Have just heard from FindMyPast in response to my email. They will credit my account with three extra days.

Ellenmai - hope you soon receive a similar email!

JJ
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: coombs on Thursday 22 June 17 20:22 BST (UK)
I also read that Bucks and Berks PR's are coming to FindMyPast. Cannot come soon enough. Many ancestors from there as there is poor coverage online, also living 200 miles from the records offices does not help.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: patty38 on Thursday 22 June 17 20:31 BST (UK)
I've got 3 days extension too, found message this afternoon, nice gesture I think.

Patty  :)
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: harrison on Thursday 22 June 17 23:47 BST (UK)
I am a LONG time subscriber to FindMyPast I have had an extra 3 days added to my FindMyPast subscription BUT ONLY because I emailed them re a moan about yet another free weekend to the site!!

It would seem that some FindMyPast subscribers got an automatic 3 extra days added to their subscription I had to make a complaint before any extra time was added!

I am not against FindMyPast offering free weekend access but I don't see why long time subscribers should "lose out" & certainly unfair to only give extra days to SOME subscribers!!

Joan.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: groom on Thursday 22 June 17 23:58 BST (UK)
If that is the case, it is very unfair, I got an email so assumed it applied to all subscribers. If it doesn't and it is just potluck that you are "chosen," they are going to lose even more loyal customers.

Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: smudwhisk on Friday 23 June 17 00:52 BST (UK)
I also read that Bucks and Berks PR's are coming to FindMyPast. Cannot come soon enough. Many ancestors from there as there is poor coverage online, also living 200 miles from the records offices does not help.

In relation to Berkshire general consensus seems to be that they will be transcripts only so don't get your hopes up too much - see http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=748263.msg6265876#msg6265876. 

So far their "6 counties in 6 months" have only been transcripts.  That said, if they were the Bucks FHS transcripts, which are pretty complete, I'd be fairly happy although digitised copies of the originals would be better.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: harrison on Friday 23 June 17 01:56 BST (UK)
Yes it has been rather dissappointing that when FindMyPast do release Parish records most have been only transcriptions & not the actual images!
I realise there are a lot of records out there, but transcriptions are not "quite" the same, I have  mostly YKS ancestors I really love seeing the various Baptisms/Marriages/Burial images that FindMyPast have made available & have found many showing my past family,patiently waiting for the images for the Northumberland area, in the hope that FindMyPast are going to add them to their collection & not leaving it at the transcriptions only!

I would be willing to pay more for my subscription IF there were more in the way of actual PR images.

Joan. 
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: torre on Friday 23 June 17 07:55 BST (UK)
I have an annual subscription to UK records. I did not get an email offering to extend my subscription, so I emailed them and asked for an extra three days to be added.

I received a reply stating only customers with a world subscription are getting extra days added.

I have now replied asking why I should pay to view UK records while the rest of the world can see them for free.

Watch this space!
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: groom on Friday 23 June 17 08:28 BST (UK)
I have an annual subscription to UK records. I did not get an email offering to extend my subscription, so I emailed them and asked for an extra three days to be added.

I received a reply stating only customers with a world subscription are getting extra days added.

I have now replied asking why I should pay to view UK records while the rest of the world can see them for free.

Watch this space!

I do have a World sub, so that explains it, however I think it is very poor customer service that it is only the people who have that who are given 3 extra days. The rule should be that it is granted to any subscriber who has access to those records which are being offered free. Or perhaps those who only have UK subs are given 3 days World subscription.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: JenB on Friday 23 June 17 09:34 BST (UK)
I'm a long time UK subscriber. To be honest I am fed up of seeing postings about these seemingly constant free offers. I must be a masochist because I always read them, which makes me even more annoyed. Hopefully some of the freeloaders will use their free time to do look ups for other people?

I wouldn't mind these offers quite so much if I was offered a couple of extra days, so I shall be emailing FindMyPast to ask why I'm not entitled to one.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: coombs on Friday 23 June 17 12:25 BST (UK)
Yes it has been rather dissappointing that when FindMyPast do release Parish records most have been only transcriptions & not the actual images!
I realise there are a lot of records out there, but transcriptions are not "quite" the same, I have  mostly YKS ancestors I really love seeing the various Baptisms/Marriages/Burial images that FindMyPast have made available & have found many showing my past family,patiently waiting for the images for the Northumberland area, in the hope that FindMyPast are going to add them to their collection & not leaving it at the transcriptions only!

I would be willing to pay more for my subscription IF there were more in the way of actual PR images.

Joan.

And I find FindMyPast Fridays are quite disappointing every Friday now. Lots of "exciting new records" are from America, Australia or Canada, or if they are for a certain county they are just a fraction of what is out there or if they are a lot of them, they are browse only so you have to trawl through reams and reams of images.

