hidden-metaphor

Manx Genealogy

Re: The new IGI on FamilySearch

I recently contacted Familysearch with some of my major concerns regarding their "new and improved" search. This reply, received today, responded to some of my concerns. You may find it of interest. While it is certainly a "politically correct" response, I do feel that at least they took note of some of what I was saying.

May I suggest that those of you who have frustrations in regard to the "improved" familysearch let them know, specifically, what your frustrations are. I noticed, on their "blog" that nearly everyone is responding with similar concerns. Maybe if we "overwhelm" them with comments, they will move faster to clean things up.

Here is their reply:
Thank you for contacting FamilySearch with your concerns about the contents and navigation in our records on familysearch. Your comment, “All of those who research family history contribute to the whole body of knowledge” is so true, and it is our goal to assist in this research.

May we address each of your concerns.
1. In some collections you can search the batch film numbers by going to advanced search and typing in the batch number. FamilySearch is in the process of writing the programming for the batch film search feature in anticipation of moving the IGI records from the classic site to familysearch. Therefore there may be problems with the search feature at the present time. It will be corrected and fully functional soon. Patron submitted entries without sources will be moved to another program.
2. The number of results you get in a search may be limited by choosing “exact” searches by clicking on the little box following the field entry.
3. You may be getting Census records in the U.S. when you select births records in England if the census records show individuals born in England.
4. There are a number of reasons why records are duplicated within a collection:
• Camera operator wanted to get the best exposure of the record.
• An indexer found the same information on two or more images.
• The complete information was not found on one image.
• The quality of the original record was faulty, and multiple pictures were taken to capture as clear a record as possible.
• The original record sheet had folds or was extremely large, so not all information could be captured in one image.

Duplicate records also occur when there were several filmings of the same records. When collections are assembled for publication into a collection, all filming is included.

The current version of the FamilySearch website actually gives you a richer family history experience by putting all FamilySearch content, services, and products on the same site. Some of the benefits include:
• More indexes, records, and documents…all published more frequently.
• Responsive, reliable, and scalable hardware and software on which the site can grow and improve.
• Training courses in genealogical research.

We do hope you will continue to enjoy the great resources which are available at familysearch and invite you to use the knowledge documents that are provided to help you with any problem you may be having.
Sincerely,

FamilySearch
support @ familysearch.