Genealogy Chat

Recently, I've pinged 5 members about people in their trees - all of them potential 'close' ancestors for me. Out to those, only ONE has had the decency to respond. How on earth can I get someone to at least acknowledge my communication? I've been very polite - even the most sensitve person could not possibly have been offended by my approach. Jane in despair PS: As for showing them my family tree ... well, I made sure I unchecked the box! Boy, am I glad I did ...

You can't make people reply. I've contacted people who have not responded, or had people contact me excitedly, look at my tree and never get back to me with any of their info. Some people lose interest and others don't visit the site often. I don't think anyone would be offended if you contacted them - that's the reason they are on this site in the first place. nell

Hello Jane, Maybe they are on holiday. Also I think mail from Genes sometimes goes into junk mail box and people don't read these. Try again later. Sue................ Maybe they have changed their email addy.

Nell, Yep, guess some folk do register then lose interest ... just because I'm keen, doesn't mean everyone else is. It seems a bit daft though, to go to all the trouble of putting their tree on then not at least sending a 'thanks but, no thanks' message. S'pose courtesy is in the eye of the beholder too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Regs Jane

Sue, Thanks for that ... I'd forgotten that we were in holiday season ... must be all the rain! Perhaps patience is a virtue ... one that I am still aspiring to! Regs Jane

I'd give them a week or so and email again. I have no idea why people don't respond especially if they are definately related. I've had people reply once and then no reply to further emails. I guess as Nell says, some people don't read their mail or visit the site too often. One thing I've learnt over the years of searching my tree you have to be persistant!! Pester-Power!! Good luck! Carol x

Carol, Tenacity is my middle name ... however, sometimes I worry about being a real pain, so perhaps don't push as hard as I should. But then again, if they're members, they've kind of 'signed up' for it, haven't they? I'll give the folk a few more days then ping again as you suggest .... meanwhile, I've had one of the awaited replies, maybe I'm just impatient! Cheers, Jane

Hi Jane, Frustrating isn't it. On another site I read a post that someone with my Gran's maiden name is looking for information on my GGGrandad and GGGrandmother. They left an email address but my messages keep getting bounced back. Over the months I've tried several times with no luck. I'm tearing my hair out lol Hope you get an answer eventually. Linda

Yes - I have seen obvious ancestors in common but not received a reply to a query. If ppl don't reply - I now leave it at that. I subscribe to ancestry.co.uk, brillian site - get many leads from it. I enjoy the tips board the best. It has helped with websites loads of times.

Linda, Please don't tear too much hair out otherwise we'll have to club together for a wig for you! I'm just glad not to feel quite so alone - began to think it was me ... can you have cyber B.O.?? Lyndy, Yes, I do enjoy reading the boards very much, but when you find someone who looks like a rellie on your Names Summary, it's just galling when the person at the other doesn't respond. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Kind regards Jane