I just purchased the 2012 FTM and found that my family tree automatically uploads and syncs with my Ancestry.com on-line tree. This is quite a time-saver. Friends can be invited as guests or editors to view the on-line version. All editor changes are sync'd with my FTM database at my discretion. It's the first on-line family tree function that I've found to be worthwhile. Of course FTM 2012 is 30 or 40 bucks depending on where you buy it and Ancestry.com is not cheap - but a subscription is not required for the viewing, editing and printing by guest invitees. Makes the whole process much simpler. Joe B.

I can delete my tree at any time according to Ancestry's options, but whether it actually disappears or not, guess I don't know. On the other side of that coin I would say let the world see it, the folks are long since gone from this planet, the living are privatized and maybe a distant relative might find me, or I them, and break down another brick wall. A very rich one maybe

Boy Joe, I couldn't agree with you more. Who cares if others see the tree. Or even take information from it. They may put in inaccurate information into their tree (as I have found) with no connection to the actual individual but they believe it is true. I have made comments on various inaccuracies in others tree. If they choose to change the information, great. Otherwise maybe the more accurate information would help them to find more of their family members.

None of this makes me upset or angry. In fact, many others trees have helped me in some way to help me find some of my own family.

I just don't understand how people are so afraid to reveal their families. I am proud of mine and would like to world to know about them.

lilbees

I'm sorry Charlie. I wasn't aware that this was done. Do you have more information?

lilbees

Charlie is absolutely correct since there is no access to details regarding other Family Trees unless you buy a membership. Ancestry will make you aware of a match, but no more than that is available in the free mode. Since I buy the one month variety at $34.95 only when there seems to be an interesting match or two I'm willing to allow them to more or less "hack my data." It's all for a good cause and they do have the most comprehensive genealogy data bases that can be found on the Internet (whoa, I'm going to be sorry I said that!) I'm willing to play the game. Bottom line: Charlie is right

Joe B.

lilbees wrote:

I'm sorry Charlie. I wasn't aware that this was done. Do you have more information? lilbees

this looks like a good explanation of the PROs and CONs of sharing....it is about losing control of the data:

www.oz.net/~markhow/wr.../share.htm


And ANCESTRY and other organizations sell CD-ROM/DVD databases of the harvested data; I don't think someone else should profit from doing this.

Quote::

And ANCESTRY and other organizations sell CD-ROM/DVD databases of the harvested data; I don't think someone else should profit from doing this.

I think most of the "harvested data" is probably from public records recently made available through the work of volunteer scribes. I doubt that more than a small percentage of the data is literally picked from on-line family trees. Then again, maybe not.

Joe B.

Charlie, thank you for the article. It was quite informative and helpful. I have willingly submitted my tree on Ancestry. I do have some information I did not include some information for the sake of possible problems including those good old skeltons.

I would say that data I did include stops pretty much at the turn of the century in most cases or by 1930. What I have is pretty benign unless someone wants information from folks who are long dead, even before Social Security came about.

I feel if after I am long gone, some of my younger family members may want to continue with my work great. My concentration has been for those I never knew beyond my grandfather and I have achieved more than I ever dreamed of. At 73 going on 74 I am now content in knowing the family that came before me. In fact, they have all become very special to me.

I appreciate what you have said but for me it does not matter if someone wants to sell/pass my research information on. I have gained more than I have given over the years.

lilbees

I uploaded my tree to ancestry a few years ago - when I *had* a subscription. I don't now and haven't figured out how to get my tree off there. I was able to log on from another computer and saw someone copied all my info over to their tree - I didn't mind that because she is a relative so I'm glad it's served it's purpose but I do mind that I no longer have control.

BUTTTT

On the Rootstech conference yesterday I learned a lot and one of those things is that Family Search is changing their Trees section and the way people put them up. They are basically opening it up and cleaning it. People can make changes to trees and merge info but only once they can prove the info they are providing is correct. Once that happens people will merge streaming the amount of duplicate individuals it has on line now. The good news? The owner of that tree is still in control so if they don't approve they can un merge it with a click. They are also adding features which will involve more quality checks when people are creating trees.

And it's completely free for all to use!

Also, they will no longer be updating their PAF program so if you're using it you may want to look at alternatives. I really think family search is the way to go - I love what they're doing. BTW - you can watch the seminars presented for free on their website. A lot of great information so check it out if you have a chance.