Free Ancestry UK Access this weekend

[KGarrad]

But you still have a choice of two Groom 

Only snag is if you keep your tree online on one of the sites... that is their hook to keep people paying up rather than exercising consumer choice. Convenience costs.

But I completely agree that paid-up members should get additional days in lieu.

My subscription to Ancestry lapsed a few years ago - but I still have 10 trees on there!
You don't need a sub, to keep, and update, a tree!

And, yes! I will be a freeloader this weekend!
But then I usually "freeload" at my local library, where Ancestry Library Edition helps me a lot.

[youngtug]

I was just showing that not everyone wanted worldwide access, not having a go at anyone. Maybe I should have taken the time to explain in more depth.
Why ask for something you have not needed or do not need, or even request more time, a reduction in price for long term users might be a better option.
It is a marketing ploy and it must seem to be working for them to keep doing it.

[Ray T]

The great thing about free Ancestry weekends like this is that it gives people a chance to see what Ancestry has to offer before committing to a full subscription.

I thought that was what the free 14 day trial was for?

Unlike Ancestry, FindMyPast did extend last years subscription to compensate for the free days they offered to non-subscribers.

[rosie99]

The great thing about free Ancestry weekends like this is that it gives people a chance to see what Ancestry has to offer before committing to a full subscription.

FindMyPast did extend last years subscription to compensate for the free days they offered to non-subscribers.

But only if they had the world subscription 

[groom]

The great thing about free Ancestry weekends like this is that it gives people a chance to see what Ancestry has to offer before committing to a full subscription.

I'd agree with that Trystan if they were offered the free weekend once and then after that it was only open and available to those who hadn't used it before. As it is, these free weekends are open to anyone and a lot of people, who have no intention of taking out a subscription, wait for them and use them.

[clairec666]

I'll hold my hands up and admit it - I'm a "freeloader". I don't expect to have these free weekends, but when they come round, of course I'll make use of them. Usually I pop down to the library to access Ancestry and Findmypast, but I'll access it at home this weekend.... wouldn't you all do the same? I've subscribed in the past, can't afford to right now. It's an expensive hobby so I try to do as much as possible for free.

I'm not someone who wants something for nothing. I transcribe parish records and offer to do look-ups at local cemetries.

Surely Ancestry and Findmypast are shooting themselves in the foot by offering so many free weekends? Yes, the point is to attract new subscribers. But the majority of their subscribers are going to be existing ones who renew every year (as we all know, this is a hobby you can't quit!) So maybe they should stop chasing potential new customers and respect their exiting ones...

[relatedtoturnips]

I'll hold my hands up and admit it - I'm a "freeloader". I don't expect to have these free weekends, but when they come round, of course I'll make use of them. Usually I pop down to the library to access Ancestry and Findmypast, but I'll access it at home this weekend.... wouldn't you all do the same? I've subscribed in the past, can't afford to right now. It's an expensive hobby so I try to do as much as possible for free.

I'm not someone who wants something for nothing. I transcribe parish records and offer to do look-ups at local cemetries.

Surely Ancestry and Findmypast are shooting themselves in the foot by offering so many free weekends? Yes, the point is to attract new subscribers. But the majority of their subscribers are going to be existing ones who renew every year (as we all know, this is a hobby you can't quit!) So maybe they should stop chasing potential new customers and respect their exiting ones...

Agreed. I will be a happy freeloader this weekend.

[AlexMcK]

I'm a relatively new member and have made few posts but in the short time I've been using the board, I have been struck by the willingness to share information and help others - so I'm left a little dumbfounded by some of the posts on here regarding 'freeloaders'

I have paid for an Ancestry subscription previously but let it lapse as almost all of my ancestors are Scottish with a few Irish thrown in. There are relatively few Scottish records when compared to the number of English records. I'd virtually exhausted my search whilst my subscription was still valid - but I wouldn't then, or now, wish to deny anyone the opportunity to have a 'free' search if they had neither the time nor the money to spend on pursuing their family tree as a full-time hobby

I've spent a great deal more on certificates from Scotland's People than I would have spent on an Ancestry subscription which would give me access to so much more with no additional costs

Ancestry subscribers also have to remember that they have access at all times whilst some people have to wait to access the records - and the 'free' weekends are not as frequent or as great in number as has been suggested

Alex

[Caw1]

This is a difficult topic for discussion really as we all want to be able to use both FindMyPast and Ancestry.
I'm lucky enough to be able to afford both, but I did phone them up and say I was retired and on a fixed income and had been a member for many years, they gave me a 25% reduction straight away which I was more than happy with.
Last year I took advantage of FindMyPast cheap deal visa the US and just paid £46 for Worldwide sub. Ancestry are a bit more hard nosed and don't automatically give any loyalty discount but if you don't try and ask then you pay full price.
I don't, personally, begrudge the free w/e but do feel that regular paid up members should have some perks. Perhaps the option of extra days added or a free worldwide look up that way it would satisfy the majority of people.
Genealogy is a way of life and we all enjoy helping others out when we can as it gives you a certain buzz knowing you've been able to solve someone's brick wall or whatever.
We are a community and we mustn't get too upset that sone of us maybe more fortunate than others and begrudge a bit of free time.
I've just been doing FutureLearns genealogy course and the advice and help given on there has been wonderful and it just shows how generous we all are with our knowledge to help others out.
So having said all this I hope you enjoy the free w/e!