Genealogy Chat

Yes, it happens too many times. If I did not receive replies, then I ask GR to check to see if the person is an 'active' member. Joy

One aspect of replies that really bugs me is when someone emails about one of my names, and really does appear to have some connection to my family (usually in the early to mid-1900s where I haven't yet got all my rellies children sussed) but maybe something like an address in common crops up together with a generational family first name. Then, when I write back and ask for more info on who the parents were, or some other snippet that might enable me to make a connection, they don't get back - at all. Ever. And I'm left feeling there probably was a connection, but they haven't given it, or me, a chance to make it. Follow up emails don't get any reply. This has happened several times now, and makes me really mad! Barbara

Hi David, you haven't tried to contact me, have you? lol. I've only had one or two people contact me first (it's usually the other way round), and I sometimes wonder if someone's tried to get in touch but I haven't received it. Good luck with your searches, though. Glenys. P.S. Donna, I'm descended from a Kimberley ..........

I think Geoff probably has a point though. I know that I put a message on a rootsweb over a year ago then after a couple of months forgot to check on it. It wasnt til I joined GR that a lady contacted me saying she had been waiting for months to a reply to her message on the rootsweb site (we turned out to be second cousins). I know a chap contacted me the first week I was on here, he was very excited as he believed we could be 2nd cousins too (on a different line). I said I didnt have any info and would let him know. In the last three months I have mailed him a dozen times with no response. I am sure he would be thrilled to get the info I now have so I can only assume that he has stopped regularly checking his mail. It is a shame though when people dont bother to respond.

Hi David Sometimes people give you access to their tree instead of replying to your message. Heather

david i know how you feel ive had the same happen to me perhaps they are just waisting your and our time never mind david just keep trying and don't give up kind regards donna

Just because someone has/had membership to GC/GR it doesn't mean they are "active" and visit the site regularly. If their e-mail address has changed they will receive no notification of any contact. I had a reply after over a year a couple of months ago.

david I know just how you feel its just bad manners Jenny

David, I understand how you feel. I have tried to contact numerous people but most of the time you dont even get a 'sorry there's no connection'. I have however, had some replies where there hasnt been a connection but they have wished me luck with my research. I am always so happy to receive help that I think it is only polite that people should acknowledge and says thanks. Nicky

I know that I am not the only one to suffer the problem, so would anyone making enquiries on this site please have the decency to answer e mails etc. Over the last few weeks I have e mailed about 20 people with name interests posted on this site. 90% have not even bothered to respond. Of the other 10%, I have either given information or sent them my personal e mail address so that they can answer, and then receive attachments that cannot be sent via this site. They then do not respond. I am not expecting thanks for work done, but having given the benefit of many years work for nothing it would be nice to receive any items they have in return. Sorry to sound an old grumps. But come on folks.