New Features @ Ancestry but it'll COST YOU (Dec. 2023)

[@AncestryAimee]

A lot of comments indicated a frustration with Ancestry and their charges. I looked into that and interviewed Crista Cowen of Ancestry. We also talked about a couple of ProTools features not included in this video and answered a lot of the question you’ve asked. Check it out. Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@debandrew2802]

Bad idea is to charge extra when having a full-access account. Some of these tools are on other sites.

[@AncestryAimee]

I think I agree about a full access account. And you are right about some of the features being available on other sites. It will be interesting to see how MyHeritage replies in the industry.

[@thendricksguy]

Aimee I have worked so long without the tools don't think I will pay for it. Reporting should have been apart of the program at the start. And I am one of those that use different genealogy programs to get what I want. Some reports are better than others. Roots, Family Tree Maker and Legacy are some that I use.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing what works for you!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@lyndawashbrook8018]

I agree too expensive on top of full access account. Like you suggested a month or two might allow you to up date your tree.

[@Dark_Nemesis4300]

We pay enough for a full ancestry subscription, and should not have to pay extra for tools that should already be part of the system.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your thoughts.

[@Texas1836]

Exactly. And someone always says what a great deal Ancestry is. However, there's stuff on other sites that should be on Ancestry, but isn't.

[@AncestryAimee]

I looked into Ancestry’s charges and asked them about them. Check out this new video Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@Joywith3LastNames]

I downloaded all my bookmarks to a spreadsheet to click and go. Many archival sites are free and provide rich information not found on Ancestry.

[@AnnetteKapple]

I can do basically the same things with my family tree software for less. I would pay for a chromosome browser, but not for this.

[@AncestryAimee]

I think you are not alone on the chromosome browser.

[@cherylramsey3409]

I agree. in these hard times with lots of inflation, I don’t perceive. It’s a good business move to roll out a program that is gonna cost more money. As a former Ancestry member, I have found that the prices have been going up, up and up. Looks to me like the new pro application has been copied from family search, and American Ancestors. However, the drawback to family search is that you are helping to create a global Family Tree and it’s not your personal Family Tree. Therefore, other people have access to change data on people some of them may be in your family tree.

[@AncestryAimee]

@cherylramsey3409 yes. That’s true about the FamilySearch tree.

[@bevleeming6703]

I strongly agree! These features I mostly already have on FTM software. Myheritage has a consistency checker for no extra money.

[@AncestryAimee]

@bevleeming6703 do you like that consistence checker on MyHeritage?

[@publiusvalerius8934]

I feel like there is this heavily traveled road in town, and then the city did some maintenance work on the road. They added a shortcut behind a parking lot, but then they put up a toll tag or toll booth behind the parking lot. It's like our city taxes weren't enough for them. I especially feel that the first feature you showed should be included in the already steep rates I am paying. It's just a family tree in text form ... come on!

[@AncestryAimee]

😂 that’s a funny one! Thanks for adding your parable and opinion!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@sm_makai]

Good old Ancestry! Gotta love their customer surveys. "Please rank these features (that I don't want and never asked for) in order of preference." I wouldn't pay for any of these tools. All I want for Christmas is segment data, but I know I'll only get a lump of coal!

[@AncestryAimee]

Haha! You are not alone in your Christmas wish!

[@barbaraselletti6520]

I'm glad to see someone demonstrating the Pro tools. It helps with deciding whether or not to buy into it. It's pretty expensive when you're paying so much money already for the big package and you have a limited income as a retiree (this is my standing Christmas gift from my dear hubby). I think I would go with your suggestion and try it for a couple months, get as much out of it as I can, ditch it for a year or so, then maybe re-up for a couple months again.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks Barbara.

[@elainemadelon]

Barb - have your husband buy the gift every Black Friday time as it’s 50% of the normal cost.

[@marilyncarey7957]

I can already check for duplicates (and do regularly) on the standard list of all people but checking for errors would be handy. Not $10 a month (or probably double that in Australia) handy though. And it would definitely need a ‘not an error’ button because ‘after death’ events for example are common - burial, probate, inquests, funeral notices, etc, even birth of children can happen after death. We are also encouraged to put in ‘possible’ or approximate events which will frequently appear as errors.

[@AncestryAimee]

Great comments Marilyn! Thanks. FYI right now Pro Tools are only available in the USA

[@bearpawz_]

I agree Marilyn. It's time-consuming to check for duplicates on Ancestry, but it's easy and doesn't cost more than we're already forking out. And that function that tells you that Uncle Smitty (or whoever) was living in Tahiti 28 years after he died? Stuff like that stands out like a sore thumb on our trees already. I have a feeling at their meeting in about 3 months, they're going to announce _Pro was a No Go_ 😆

[@AncestryAimee]

I'm curious to see how it all plays out. thanks for being a channel member!

[@ellensippel8413]

I agree with you Aime. I would do Pro Tools for a month or so but then cancel. I am most interested in the fact checker. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@AncestryAimee]

You are so welcome!

[@KGTiberius]

Great to see a new channel! I’ve been asking bout these for years. I’m a former tech company Fortune 200 Intelligence Analyst, been working the family tree for 40 years (picking up from my ancestors work before me), yet even I cannot join beta testers or even get ancestry to respond to open tickets for several years.

[@AncestryAimee]

I don’t know who they set up their beta testers or handle their open tickets. Good question

[@heatherskoda5663]

These tools definitely look interesting to try out....... when I go to the page to access the tools though I'm told the cost is $14.99 per month. I think I'll stick with Family Tree Maker and Family Tree Analyzer.

