Genealogy Chat

My membership of GR expires today and I won't be renewing. I switched off auto--renew some months ago when I became completely disillusioned with this site. I hasten to add that this is nothing to do with GR itself but with the attitude of some of the researchers and the constant moaning about the way things are run.
Over the years and through different guises I have seen this site go from a thriving, happy community where everyone worked together for the good of the posters to the shadow of it's former self that it is today. The boards were always busy and it didn't matter what time of the day you popped in there was always something to respond to. There were arguments, and leavings. It happens. You get over it and move on. It's the inevitable clash of personalities. The community spirit wasn't any the worse for any of these altercations and the boards continued to be a great place to be.
Then the changes came and the moaning began and it still continues. If I was a new poster and I reviewed the boards before posting my query I would very quickly go elsewhere. There are, after all a multitude of Genealogy sites to deal with your query where the researchers are just as experienced as they are here and where the poster is welcomed and not made to feel intimidated because they posted on the wrong board or more than one board. Where there are no messages saying, Don't contact me we are not related, Don't click on my name. If you message me I will not answer. Every time I see these entries in the research section it makes me wonder why there is a need for it. What is the problem in answering a PM and pointing the poster in the right direction.
None of it matters. The only important thing is that people post. Any issues with what, where and how many times can be dealt with later in the correct way.

My one complaint about GR is that they try to do too much with limited resources. It has always been my belief that this is no place for a General Chat Board. There are plenty of places for that all over the web. Book Club...........why?? GR should streamline this site and make it purely for genealogy.
I'm not expecting anyone to agree with me. I'm not concerned about that I just wanted my say before I was switched off. I will just add that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on these boards. It has been a blast.

bye astra

enjoy whatever you may be doing

i do agree with alot of things you have said

good luck <3

Bye Astra, it's been nice working along side you

Take care

x

Bye Astra,

I agree.

Which site are you moving to?

Bye Astra.

I agree with just about everything you say. I've been a member for nearly 12 years and as you say the boards were fast moving and interesting.

I never used to look at the Chat boards back then as there was always enough to keep me occupied on the Record Office boards where people asked for look-ups.

These days I do comment on some of the general chat threads - but only because there are so few people asking for look-ups these days and I like to spend the odd half hour on here to pass the time. Years ago I could spend all day.

I hope you find somewhere to carry on your research (or hobby - which is what this has become for me now as I'm not really doing any family history research for myself now).

All the best.

Kath. x

Sorry to see this Astra, always sad to see a fellow helper leave, am sure we have worked together at times, on 'Threads' can remember your ' green Tree', lol.

All the best, take care.

Chris :)

Such a pity to lose someone who obviously has compassion understanding patience

and tolerance. All the best qualities when communicating with people.

Sad to see such a person leave, but do understand why you are doing so.

All the Best for your future

That is such a shame Astra.

Take care

Chris

Astra, I'm so sorry to see you go!

I must admit that I agree with what you said and It is very sad to see the boards so bereft of queries. There used to be plenty to keep us all occupied.

Good luck in whatever you do in the future.

Liz <3 <3

Astra

It is always sad when a long standing members leaves, you will be missed.

Good luck for the future

Chris

Sorry to read this Astra. I do so agree with your sentiments though. I'm sure your talents will be of great benefit elsewhere. Good luck. :-)

i too remember when the boards moved so fast with family enquiries I only had basic access to free sites so was envious of the info being found that eluded me for my tree. I too asked for help and did get shot down in flames one time cos i didnt say things correctly!! so its always been there

As time went on though and some aggro happened to cause some good researchers to leave I decided to bite the bullet and get subs to sites like Ancestry and as I got more experienced in searching and getting to brick walls I felt able to try and help others

Sadly along the way I have seen some really off putting and down right rude comments from others on enquiries where the thread originator didn't know how to ask for info or was put off not knowing what was ok to post and what wasnt

I have read some retorts and thought BLIMEY thats rude and abrupt ,enough to put a newby off enquiring .

So yes the asking for help enquiries have really diminished, maybe others have subs so dont need the help . But any are gladly hit upon by many helpers and are off on a roll ,often posting what others have found

I have just had notification on my Ancestry renewal and at almost £180 its dear but i still enjoy searches and do want to keep my own tree on there available.

I can understand though that others may say my subs are due but "Thats It I, m off " :-(

Shirley

You need to have a conversation with someone at Ancestry

Lot's of us are paying around £150 for world wide

Think they told me it was £179 that is going to be charged for worldwide . Am on I pad so can't see,the email at the mo so will have to double check and have a word with them if it hasn't already gone through

Yep I,m being diddled!!!

Renewal Information
Membership: Worldwide membership
Total Cost: £179.99

not gone through yet so a serous discussion about a loyalty discount I think

:-( :-| :-|

I phoned last year and got a loyalty discount, can't remember what it was, 25 percent maybe? Anyway I was told I was only getting it because I'd never asked before and would not be able to get it again.

So it's definitely worth asking about. :-)

I agree with you... gone are the days of fun.

I post and run now coz I,m fed up with being moaned at ...

*** runs***