National Archives - update

[kerryb]

I'm glad I'm not the only one.  I have had several successes from this site now but after a lot of hard work, I'm like Kia, fairly savvy when it comes to websites but this one has flummoxed.  Trying to search under a reference number usually goes round and round in circles ending up at the start all the time.

The other day I went in with a reference number to get some court papers and was given the option of the digital photocopy and email 24 hour service, so I went for that.  Next day I got an email saying that option wasn't available for those refences numbers and I would have to order copies through the post.  My reply to the computer was along the lines of

'well don't tell me that now, tell me before you let me order them dummy''  That's the polite version.

Hopefully at some point in the next week I will get estimate which I can then accept and my papers might eventually come to me, I hope, this could clear up a little brickwall.

Kerry

[Just Kia]

*feels relieved that she isn't alone*

[suttontrust]

You've all proved that it's not just me    Like all of you, I'm an intelligent person with considerable IT skills.  If we have trouble, they must be used to complaints. 
There's a nice contrast with a document I got today.  I found a number of letters I wanted on A2A, in the Sheffield Archives.  I emailed to reserve them and took a train trip to Sheffield, where I was able to look at all of them.  Later I noticed on A2A another letter I wanted in Sheffield.  I emailed, got a form, sent a cheque, and it arrived today - the right one!  Common sense with computers working with real people.

[Springbok]

I am sure that Daisy will have a better experience in person. I have read some posts where others have been guided through the process. and very happy with their researches.

However when it comes to many official sites,often it is a case of commissioning a system which is written by people who do not understand the requirements of the user.

The classic scandel (some years ago now)is that of the Wessex Health areas new computer system, which was still a failure after Millions had been spent.

May be wrong but I think it was abandoned. And my Surgery has all details on their computer system , but they still keep and update the paper records!!

[Daisy Loo]

Good to know that Spring!  I am planning this event extremely well!  A lot of Rootschatters have given me references etc...so hopefully won't go too wrong!

I would imagine though, that to digitize something the size of TNA is HUGE, and imagine that any way they do it, it will be complicated navigation...however, it would be nice if in these places, the people that worked there were better informed, so as to give better advice!

[Springbok]

I suppose we always expect a younger generation to be be more knowlagable about computers than they think about their elders.

Does that make sense(getting a bit late for coherant thinking)


Anyway hope you have a great day Daisy abd do let us know how you get on.

Spring

[stonechat]

Hi

I find the reference numbers confusing too
Even when onsite and you have the reference, it is hard to know which bit to put in which boxes (it is online ordering onsite)

However some fantstic docs made it worthwhile

See if there any Chancery docs for your family -= really good

[kerryb]

I'm just glad that TNA are actually digitising all these records otherwise I would be missing out on a whole host of information when I eventually find it. 

Kerry

[Fitty]

I'm glad i'm not the only one who finds this very confusing. I have the same problems as everyone else. 

Has anyone emailed them to complain?  If the webmasters think that the website is all singing and dancing then they wont change it.

I have complained a couple of times in the past and got the standard reply "we'll look into it".

Might pen another email today....cos i,m bored  lol