[@AncestryAimee]

I’m hearing about pricing all over the board. Give it a few days and let’s see where the dust settles b

[@JayneF3]

I do like these new features, but I agree that I might only need to use them for a couple of months a year. Thanks for another great video.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you. And thanks for putting your two cents in!

[@johnjolly7626]

Should come with membership already!! Great information!!

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@melissaa152]

I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the current features on Ancestry are transferred to the Pro Tools subscription in the near future so that you have to pay more. In fact I expect it to happen.

[@AncestryAimee]

I don’t know in all honesty. They did that with DNA. I’m glad they didn’t sent the Pro Tools out and then put it behind the subscription.

[@bearpawz_]

Yep! I do too Melissa. And whoever submitted the idea is going to call in sick when they do the 3-month review on how Pro turned out.. 📉 😆 _Where's Earl?" 📊 _Uh.. he called in sick_

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@nkbbrigger3359]

All these extra charges coming on Ancestry is getting ridiculous. They are pricing me out of the market. I am senior citizen and cannot afford these extra charges. So my family tree will get to the point that I will not be able access it anymore. Greed is running Ancestry.

[@AncestryAimee]

I understand your frustration. Just so you know, even without a paid subscription you can still see your tree. You might not be able to see the images of the records like census records but your tree will remain.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@HardcoreFourSix]

I have been asking Ancestry for a "Match/Merge" feature like PAF had. Another report that I would like to see is a Relationship Chart. These are great to show cousins how we are related. I think that is wrong to charge more for these minor upgrades, especially for people that already pay for the top tier package

[@AncestryAimee]

I agree that that is an awesome new feature of these ProTools. But I’m hearing a lot of people frustrated with the cost.

[@CristaCowan]

Ancestry has always had a relationship chart since launching the family tree platform back in 2004. Go to your cousins profile page in your tree and click on where it shows their relationship to you and the chart pops up. You can print it to PDF or screen shot it and share it with your cousin.

[@CristaCowan]

Ancestry has always had a relationship chart since launching the family tree platform back in 2004. Go to your cousins profile page in your tree and click on where it shows their relationship to you and the chart pops up. You can print it to PDF or screen shot it and share it with your cousin.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding that Crista!

[@grandmamisti]

@@CristaCowan Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I never happened upon that information before!!

[@johnwalsh6539]

Thank you so much for explaining and demonstrating the Pro tools. I agree with many of the comments regarding the additional cost. My full subscription including Fold and Newspapers should give me access to everything. This is basically an attempt to get us all to pay more for features that should be included as the program develops. I also agree that some of the trees on Ancestry are sprinkled with basic errors and they should include their own automatic fact checker feature which prevents the user from entering data which is patently impossible especially regarding dates and ages.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your opinions. 😃

[@sr2291]

We need a chromosome browser to compare with other ancestry members.

[@AncestryAimee]

That would be helpful. They say they don’t want to do that for privacy reasons. That if a disease, for instance, was associated with a particular location, it would reveal that information.

[@lizsmith7816]

Trying Pro Tools for a month or two was exactly my plan. I have wanted the ability to create reports for a long time , now. Though I’ve used it in the past, my current setup (a tablet with detachable keyboard) doesn’t have the capability to install Family Treemaker. If I had Ancestry’s ear for a few minutes, I would ask them for the option to add source citations to the reports.

[@AncestryAimee]

Great suggestion!

[@pegpowell2486]

The new tools would definitely be nice but… I’ve been researching my family since June 1971. I remember how research was back then compared to today. I know Ancestry is doing the best they can to keep up with technology. That said I don’t think the present yearly charge is excessive for what you get. If I get to the point I can’t afford it, this is what I will do. Decide when I have the most free time to research for a certain timeframe and pay for that and concentrate on getting everything I could do during that time. At this time and having paid for another year of Ancestry, I’m not paying extra for the Pro Tools. Like others have said, I use FTM and it serves my needs very well.

[@AncestryAimee]

I’ve been researching almost as long as you. I agree about Ancestry’s benefits. They also pour TONS of money into record acquisition. I don’t know if folks are aware of that.

[@marilyncarey7957]

I know it costs ancestry heaps to acquire records, but funds on a pension are limited, and after 40 years of research, much of the new info I can find is well beyond ‘6 degrees of separation’. So I already do what you suggest, subscribe at a reasonably high level for a couple of months and binge family history when I have time or friends need help, then unsubscribe during times like now when it’s Christmas and I have other priorities.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@bridgetcampbell6629]

I agree with your idea of using the Pro Tools for a month or two and then cancelling. I really have a bee in my bonnet about online sites that are pushing this monthly subscription idea. It feels like they're trying to get me to "bite" when I have a particular need, and that they're just hoping I'll forget to cancel. (Which is not beyond the realm of possibility, hahaha.) But seriously. I really dislike that. I wish there were a pay-as-you-go option. THAT would work well for me. Anyway, thank you for the excellent overview of the new tools, Aimee! Very helpful!

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@AncestryAimee]

A lot of folks have talked about other software programs one can have on their computer. FYI most if not all will be discounted at Rootstech the end of February so be sure to attend virtually so you have access to the Expo Hall (or come in person and say hi! 😃). Also, FamilySearch has some cool mapping tools and that site is free although it is a community tree that you are participating in (check out some of my FamilySearch videos for more on that site).

