Genealogy Chat

I've been a member since 2003. During that time I've contacted, and been contacted by, innumerable other members, often resulting in a useful exchange of information. During the 'early days' especially, it was rare to fail to receive a response to a request for information, even if the reply was to say there wasn't a match. Lately however, I've noticed that members I have tried to contact haven't even bothered to reply to say whether they would be interested in exchanging information. I'm beginning to wonder whether it is worth while continuing my membership!

Hi Peter, welcome to the boards. There are many threads on this subject.

Do the messages you send get opened - check your sent messages to see if the envelope is still there unopened or not.

Trees are never removed from GR (unless the member does so) and so the details remain available for ever. Many owners are no longer active members of GR.

Members may no longer be using the trees, may be deceased, may not be interested in exchanging information etc. etc.

I know it would be nice just to get a "sorry, not related" it doesn't take much does it, but sadly times change..................

i sent a message just the other day it was opened but never got anything back

i do think its rude not to answer even if its just to say sorry not my family

but its up to them if we keep trying we will find the info we want one day

Sometimes people take quite a while to reply to messages.

The longest I waited for a reply was 8 months after the message was opened (this was quite a few years ago). The person in question had been ill and then had taken quite a while to dig out old family history records that had been put away in a loft, then had to be sorted through to find the information I was asking for.

They say patience is a virtue.

However I must admit I do not think GenesReunited has anywhere near as many active members as they would like us to believe. As Peter says, 12/13 years ago when I joined the community boards were very fast moving with lots of look-ups to do and messages seemed on the whole to be answered quickly.

Just a sign of the times I think. I only keep renewing because as a long standing member I get my subscription at a reasonable cost.

Kath. x

I agree,
Could not GR mark which trees,belong to paid up members,in the tree name search results,even a * would do.

Nick

Can't see that happening, Nick.

You've only to read any of the "suggestions" or "Community Manager" threads to see how frustrated we all are, making suggestions which are then ignored.

Nick's suggestion would mean that there would have to be constant updating of the information as members move from free to paid, drop back to free, etc etc


Even keeping track of when members sign on and off is very tricky.

I never sign out of GR ............ although I'm told that doesn't mean that I am not signed out



Keeping track of whether the envelopes have been opened is really the only way to find out whether the member is active or not.

I think think there are a lot less ACTIVE members then even when I joined.
Plus It's holiday season.

Joseph

you are quite correct

there are many fewer active members

I know many people who used to help on the Boards have left

it's no wonder, as so little is being done to improve the problems.

Many thanks to all those who have taken the time and trouble to reply. It would appear that I am not on my own after all!