Genes Reunited Member?

[Cas (stallc)]

It would be helpful to be able to see if people are current members or not.

Probably a good number of the non-repliers are people who no longer have the email address they supplied when they joined.

I agree, it would be good to know if members were current, as here, you can check last log on date etc.  If they do not update their current email, it questions if they are really interested in contacts and further info.  Some put their tree there, put do not pay for a a sub.

I have let my sub lapse, after a number of years. Initially I found it quite good, but do not use it anymore.  If I get any connections from there now, positive or not, I  always give a reply.  If I/they want to take it further, I pass on my email, then it is up to them.

I have also been in a position, were you do not get any replies to requests, but think of it as their loss, they cannot be that interested anyway, or do not want to help or share, which is the foundation of FH.


Cas

[kiwihalfpint]

It just occurred to me that another reason that they haven't replied is because they could have died.    My cousin has his tree on GR as well, and just recently died, and I guess if a person has died GR might not have been informed.

[Sloe Gin]

Indeed.  I had some correspondence earlier this year with someone who was ill with heart trouble.  I know this because delayed replies would come with apologies and brief references to the illness.  There has been a long silence, and I am afraid my correspondent may have died. 

[Sloe Gin]

If they do not update their current email, it questions if they are really interested in contacts and further info.  

Perhaps, but they may just have forgotten.  Many people don't use their main email address when they sign up to things, for fear of spam.  There could be lots of people out there wondering why they never get any messages from GR!

[Cas (stallc)]

It just occurred to me that another reason that they haven't replied is because they could have died. My cousin has his tree on GR as well, and just recently died, and I guess if a person has died GR might not have been informed.

This also happened to me, with a first cousin, he had put his tree up and a lot of details matched, My dad's much older sister moved to London and married there.  This was her son.

I had no reply for a long while, then out of the blue I got a lovely reply from his wife, my cousin had died, it was very sad, but she said how he would have been delighted with the contact, and connection, so how could she help.

She helped me fill in a number of details of my Aunt and her family after she had left home and married etc.  

We still keep in touch via email, so it can be positive in some cases.  Although, I do understand, some may not know details of hobbies, or would not want to carry on.

Cas

[newbe_nz]

I had a reply from one GR memebr the other day.

It said being an 8th cousin of the person they were looking for was a bit far back but thank me for the reply.

Newbe

[Cas (stallc)]

If they do not update their current email, it questions if they are really interested in contacts and further info.  

Perhaps, they may just have forgotten. Many people don't use their main email address when they sign up to things, for fear of spam. There could be lots of people out there wondering why they never get any messages from GR!

Possibly...but not in my experience for a serious researcher of FH.  Goes back to what is the point of putting info or requests up, if not checked, or messages are not accessed  

Bit missing the point really, why bother in the first place.  Others connect with the info and get no reply.  I bet there are are quite a few, to put it mildly, that have a free tree on GR, then forget about it.  

Although, as mentioned here,  there are circumstances where they cannot reply.

I left it there a while ago, but still reply, even just to say.... sorry no connection.

Cas

[dusty_streets]

"I had a reply from one GR memebr the other day.
g an 8th cousin of the person they were looking for was a bit far back but thank me for the reply.

Newbe"

I've known people who are only interested in their direct ancestors & don't want info. on the other family members   A person doesn't live in a bubble.  Sometimes knowing things about the family can add interest to your family history 

[Sloe Gin]

Yes, and it can help you get further back with the direct ancestors, with clues such as middle names etc.

But let's face it, it's a hobby that people pick up and then often put down for a while.  I do myself.  Other things in life have a habit of interrupting.