[@Artist6135]

Thank you for that info Aimee!! I have had no luck downloading my tree to my laptop, any advice on a program for the computer that is easy to transfer my Ancestry tree to my computer?

[@AncestryAimee]

@artist6135 I really like Family Tree Maker. It works well with Ancestry. You can sync your Ancestry tree. Rootsmagic can too but it’s not as seamless. But there is a free version of Rootsmagic you can try out.

[@Artist6135]

@@AncestryAimee I think it was Rootsmagic I was trying to work with. Thank you for your response!! Very much appreciate your help! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@AncestryAimee]

@artist6135 and to you as well!!

[@barbaraselletti6520]

I have Legacy's family tree software and it's pretty sophisticated. It runs a load of charts and reports. It also does mapping.

[@felder7827]

Helpful as usual, Aimee. But as others have said, I already have most of this in Family Tree Maker. Thanks, Frank

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for commenting!

[@KennethFunk]

I don't see anything as of now that would warrant me paying another $120 a year. I think this is a greed grab on the part of the Ancestry as some variation of these tools already exists in various other sites and desktop software.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you for commenting with your opinion.

[@Artist6135]

Ancestry is already an investment. Adding Pro is not in my budget for tools I probably won’t use on a monthly bases.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your thoughts. I appreciate it

[@jackiwalker765]

Ancestry seems expensive now but I would agree with you on using the pro tools for a short period of time and then cancel. I like the idea of duplicates and mistake finder.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about it. Let me know what you think after trying those features.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@LAtheYoung61]

Thank y o u for “straightforward” info, within quick - non repetitive - delivery. New sub…

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks so much!

[@AncestryAimee]

And thanks for subscribing. 😀

[@geneewert7591]

I’m glad my desktop genealogy software (Brother’s Keeper) does all that for me (sans the mapping). Most of it is what you would expect from a good piece of genealogical software. I’m just about to retire and it would not even be an option for me. Good stuff but the cost for 1 year for those tools is much more than almost all desktop software on the market. Some of those have the mapping included. I vote not worth it.

[@AncestryAimee]

How do you like Brother’s Keeper? I’m actually not familiar with that one.

[@gshenaut]

A change I'd pay willingly for is intelligent merging / syncing of an existing tree with a newly uploaded one.

[@AncestryAimee]

You can do some of that with Family Tree Maker. But thanks for adding that to the wish list.

[@ed2850]

I'm a seasonal genealogist, i.e. I do most of my research for about two or three months after the first of the year. While the tools do interest me, I'm not sure they interest me at that price to sit unused for 9 months of the year. So I would probably sign up, utilize them specifically and then cancel them for the rest of the year. I suspect however that Ancestry will go the way that most subscription plans have been going though and charge you the full year up front and when you cancel early, they still continue your subscription until it expires per the original agreement. If they allow us to pay by the month, I would be pleasantly surprised.

[@AncestryAimee]

That is a good point. I never did get information on how they’re planning on billing. You’re not the only one who has made that comment. We shall see.

[@ed2850]

I just logged in to check the fine print and it looks like you pay by the month and it automatically renews. I am pleasantly surprised.

[@AncestryAimee]

@ed2850 thank you Ed!!! That’s good to know.

[@terrysenior9867]

Most of the pro tools is available in the Family Tree Maker software.

[@AncestryAimee]

True

[@dorothywillis1]

I think it is just a way to charge more without technically raising the price. I have read the Comments and it's interesting to see I'm not the only one that goes to a program outside of Ancestry when I want to do things with my data. Ancestry has the advantage of the information available, but they are not as good as other programs when it comes to individual trees.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for your thoughts! I appreciate it!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@JL-lz4xu]

Ancestry is all about the money, has been for quite some time. More and more stuff is being put behind a pay wall. As nice as some of these features are, think they charge people too much already for their services. I’m working on alternatives for my family tree. Any suggestions are welcomed. 🇨🇦

[@AncestryAimee]

You might look into personal genealogy programs for your computer and FamilySearch has many many records and they are free. You can also use Ancestry for free at many public libraries.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@angelauzdilla2362]

Thank's Amy for the info, but I'm paying for the best Ancestry they are not getting anymore ... It is all that I was hoping for but paying more no way

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@bobgreene1980]

I started "Ancestry" with Family Tree maker before Ancestry. I still use it. These tools are mostly available in FTM and easier to use. Not worth the money if you have FTM.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for commenting Bob

[@whytranger]

excellent point! I haven't used FTM for a while, but I think I'll go ahead an sync Ancestry with FTM and then do my reports from FTM

[@pattioffner3573]

Nice overview. Very helpful

[@AncestryAimee]

Glad you think so!

[@mattpotter8725]

I hope they've updated their locations because I've added Irish townlands in counties chosen from drop down lists and they end up mapped in Africa, many don't seem to exist at all and I'm not going to choose what Ancestry suggests because i need precise locations, not just the nearest town or village (often they don't even have these either). It may work for the US, but sucks elsewhere.

[@AncestryAimee]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing that Matt.

[@marilyncarey7957]

Yes, I totally agree. The place names that come up on their drop down have often been added by other people and are not only incorrect, they are totally absurd. In Australia we don’t have census so have to use electoral rolls and people can move between state and federal elections in the same year. Can’t add two locations without the exact date of the election, which isn’t in the source.

