Does this annoy anyone else?

[JamesBianco]

I am having major issues with FTM and Vista, so much so (and I've had FTM for years) that I've switched to Legacy now. It seems to pretty much meet my needs so far.

I think World Family Tree is an invaluable resource in terms of a guide, and as horrible and undocumented as much of their information is, there are TONS of detailed wonderfully documented genealogies included as well. Those of us with extensive experience can spot and sort out what is garbage and what is the result of methodical primary source research most of the time rather quickly.

The danger in my opinion is that some of these novices just take what's there and add it to their lines without double checking primary sources and then perpetuate the errors by publishing their own databases.

I won't lie though, I use the database almost daily, and am very thankful it exists.

[lilbees]

This is a recent problem. That is why I appealed to Edmondo.

lilbees

[LoisM]

I still think the best info you can get is from older family members.

I have taken the info I have gotten here from the wonderful members who can seem to find anything...lol And used it to ask my older relatives about the names and dates to confirm the info.

Sometimes the best infomation for research is your family. My hubby bought me a digital recorder to record the conversations and I am burning them onto CD and adding them to my collection.

Always fact check or ask for a fact check. Sometimes another set of eyes can see something you don't.

[carolinechurch]

I agree totally with you Squigy and Wldspirit.

Only a few days ago, some fool on Ancestry 'stole' my grandfather and married him to a nine year old! She has completely ignored my message to re-check her information, and my offer to help her if I can...what can you do?
Caroline.

[wldspirit]

A nine year old.... 8O
Do they not know how absurd that is??? I know that there was a period of time when women married young.....but come on!!

Eventually, when I add the detail to my tree, I am going to make sure that I point out the existence of erroneous information contained in other trees on MY FAMILY, and not that of a third generation former in law who never obtained ANY documentation and had never even met a Cupi family member!!!

[carolinechurch]

Thinking about it, maybe that's why so many people have private trees on Ancestry.
I didn't want to do that though, because you miss so many 'good' connections and can share with others who aren't so careless and lazy.
I just wish there was a way I could reclaim Grandpa and give him back to his proper wife!!

[wldspirit]

I just wish there was a way I could reclaim Grandpa and give him back to his proper wife!!

[Squigy]

Nine?!? That's exactly what I'm talking about. If one bothered to look, they would see that is impossible!

I have to disagree, James. I think OneWorldTree is useless, and should be removed from Ancestry.com. I think seeing individual trees, and being able to contact the owners and ask for sources is much more......useful.

Thanks to all who responded

[JamesBianco]

I have to disagree, James. I think OneWorldTree is useless, and should be removed from <a href="/http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3166187-10456885" TARGET="_blank">Ancestry.com</a>. I think seeing individual trees, and being able to contact the owners and ask for sources is much more......useful.

Well in my experience over the years it has served well as a guide and a source for possible clues to follow when I've hit a brick wall. If I find something interesting I do the back up documentation using primary sources and if it pans out (which it does on occasion) then all the better.

I am not sure of your area of research, but the bulk of mine is dealing with early New England and French Canada. When you get back into the 17th and 18th Century it can be an amazing resource as most of those lines are represented in full, some flawed some well documented.

[Squigy]

@James:

I'm glad the database helps some people, such as yourself. I have not been able to find any of my Italian family on OneWorldTree (or other family trees for that matter) but on my early WV side, I find before a certain point (usually 1800) most of it is inaccurate with no sources, and doesn't match what I have, which has sources. As I said, I'm glad the database is helpful to you, but others may take what is said on there as fact, not clues.

[LoisM]

You guys are creeping me out about Ancestry.com..lol

I joined a few months ago but I will be canceling it soon. My cancellation will include a written letter of complaint to the home office.

I have asked people who have posted in the forums question after question and no one gets back with you.

And one lady told me to leave her alone. I was like "duh" you posted a "question" on a national website...get a clue.

They need to clean house over there badly...

I have gotten more help and have had a great welcome from everyone on this site. I will be putting a link to this site on my own site.

As for the other sites you've mentioned I have used them so I wouldn't know.

Lois M.

[LoisM]

Okay...I get exactly what your talking about on Ancestry

I found my Grandfather and Great Great Grandfather listed on some family tree's with the wrong names and dates etc...

I have contacted the people to find out who they are and what they are doing with the info...

I think if you post stuff on Ancestry it will get pilfered right or wrong. Seems to be the way it is there.

However I did meet a man with whom I share and ancestor and we are comparing notes.

Genealogy is the craze right now...get the info and get out quick!!!

[lilbees]

Dear LoisM, many times I list people I have newly discoverd in my tree on Ancestry. As you know, Ancestry says "put in what you currently know". I do that and then, many time,s I discover when trying to document that person there is no connection. At that point I remove them.

I think many people on Ancestry try to do the same thing thinking there is a family connection but do not go back and remove them if it turns out they are not. "They are not stealing from you"...................so try not to take any other trees or their errors personally. Even their mistakes may be of assistance to someone down the line.

lilbees

[LoisM]

lilbees,

I don't think they stole any information from me, I don't have anything posted there not even a family tree. I just like to ask them where they found the info and can they document it and most times they don't answer you or they tell you to leave them alone.

If I can help someone get the right info I am willing too 100% but I think that for some Genealogy has become a fad not a hobby. I know I will be at my family history for years...I figured that out when I started and it doesn't bother me a bit.

You just wait till that TV show " What do you think you are" comes out. Ancestry will loaded with people grabbing any info they can. I think it will get ugly.

Lois M.

[Squigy]

lilbees,

I don't think they stole any information from me, I don't have anything posted there not even a family tree. I just like to ask them where they found the info and can they document it and most times they don't answer you or they tell you to leave them alone.

If I can help someone get the right info I am willing too 100% but I think that for some Genealogy has become a fad not a hobby. I know I will be at my family history for years...I figured that out when I started and it doesn't bother me a bit.

You just wait till that TV show " What do you think you are" comes out. Ancestry will loaded with people grabbing any info they can. I think it will get ugly.

Lois M.

That's EXACTLY how I see it, Lois. Exactly. Genealogy is just "hip" now, and when that show comes out (even though it seems interesting) people will be all "Oh my God, I want to know who I am", and frankly, that annoys me.