I am so upset .....

[Josephine]

The root of the problem lies in the conventions of academic research.  Family history research is just that, although many enthusiasts are unaware of it, and have never brushed up against the "rules" which govern it.  Researchers are expected to review what has been published previously, present their own findings and draw conclusions, then include a list of sources.  The sources should include primary sources, which family history is generally good at, and also secondary sources - i.e. other people's work in the field, which Ancestry never explains, and has allowed it to become a free-for-all.

In the academic world you would not get far by behaving like this, and most people expect better manners, but there are those who do not understand it and Ancestry does nothing to educate them, so this is the result.

Well said, MollyC.

[Steve3180]

I don't think we have got to the bottom of how any one can easily grab a whole tree and add it on to their own.

You could always try asking them. I would approach it by praising their tree, and saying you wish you knew how to add so many people because you find it such hard work and can they tell you their secret.

You never know a bit of subterfuge might work.

[sprintexec]

Seriously. Is there no validation on Ancestry?

None that I've ever seen. It appears to be some sort of whoever shouts the loudest wins process.

Unfortunately it's too useful to not subscribe. I used to have to go to Edinburgh and into the depths of the City Chambers to access Cemetery records, I can now do it sitting at my desk, this alone is worth the subscription.

I just have to accept that along with the usefulness is all the cr*p we have been discussing here. The only people who can fix this are Ancestry but money rules there these days so it isn't likely they'll do anything.

I understand and appreciate the cost benefit that you have explained Steve. For a while I was using Ancestry to delve into UK records from Cyprus. I've more recently found that I can export my data from Ancestry into Roots Magic. This allows me time to dig around other sources. As a consequence I've bought Genealogy - Essential Research Methods by Helen Osborn and plan to buy or subscribe to other relevant, to me, publications or portals. I'm resigned to the fact that others may have plundered my Ancestry files if it is as easy to do as seems the case. Perhaps, just perhaps they may achieve something helpful! Ancestry no doubt will be busy developing their product and they may have regard to the frustrations being expressed by so many here. I won't hold my breath!   

[coombs]

Ancestry trees can be similar to heraldic visitations, error strewn. Even if I find potential ancestors in a visitation, I like to try to verify it myself.

[Erato]

"Ancestry are only in it for the money"

Well, yes, it's a for-profit corporation, so there's nothing surprising about that.  If you don't put your tree out there as a public resource and just use Ancestry as a convenient source of records, you won't have any problems.  It's that simple.  I no longer subscribe to Ancestry, but when I did, I just used it as a library.  I wasn't plagued with hints, no one could steal anything from me, and I had no complaints.

There are lots of other corporations seeking to profit from family history buffs.  One sells an image of my grandmother - if you're interested, it will cost you $39.00.  Or you can just go to the missionary magazine that they purloined it from and clip it out for free.

[Essnell]

Hi  Everyone,
Today I opened my tree to see the rating as from else where discussions but my Grandmother's photo was there in her profile. I have never added any photos to my tree. Ancestry says I have 7.  All collected by them from others some of which were originally privately sent to one cousin.     some are actually record images also not from me.  However I do have all of them.  from doing my own searching and purchasing where I have to.

I deleted the profile image. I may put up a cat photo instead.

Once bitten twice shy.  Sadly you just never know what someone will eventually do with these things.

Essnell.

[George E. H. Haydock]

  I THINK WE ALL NEED TO CHILL ,If what we print, on RootsChat helps others well that a good result,
Rather than us being full of are own importance, We need to help each other Follow their family bloodline.??

         Cheers George.

[Essnell]

Hi George E H Haycock.

No one said anything about not helping others .. i believe that there are two aspects to this discussion

1 Trust  2. how did the tree get copied entirely.
That's the issue.  Unfortunately there appears to be no answers as to how to deal with either.    

And.....  I regularly help others and so does everyone on this thread --  and this forum.

Essnell
 

[Biggles50]

Hi George E H Haycock.

No one said anything about not helping others .. i believe that there are two aspects to this discussion

1 Trust  2. how did the tree get copied entirely.
That's the issue.  Unfortunately there appears to be no answers as to how to deal with either.    

And.....  I regularly help others and so does everyone on this thread --  and this forum.

Essnell

Well said.

I’m not sure if it has been mentioned so far and whilst it will not help in this case changing your Ancestry account password would be a good move.

Plus make the trees private but searchable.