[@AncestryAimee]

@marilyncarey7957 I want to find out more about that. Thanks for sharing.

[@mattpotter8725]

@@AncestryAimee I'll see if I can find out where that happened, but I did correct it as it was just a bit too ridiculous. I know I get less extreme occurrences where I enter a place in say County Armagh in the north and it changes it to say Galway. I think I've or the main problems is that some townland name aren't even unique within the same county (because they are often Anglicisations of Irish words that actually describe physical features, like I believe Derry is from the Irish for oak grove) and I'm guessing Ancestry true to match the location you entered to a geographical location and might not have the townland name for that county in its list but does in another county so assume it is there. I don't know if you have any Irish Ancestry but also I've noticed on the DNA match page map 99% of the time you get common Irish ancestors located in what I can only assume are the coordinates for the centre of Ireland and not in the area, even the county you (or the match) has set that person's location, which is very frustrating. I don't even know how they filter which people are added here because I have a lot of Irish people in my tree and often it only picks 2. I know I'm being a bit negative here. I do love the site and the features they have on the whole, and some things you just have to accept, so I hope it's they are reading this they aren't taking it the wrong way. It's meant as constructive criticism, and I'm sure they know about these issues already and that it's not something easy to fix, plus if most people aren't impacted by this then I don't just expect them to fix these things for me.

[@AncestryAimee]

I’m going to look into it. Thanks!

[@BonnieDragonKat]

I paid for it. So far I have found duplicates and it keeps telling me a historical person that is in my tree is wrong. I agree. My heritage does a fact check of a tree when you upload a gedcom and they don't charge extra for it It's part of your membership. Also wiki Tree does the same thing when you upload a gedcom they make you go and check it against what's already in their database and there are times when the information doesn't always match on points maybe because some of these got records that you don't or something, but it's still a free service or included is part of your membership, and I think that's what ancestry should do It should be part of your already paid for membership or your LDS membership. And if you have Roots Magic or you have family tree maker you can already do this and it came included with the software at no extra cost so ancestry is charging for something that a lot of places are already doing and including for free.

[@BonnieDragonKat]

Also when I called customer service last night to find out the information on these new tools because I couldn't find anything that verified why the extra price or if the extra price was even legitimate, the customer service agent I talked to gave me totally false information. It was an employee of ancestry that told me the information was incorrect. It was a good thing I saved the transcript I gave it to Ancestry and they are now going to make sure that their customer service representatives are actually giving the correct information and not misleading the customers.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about these various options.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@nikkidehart4315]

I already pay a bunch for a buggy web site that fails to deliver on some pretty basic functionality. Tree management is non-existent. Pages often fail to load. At the price I am billed 2x a year these should be included.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@johnbrennan9778]

Is there a way to do global search and replace edits? That is the single most important thing they can do to help facilitate cleaning up our files. Like adding the country names to the locations. It would be nice to be able to do simple edits in the List page! Thanks in advance if you know of an easy work around. Happy New Year!

[@AncestryAimee]

Not on Ancestry but if you have Family Tree Maker and sync your Ancestry tree you can do that.

[@johnbrennan9778]

Thanks for the heart. I do have an older version of FTM, but if I have to do a GEDCOM conversion to be able to make a fix to my file, then convert it again back into ancestry, why do I want to use ancestry as my base? Every conversion you will lose things - picture links for example. Family Tree Analyzer, for example, does all the error checking and then some that we have to pay dearly for in Ancestry. My old FTM did all the report features 10 years ago! Image how satisfied the users would be if they paid $1 or $2 in their 6 month subscription to have the pro features and from a business perspective, Ancestry would have the revenue they needed.

[@AncestryAimee]

You don’t need to use Ancestry. You do need to find a place to get your records though. 😃👍

[@johnbrennan9778]

Aimee, you’re right. But at the top of each tree, 6 plus months of Ancestry has not added to the top. Added to many branches underneath, which is helpful, but little value added. This is what happens when you’ve been into it for 30 plus years and have spent family vacations walking around graveyards in Europe. Maybe I should go back to FTM in my PC

[@AncestryAimee]

Yeah. I’ve been at it for 40 years. 😃 It sounds like that might be the best option for you then.

[@valerievesper9216]

Thanks for the review! I would like to know more about filtering by location. And can I use these tools in other trees I’m viewing or only in my own? It would be great to be able to view by location in the trees of DNA matches. Probably not $9.99 a month great. But maybe for one month. (I put a reminder in my phone to cancel stuff like this after trying it out.)

[@AncestryAimee]

You can definitely use it in other trees that you own but I’m not sure about DNA match trees. I’ll have to check that out! Great question!

[@Adeian]

Just thought of something else. The maps thing is kind of useless but if they added arrows or path of some sort to show the family migrations that would be kind of nice. I can find the map feature that you show with my current plan if I look at the DNA tab.

[@AncestryAimee]

That’s true. Thanks for adding it. FamilySearch has a very cool map but it doesn’t show migration I don’t believe.

[@georgekeen7250]

I agree with you. These should be included in the subscription value. Other external programs already have it, and whether you use Family Tree Maker, MyHeritage, or RootsMagic, you are probably already using those functions in the external programs. I have one of those, and I will not pay Ancestry for something I am already doing in another program. Thank you for your video.

[@AncestryAimee]

You’re welcome. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@sableindian]

I wonder if the public library will have the pro tools available in their Ancestry program

[@AncestryAimee]

I don’t believe they will from what I understand but may be wrong.