I sometimes buy a sub to UK records as I have an account with them but if they do have free days then I will take advantage of them I admit I am occasionally a freeloader when I have not bought a 1 month sub, money does not grow on trees lol.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ellenmai on Friday 23 June 17 13:13 BST (UK)
Finally got an answer which states all subscribers will receive an additional 3 days subscription, but they noticed I hadn't received them so this data will be passed on to get this amended. So it looks as if everyone should have got the extra 3 days, but if I hadn't spotted this subject on Rootschat and queried it I probably wouldn't have got them. I agree with you Joan it looks as if not everyone 's getting them automatically. Torre I only have the UK Subscription
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: harrison on Friday 23 June 17 13:21 BST (UK)
FindMyPast team didn't mention to me that ALL subscribers would be getting the extra 3 days!
I was told I would be given the extra 3 days because basically "I wasn't happy" about yet another free weekend!
Seems to me they are making it up as they go along!

Joan.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ellenmai on Friday 23 June 17 13:26 BST (UK)
Just been on to check they have been credited and they have  ;D Could I suggest everyone checks their subscription just in case they have missed out.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: jonwarrn on Friday 23 June 17 13:37 BST (UK)
Hopefully some of the freeloaders will use their free time to do look ups for other people?

Down the years I have done look ups for other people at TNA, LMA, Westminster Archives, Guildhall Library + local studies libraries. Often incurring other expenses in the process, i.e. printing costs for long or complicated documents, such as wills.
All to the detriment of my own research.
That's rather more use of my free time than just sitting at home in front of a computer doing look ups because I enjoy it.

And, by the way, I object to being called a "freeloader"
John
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: jonwarrn on Friday 23 June 17 13:45 BST (UK)
Forgot the London Family History Centre when it was at Kensington. So much time and money that I chucked away on other people there! I must be the ultimate freeloader.
(But how I used to love going there)
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: JJen on Friday 23 June 17 14:29 BST (UK)
Torre,

I only have a UK subscription. On sending an email to FindMyPast complaining about not receiving 3 extra days they have now applied these days to my subscription.

Hopefully on receiving your second email they will apply the extra days.

JJ
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ray T on Friday 23 June 17 16:27 BST (UK)
Needless to say, my expiry date is the same as when I took it out last year.

I've cancelled my auto-renewal (again) and look forward to giving someone an earful when they ask me why; as they usually do.

We go through the same rigmarole with the AA every year!
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: torre on Friday 23 June 17 16:29 BST (UK)
I wish!!

I have now had four emails from them stating they are only giving three days credit to annual world customers. I've explained that various forums say differently.

They are very sorry I feel discriminated against (my phrase to them).

But so far the answer is, Tough, like it or lump it.

I'm waiting for yet another excuse. I'll keep you posted
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: torre on Friday 23 June 17 17:46 BST (UK)
Another email from Find my Past and another refusal to add three days to my subscription.

They are sorry I feel that way and they will pass my comments on. Huh

I've sent yet another email asking for a reply from a senior manager.

Watch this space!  But don't hold your breath
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: groom on Friday 23 June 17 21:39 BST (UK)
Have you put your complaint on their Facebook page? If you get lots of people backing you up there they may take more notice
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Caw1 on Saturday 24 June 17 01:59 BST (UK)
Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

I'm a world wide subscriber and not had an email saying they'd added 3 days extra but I've just checked my account on the web site and see that the renewal date is now 3 days different so looks like it's been automatically added.

Not had any communication to say they'd done it though!

Caroline
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: torre on Saturday 24 June 17 08:32 BST (UK)
Thanks for the suggestion Groom, but I'm not on Facebook.

I'm still waiting for the reply I asked for, from a senior manager. I suppose they won't bother to answer until Monday now. If at all!

In the meantime, I will just have to accept the fact that as far as Find my Past is concerned, I am a non-person.
But I haven't finished throwing the toys out of my pram yet!

Does anyone know if there is somewhere on Find my Past which gives an email address to write to if you have a complaint about their service.
I have been writting to the customer service team, or as I prefer to call it, customer dis-service.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: torre on Saturday 24 June 17 08:43 BST (UK)
I have just had another reply from Find my Past.

Apparently, one of the previous emails I received was from a senior customer service manager, so my complaint will not be escalated further. Nice!

But, he will review my account on Monday and he will be in touch in due course to let me know if there has been a change in the decision made.

How long is 'due course', or is he just hoping I will get fed up with waiting and go away?

Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: JJen on Saturday 24 June 17 08:45 BST (UK)
Google search for address of FindMyPast -

The Glebe, 6 Rivington St, London EC2A 3DQ

Perhaps a letter to their CEO would be in order.

JJ
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: torre on Saturday 24 June 17 08:51 BST (UK)
Thanks for that JJ.

Something to keep in reserve if all else fails.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Cas (stallc) on Saturday 24 June 17 11:03 BST (UK)
Hi all, I have a UK sub only. Have emailed FindMyPast to see if they will add 3 extra days to my account. Not holding my breath, but a long standing customer.

