The new Findmypast (Part 3)

[Jomot]

From the new FindMyPast Ts & Cs:

"Changes to the website or records: We reserve the right to make changes to the website, including the records and services we offer, without notice; however, we would not be in business very long if we suddenly took things away that you've paid for without offering you a decent replacement". 

I've emailed them pointing out that taking away things we've paid for without offering a decent replacement is exactly what they've done,  so when is it exactly that they expect to go out of business and can I please have a full refund before they do.......

[LizzieW]

Well still trying folks! Read a "Positive" on their Facebook page, an IT guy who suggested we stop the drama & compensation chatter, they're fixing them, above all they are apologetic 

He says that 'they have technical issues' and ends up saying 'what's your problem'. He clearly has no understanding of the release of quality, well designed, thoroughly tested products, and he relates the issues FindMyPast are having with his IT tech support department, incredible.

I think more wind up than positive  so still no positives anywhere.

Simon

Then there's the post (on Facebook) from a woman who thinks the site is wonderful, doesn't know why we're all complaining and said we should be happy to use the "breadcrumbs" across the top and then helpfully gave a link to an IT company that has something to do with said breadcrumbs.  To you and me, breadcrumbs are apparently words across the top of the screen, like on Rootschat, where we have Home, Forum, Help, Search, My Profile, etc. etc.

[groom]

To you and me, breadcrumbs are apparently words across the top of the screen, like on Rootschat, where we have Home, Forum, Help, Search, My Profile, etc. etc.

Well, you learn something new every day. To me, breadcrumbs are the things I try to avoid getting in my keyboard.   

[hiraeth]

Some good information from posts on the WDYTYA forum from a couple of IT people re why these changes have been implemented to the site.

The WDYTYA people are planning on posting the results of a detailed Q&A with FindMyPast next week.

Unless they split the site to the "old" version for traditional users and the "new one" for tablet and mobile (likely incurring increased cost)  I'm doubtful they will be able to satisfy their current subscribers - even when all the problems are sorted out.     

Their PR throughout all this has been patronizing and arrogant.  At the moment, adding a free month or two to subscriptions is pretty useless when the new site is not delivering basic service.
They are expecting all the "whiners" will eventually accept their changes and learn new ways of looking for information - sadly they are probably correct in their assumption.   They don't care it now takes us 6+ clicks and a lot more box filling to find the information.     After all they may well be happy to get rid of a couple of thousand heavy users of the site as this will reduce the load on their servers.    They know the deals they have made with LDS, National Archives, etc will continue to pay off no matter what quality of service they offer.   

As in so much in the "tech" brave new world,  the trap has been well and truly sprung.

Sometimes I'm glad I'm getting old 

[gazania]

I have just checked into the site after a few days away and  I have obviously been changed over to the "New".  But nothing is working. All I am getting is the error message and if I click on anything highlighted it takes me to a "connect to support email".  Do I have to do anything to connect to the new version, I would have not thought so.  I suppose I'll have to wait until it is sorted.  Not happy, Jan.

Gazania

[gazania]

I have just tried again and the site is working very well.  So far I am pleased.  I tried a blanket search for my rare name on the census subset.  So easy, all my relatives, both in England, OZ & USA were shown from 1800, 1841 census & on to the electoral rolls in OZ, although I only have a subs to the UK records.

I am not too sure how I will go with a tricky search or downloading or printing.  But so far so good.  Thanks FindMyPast. Gazania

[bikermickau]

This has never worked for me and I have sent several emails to FindMyPast about it.
Usually I do remember my password after a few days or so, the problem is I so rarely use FindMyPast.

For any one who is unable to "sign in" to the new site because of unrecognised e-mail or password try resetting your password. It worked for me.

Maddie

[ladybird]

I also found a little box checked which I don't recall seeing before and I never would have checked it if I had.
It said:
"Allow this website to share anonymised data with Google and Comscore to help us better understand usage patterns"

Yes I've just been in to my account and noticed that's ticked.  Does anyone know when they implemented it?  I don't remember ever seeing it on the old site but didn't often access my account details on there.  Being the cynic that I am, I don't believe anything is entirely anonymised whatever they say.

Keep checking folks. I unticked them last week and the ticks were back when I just checked! I only joined for a month to check the newspapers. And while I think about it, is anyone having problems finding baptisms for PRs. All I seem to get is deaths and marriages, even though I put in an approx. date of birth.

[Gadget]

Keep checking folks. I unticked them last week and the ticks were back when I just checked!

Are you sure that you pressed 'Update details' when you unchecked?  I had an e-mail confirmation that my details had been updated and they still are.