[@Thorned_Rose]

They wouldn't be able to. Public Ancestry access just gives you access to record search, not your own tree.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good point. That’s true. I didn’t think of that. ProTools are oriented to the person’s tree.

[@BobTheSchipperke]

I agree. Pay for it for a month, use it, let it go.

[@Anonymous-dh4id]

Or you can get genealogy software.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your thoughts.

[@bmaurer637]

Ancestry should offer a deal for those of us who have annual subscriptions. Otherwise, I think your idea of getting the pro tools for a couple of months and do the fact checking then cancel the pro tools is the way to go.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for commenting.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@lforbes4667]

Thanks for the explanations. I see the same feature available via FTM.

[@AncestryAimee]

You’re welcome. Thanks for commenting.

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Absolutely........ I use FTM along with Ancestry but double check dubious matches through Scotland's People so not really interested in Pro at the extra charge. The number of hints I get for our Scottish family tree which suddenly inherit American ancestry is mind blowing, even showing siblings for my wife's parents who were both only children. No uncles or aunties for her. My father is French and all of his family live in France but I still get matched up with American families claiming to have their birth, marriage and death details. Thank goodness my grandmother provided us with their family tree!

[@joshuameredith4281]

No. Not going to do it. While I think these are amazing features, I am shelling out hundreds a year on Ancestry. Now they want us to essentially add 30% to our bill? I am kind of upset about it. For reports that FTM has been doing for decades. Not a fan of the map needs to be in a certain format. What if you add Twp. or Co. to a name? I feel that's necessary in some areas. In Iowa, so many townships and counties and towns share names. I have an ancestor who moved from Jefferson Twp., Henry Co., Iowa to Jefferson Co., Iowa right next door. Or what about adding locations to the address like a cemetery location or church for a wedding?

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your thoughts. I add exact locations in the description box of the fact if that helps. I understand the difficulty with townships v counties. Family Tree Maker has the same issue though.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@aupony]

I’m not going to pay extra for these additional charges. There are other options that don’t cost me extra. I’ll keep doing things the way I have been.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@jestewart5863]

Question - Merge was there before, has it been moved to Pro Tools where we won't be able to use it now without Pro Tools?

[@AncestryAimee]

I don't believe it has moved. The searching for duplicates is a ProTool and that associated merge, but you should still be able to merge as you did in the past.

[@grandmamisti]

An extremely helpful overview! Thank you!

[@AncestryAimee]

So glad to hear that!

[@davidk4869]

Will ancestry be providing future enhancements? If so will they be included in the price of pro tools or will there be new charges every time they add features? And will they ever communicate which new features they plan to release? They seem to be deaf to customer requests and have a marketing team decide on future enhancements.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good question David. I actually am uploading a video right now with a price comparison and an interview with Crista Cowan of Ancestry asking that very question. It will be available tomorrow 12/21.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@yahccs1]

I wonder what features everyone thinks are worth paying extra for on top of any subscription? I'd imagine it might be access to more expensive or restricted records or advanced complicated things for professional genealogists. Not tools that are available elsewhere for free or at cheaper subscription levels.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your perspective

[@robinboyko2080]

I second your wish for a feature that looks at the census records and highlights other people living in the same area with the same name. One branch of my tree has about 10 last names, living in the same area over a period of 200 years. (Eastern Kentucky/Appalachia) Many first and last names are repeated over generations so it can be very confusing at times. But in the meantime, I will probably try pro tools for at least a couple of months and see how much they can help.

[@AncestryAimee]

I see that frequently in that area of the U.S. It’s tough! Good luck! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@PurpleRainXLI]

Not going to be using these pro tools. Ancestry is too expensive already! Thanks for your input😄

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for commenting.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@timengland3403]

I agree. I'm going to sample the feature for a month. I'll use it to clean up errors and duplicates. Then I'll drop it for a year. I don't see it being worth $9.99 a month indefinitely.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your plan.

[@stitchinfox]

I agree that I think the added cost is too much. I already pay so much money for my full access at Ancestry but I hope they continue to add free tools that help us to do better and more accurate research so can leave more accurate trees for the generations who come after us. Thanks for the information about family sharing. I hwa not aware of that I will look into it. I'll keep watch to see what they offer but at this point my Family Tree Maker allows me to make charts. Thanks for the info.

[@AncestryAimee]

Well said. I hope to see tools to help create more accurate trees too. Thanks!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@kgraves9815]

I pay more than enough for my Ancestry membership. The idea of " a la carte " surcharges is a no go for me.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your thoughts!

[@patnoble466]

Ancestry doesn’t have all of the possible geographical place names. While I understand they need to standardize, they have not adopted most non-incorporated places. What about Boston before the Revolution or cities in Ulster before they became NI? I desperately want to be able to search by place name combined with say a subject’s last name etc. I agree with others that the app is already pricey and they are gouging their clients. Some who plan to use it for a month or two will forget to quit, realize their mistake in a year and be super annoyed. Ancestry is slowly taking features away to create pay walls within pay walls. It’s unbecoming.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks. And true about places. They don’t have them all. I would add though that the standardized places also helps the AI in searches and hints.

[@cherylramsey3409]

Ha another New Englander! New England is littered with my ancestors. I have some of the same issues you have tracking people across the border into Canada and back to Ulster. So many records were lost during the fires in Ireland. ( I think they were back on the 20s.) Ancestry unbecoming? No it’s a for profit search engine. But then, so is American ancestry and access to records at the NEHGS. And have you looked into my heritage? That’s expensive. Many companies have professional, genealogist and can help you track your Ancestry Have professional geology to help you research your ancestors. Talk about expenses!