As it is the weekend, do not expect a reply soon. Will update when I know if added or not.

Cas
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: sunflower on Saturday 24 June 17 12:35 BST (UK)
Has anyone worked out the cost of 3 days on FindMyPast?   Is it really worth all the fuss.

Carol
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Cas (stallc) on Saturday 24 June 17 12:57 BST (UK)
Has anyone worked out the cost of 3 days on FindMyPast?   Is it really worth all the fuss.

Carol

Not really about the cost. But inclusion in free events. If you pay for whatever, and another gets free..should be given same privilege.

Cas
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: groom on Saturday 24 June 17 13:16 BST (UK)
Has anyone worked out the cost of 3 days on FindMyPast?   Is it really worth all the fuss.

Carol

That isn't really the point in this case. FindMyPast are regularly offering free weekends but ignoring their loyal subscribers. It now seems that they are also discriminating between those customers and if you have a World Sub they will give you extra, but if it is just UK they aren't interested. Out of courtesy it should be offered to all.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Cas (stallc) on Saturday 24 June 17 13:18 BST (UK)
Has anyone worked out the cost of 3 days on FindMyPast?   Is it really worth all the fuss.

Carol

Very true!

That isn't really the point in this case. FindMyPast are regularly offering free weekends but ignoring their loyal subscribers. It now seems that they are also discriminating between those customers and if you have a World Sub they will give you extra, but if it is just UK they aren't interested. Out of courtesy it should be offered to all.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Cas (stallc) on Saturday 24 June 17 13:21 BST (UK)
Wrong way round, my posting of grooms comment, but agree!

Cas
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: groom on Saturday 24 June 17 13:26 BST (UK)
I have added a comment on FB and see that others are doing the same!
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ellenmai on Saturday 24 June 17 13:40 BST (UK)
groom I have been on to Facebook and can't find that particular topic, any hints on how to find it?
I did come across people complaining that they are advertising the 1939 Register but this isn't being included in the free access and there is apologise from FindMyPast saying it is a genuine mistake
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Finley 1 on Saturday 24 June 17 13:47 BST (UK)
For once in my life.... :)

I asked and I received...

so I got 3 free days

xin
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ellenmai on Saturday 24 June 17 13:50 BST (UK)
Well done xinia  ;D
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: groom on Saturday 24 June 17 14:09 BST (UK)
The answer I got on FB when I asked why it wasn't being offered to UK subscribers was this:

"As part of our limited free weekend access, we are offering all our Britain customers free access to Irish Records.

With this in mind, there will be no adjustment to the subscription terms of Britain packages.

You can view Irish Records at http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-ireland-records until 26th June"
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Caw1 on Saturday 24 June 17 14:35 BST (UK)
I agree with you Groom, although I have world it should make no difference.  We seem to have to fight for everything including getting reduced subs for loyalty although I know they're better than Ancestry who seem to be very aggressive in how they handle subs etc.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: Ray T on Saturday 24 June 17 14:51 BST (UK)
If they're offering me free access to Irish records, why haven't they bothered to tell me?

Clearly these numpties couldn't run a whelk stall and their actions are just as useless as their website search facility.

If I had anyone I wanted to look up in Ireland.............
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: smudwhisk on Saturday 24 June 17 16:01 BST (UK)
FindMyPast have never offered extra days to Britain subscribers previously, only those with Worldwide subs. The cynic in me would say they had only included the Irish records this time to avoid giving all subscribers three extra days.  Not everyone has research interests in Ireland, I don't, but if it had covered some other country they have records for it would have been of interest. ::)
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: harrison on Saturday 24 June 17 16:21 BST (UK)
I have only ever suscribed to BRITISH records on FindMyPast, but have been given 3 extra days on THIS occassion! but probably only because I complained about the constant free weekends!
I did not get the extra 3 days added automatically!

Joan.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: groom on Saturday 24 June 17 17:24 BST (UK)
I have only ever suscribed to BRITISH records on FindMyPast, but have been given 3 extra days on THIS occassion! but probably only because I complained about the constant free weekends!
I did not get the extra 3 days added automatically!

Joan.

This is where the whole system is unfair. Why are they giving to some British Subscribers yet not to others?  I'm not moaning as I'm a World Subscriber, but it does seem very unfair the way they are going about it.
Title: Re: FindMyPast 22-26 June Free Access
Post by: torre on Sunday 25 June 17 11:42 BST (UK)
Well, I've finally got a result, albeit a halfhearted one.

I've had three days added to my subscription, but not because I am entitled to it. It is being given as a gesture of goodwill 'on this occasion'

I still cannot understand why some uk subscribers get it without asking, some are refused and some get it after a fight.

The moral of this story:- If you believe you're right, never, ever give up.

Thanks to everyone for their help and interest.