[@patnoble466]

Ancestry's great reputation as a genealogist's ideal research hub has always been balanced by its dear price. Those of us paying that high price for all-access have been watching warily as the company first limited access to the ethnicity rings and now these supposed pro tools. While we didn't lose access to the rings while others did, it was a clear sign that pay walls were coming. It's unbecoming to offer an all access package and then grow the app to the exclusion of premium members. I can't help but wonder if the company is in financial distress.

[@AncestryAimee]

That is so true. It’s always been something I’ve been passionate about. Trying to help people discover their ancestors not too expensively. But it takes time to do responsible genealogy for someone. Thus the channel and the coaching.

[@AncestryAimee]

Maybe it is. I actually don’t think so. I think they are looking for ways to make more money by only selling features to those that would want them rather than raise the rate for the standard plans.

[@rover790]

I dont have a full time subscription with Ancestry now, I just get a short term one for when I need it and I certainly wont be paying that much a month for the features my family tree software does with a one off purchase price

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for your thoughts. How often do you do a short term subscription?

[@jakeaurod]

Thanks for the review. I'm too new to all this to know what I need, but trying for a few months as needed sounds like a good plan. Or will they offer discounts if you pay quarterly or annually, with periodic sales?

[@AncestryAimee]

I actually don’t know about billing discounts such as that. May be a good thought though.

[@sharontabor7718]

FTM and other software offer these services. They sync with Ancestry. I've been using them in conjunction with each other since the late 1990s.

[@AncestryAimee]

Me too. Thanks for commenting.

[@heatherm4650]

Thank you for sharing and explaining. Definitely not something I would choose to pay for on a monthly basis - I use Roots Magic and it does all this and more for one purchase fee.

[@AncestryAimee]

You bet. Glad the video was helpful for you.

[@Olson185]

Thanks for the insight, Aimee. Aren't PRO Tools named "PRO Tools" because they're particularly useful for professional genealogists who'd put the cost into their price for the finished product? I agree that subscribing to PRO Tools is probably something I'd do about once a year and when I'm about to "lock-down" a significant portion of a family tree, a maternal/paternal side of a tree, or a well-researched branch.

[@AncestryAimee]

I’m not sure why they named them ProTools. They actually aren’t something that I would use for a client really. At least not as they stand right now. I have a video coming out tomorrow about Ancestry and I had the chance to interview Crista Cowan from Ancestry about pricing in general. I guess the tools are the most requested things from users.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@brendajones8948]

I have a full service account that is NOT CHEAP monthly. I also have a tree software that I use. I have access to all of this for the most part already. No way I’m a going to add another $9.99 to the $50+ I already pay. This is a very bad move on Ancestry’s part during these times. 😡

[@AncestryAimee]

You are not alone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@Mousegirl98]

Personally, I can do the same thing with FTM. Ancestry is nickel and diming me out of subscribing. At the current rate the "Pro Tools" should include 5 hours of pro genealogist help a month. I started this hobby when you had to travel or write to courthouses, churches, cemeteries and waited months for that info to fill in one maiden name or date. It was exciting, changeling and fun. Now it's all about the money.

[@AncestryAimee]

It was fun then. But I do think with all the records we have more accurate trees overall.

[@bcgrote]

On the mobile app, it appears they have taken away the ability to see other trees? Like as a hint on a person, other trees they are in. But that isn't a hint option any more, sadly.

[@AncestryAimee]

I wasn’t aware of that change. Thanks for adding it. I don’t use the app nearly as often as I do the website.

[@kacisunset]

I'm a member and I can't even see my dna matches now.

[@AncestryAimee]

I heard that just today - it's behind a paywall now. Wow....

[@LauraHogue-k5u]

I started using ancestry in 2008. It has gotten progressively expensive and I have nearly quit using it altogether. Half the stuff with the deluxe pkg still requires further subscriptions elsewhere. My tree is extensive and I don’t really need to go further generally speaking but I hate that I can’t access records that I already paid to access when I attached them, unless I have that continued subscription. It feels like they have just gotten greedy.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good point about accessing records you paid for originally. I guess it supports the thought to download your tree into another program.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@LindaSchreiber]

I use Family Tree Maker, so a lot of these features are already available to me. Some sound interesting. But things need some more work.... Won't be paying for this in a hurray. Maybe one of these days.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks Linda for adding your thoughts.

[@voice3486]

Another feature I would like to see is in the tree view. I would like the flag for the person's country of birth shown much like the leaf is when there is a new hint.

[@AncestryAimee]

Great idea!! Love that!

[@redf7209]

You can do nearly all of this within family tree maker software.

[@AncestryAimee]

True. I have a video releasing today that talks about one feature related to searching I wasn’t aware of. The video is about ancestry’s pricing but it includes that too. Check it out later this morning.

[@Anonymous-dh4id]

Invest in some good genealogy software instead.

[@AncestryAimee]

Certainly an option.

[@nothing2seehere34]

I can't find what I am ,looking for with the other price why would i pay more to find nothing?

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@1SassyCrafter]

I like some of the Pro Tools they have added, but I will not pay an additional monthly fee to use them. I already currently pay for the annual All Access subscription, but I have to pinch, save, and plan accordingly to get it when on sale. Otherwise, it wouldn't be financially possible for me. This is the one indulgence that I can do to pass/share with my family. :)

[@AncestryAimee]

I do love using Ancestry too!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@karmagal78]

Fact checker would be good (for the most part). I’ve seen related people add 2 children to their tree when they are working on one of my great grandfathers. The people are going solely off of findagrave and not looking at all of the sources. The 2 children in question were born in 2 different states that my great grandfather wasn’t even in at any time. Plus, on findagrave, the man’s middle initial is different, birth year and death date is different, and a different woman is attached to him. I’ve tried to message them to no avail. I have documentation, even, to prove everything. However, I have seen Myheritage fact check some things and say that they’re in error (I had a gg grandmother that was 15 when she was married. Myheritage keeps giving me an error message saying that she was too young. In the late 1800’s, she was of age)

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding this!

[@karmagal78]

@@AncestryAimee you’re welcome. I think I had quite a few ancestors that were around 15 (all before 1900) that had married and had children early (my 5x great grandmother, I think, was about 15 when she had her first child and MyHeritage keeps coming back that this is an error). I’m hoping that fact checker would learn that, no, this isn’t an error.

[@PragmaticPerson]

I think their fees are already too high. $10 per month is $120 per year. that is ridiculous in my opinion.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@MrSwive.]

Hi Aimee! Do you know of the pro-tools will be released to everyone?

[@AncestryAimee]

I think they are available now to those in U.S. I haven’t heard about expanding it yet.

[@MrSwive.]

@@AncestryAimee Hi Aimee I don’t live in the US so I don’t have them yet but thank you for the reply!

[@martin80d]

A bit off topic Amy, but you mentioned the name Overton Harris. I also have a Overton Harris born in 1782 Albemarle County, Virginia on my tree.

[@AncestryAimee]

We need to chat!! Message me through my website!!

[@swhopkinson]

These are features that Ancestry should always have provided so the offer then now as if we should be grateful and then charging for them. Thanks for nothing

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your thoughts.

[@gregsurrell598]

Some of us like to use the historical place names.

[@AncestryAimee]

Yes!! It is a philosophy one way or another other. I began by doing that but for travel and the desire to quickly organize facts by place I changed. However sometimes I wish I hadn’t.

[@mikenelson6630]

For the George Chapman 'error' of possible duplicate, I don't know that it IS an error. You chose 'not a duplicate'. That doesn't mean it should be removed from the list. The conditions that suggest that it is a duplicate still exist, which means it should stay on the list. Choosing 'not a duplicate' simply says you don't want to combine the two records. On the other hand, I am aware that in the past, some parents that lost a child early would sometimes name another child with the same name, as a replacement (for lack of a better term). So in that case they WOULD be two separate people. Further documentation would be needed to determine if it was a second person, or just one inaccurate document.

[@AncestryAimee]

Yes! I actually talked about that naming possibility but edited it out. Thanks for adding it. I disagree though about the error. If I say it’s not a duplicate, I would like Ancestry to take it off the list. Otherwise I have the option, you could just cancel the merge.

[@mikenelson6630]

@@AncestryAimee I see your point, I suppose many users would take it that way as well.

[@AncestryAimee]

I will ask Ancestry

[@nickw8397]

At this point I don’t think this is really worth the extra charge, it seems like this should be included in your regular subscription. From the sounds of this it sounds like there are no free family group sheets anymore either.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for adding your thoughts.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@t.nash8]

The mapping tool Is great, but when you’re already paying $500 a year… it’s insane.

[@AncestryAimee]

I like that tool too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@OpinionatedChicken59]

Ancestry has destroyed themselves with their greed, now that all the basic features that were always free are behind a paywall they are going to lose A LOT of customers. The vast majority of people only use ancestry for their ethnicity results and quickly lose interest after that, not even half of people who take a test make even a family tree and those that do rarely go further than a few close generations. Now that even creating and viewing your own tree is behind a paywall the amount of people on ancestry with trees will be slashed more dramatically than ever before, as someone who uses finding connections to DNA matches to confirm my own family tree research this is a major blow to me, and will absolutely impact whether or not I will continue my membership. They've made a HUGE mistake in doing this, and no the new features which are somewhat interesting but ultimately rather unimportant, at least as far as I'm concerned, are absolutely not worth the extra charge and should be included in a membership package.

[@AncestryAimee]

After the announcement of the new paywall on DNA recently I agree. It will discourage people from adding any tree to their DNA as you say. I’m disappointed too.

[@mattpotter8725]

If they priced these pro tools at £10 for the year they'd probably make back the development costs and attract more to sign up. I won't be signing up for these tools.

[@AncestryAimee]

Appreciate your thoughts.

[@kristinemorgan901]

Can you access pro tools on the app or just computer

[@AncestryAimee]

That’s a great question! I had to go on to look. I did not see ProTools on the app so I would say no.

[@neridah3829]

Ancestry was already too expensive, so a cheek to pay for pro. It should be it is something they had added at no extra cost. Especially those who have been members for many years this would be not good.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You aren’t alone in them.

[@bcgrote]

Where do you sign up for pro tools? It isn't on the membership purchase page 😕

[@KeatingChick]

My question also.

[@AncestryAimee]

You know I looked for it as well but they gave me access because I was in the beta test and thought that was why I couldn’t find it. Ancestry, if you’re listening, where is it??

[@KeatingChick]

@@AncestryAimee It was weird because a couple of days ago, while in my tree, it had Check Facts and Charts and Reports in the toolbar and I was able to do a couple of fact checks but then both options disappeared. I guess it's not quite ready to roll out to the rest of us. In any case, I'm not sure I can justify the expense but might try it for a month or two.

[@AncestryAimee]

@KeatingChick I was told they were rolling it out on Tuesday but I do know they often roll things out for batches of customers to help with bugs and things. That is strange though.

[@KeatingChick]

@@AncestryAimee I was in my tree a few minutes ago and saw the error ! with the white dot at the top of the page, I clicked on it and it gave me the link to sign up.

[@ButterflyBlueStraley]

Why don't they just add it to the Ancestry subscription?

[@AncestryAimee]

I’m not sure. I wonder if they are trying to find ways to increase income without increasing cost for all. If you want these tools you pay for them, if you don’t, you don’t.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@marilyncarey7957]

I love the idea of the maps BUT I have never agreed with their address protocols. I NEED the actual street address, not just the town. Many of my family moved from one house to another is the same street. My small towns often only have a couple of streets so different families live in different houses in the same street and in country towns I can have up to 20 families with the same names, in the same town. (That family was very fertile and names their kids after parents and siblings). Putting the street address in the description boxes doesn’t work because it doesn’t differentiate the seven John Suttons who all lived in Bealiba. I also think it’s too expensive, but I already use your idea of joining for a month or two to catch up, then unsubscribe.

[@AncestryAimee]

Good thoughts on addresses. Thanks!

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@hanneweber9211]

It's expensive for most people. But low income people can't do it.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your perspective

[@Mokmanrs]

Thanks for the info. Not at all worth it for me. Access to the segment data for my DNA matches? That is the only thing I currently want from Ancestry. If they could give us that paired with the current browser that shows the ethnicity estimate of your own segments, now that would be a super powerful tool to have. “Oh I match all these people on the Irish bit of my DNA?” That would be amazing information for someone like me who has no idea where this Irish ancestry is coming from.

[@AncestryAimee]

So many have asked for that. Maybe they will break down and do it someday. Thanks for sharing.

[@nannyrowand6841]

bought a 6 month subscription...turns out I had 99% of the records and hints from other free sites, I have a software program that I can save the records I find...Ancestry just isn't worth the money it charges...I can map, print charts, group sheets, individual reports and more

[@alexandracruz5243]

Could you please tell me the name of the software program that you use?

[@rover790]

Alexandra, just about every family tree software does these things. The most popular ones are Family Tree Maker, Roots Magic, Legacy Family Tree, Reunion for Mac users. There are others as well but they are the main ones. Each probably has a User Group on Facebook where other users help with questions and general user problems.

[@AncestryAimee]

They do have some records there only but you are right about many of the records. I do think Ancestry is the easiest user interface. People seem to understand it and become comfortable quickly there.

[@AncestryAimee]

FYI most of those programs will be discounted at Rootstech the end of February so if you are looking, sign up for the virtual conference so you can have access to the expo hall (or attend in person).

[@nannyrowand6841]

@@alexandracruz5243 Family Tree Maker 2019

[@richardpaz1919]

They took away the dna feature of maternal and paternal. Now they want to add this. Who knows what’s next maybe the tree part will cost you in the future smh.

[@AncestryAimee]

Yes. This is the second separate feature, the first being the DNA tools.

[@tanelise4673]

I'm not giving Ancestry another penny. I'm already disgruntled with them because they took away the option for people to see which parent they inherited their DNA from without paid subscription.

[@AncestryAimee]

You aren’t alone. Thanks for sharing.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@hedera13]

Ancestry's angling to become the new Adobe. How are you going to make money if no one can afford you due to your pay-walling basic tools, Ancestry? Stop bilking basics.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@edgewaterz]

These are all things that should be part of their regular system feature improvements. This isn't worth charging another $120 per year. Ancestry is getting really lazy and greedy. (No, $240! - I just saw it live on the site here in the US.)

[@AncestryAimee]

Thanks for sharing your feelings.

[@edgewaterz]

$19.99/month in the popup I just got while logged in with my World Traveler account. :)

[@AncestryAimee]

@edgewaterz I don’t know is why. Maybe when the dust settles it will go down to $9.99 which is what they told us it would cost.

[@AncestryAimee]

Check out my new video about this: Why Does Ancestry.com Cost So Much? (How to Save $$) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqaeqSNpsujf7c

[@SheNiteOwl]

Will not be paying for Pro. For the price they are charging is not worth it. And yet thay are paying a small fortune to do the family tree work for wealthy public figures. Use that money to upgrade the system to all who already pay for full access.

[@AncestryAimee]

Are you talking about the work for the Who do you think you are series?

[@SheNiteOwl]

@@AncestryAimee Yes

[@AncestryAimee]

That’s a great marketing tool for them and encourages people to discover their ancestors though.

[@SheNiteOwl]

@AncestryAimee I question if it is getting old and people are getting tired of it. Their posts on KZbin get very few likes compared to the number of subscribers. Views should be more to make them cost effective. Why not prove that normal people have great stories? Ancestry will ask people to submit stories but what do they do with them? Nothing.

[@AncestryAimee]

I haven't seen much from ordinary folks - but I think they may use some of them in advertisements - not sure on that one.

[@BobTheSchipperke]

I have always wanted to filter people who all were born or died in a certain place, but I can't figure that out in another way.

[@AncestryAimee]

Well you could do that now with these tools!