Family Search Website - changes wef 13.12.2017

[SmallTownGirl]

According to this Family Search Blog, with effect from 13 Dec 2017, it will be necessary to sign-in before being able to view any of their records.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01l2h/ 

STG

[Guy Etchells]

Long overdue.
Cheers
Guy

[SmallTownGirl]

Long overdue.

Interested to hear why you think that.

STG

[Blue70]

I think with a lot of the images on Family Search now requiring users to sign in to view it makes sense that people should get into the habit of signing in whenever they visit the Family Search website to ensure they don't miss out on the sign in only images.


Blue

[Gadget]

I joined ages ago so that I could view some specialist records. It's free so I can't see the problem 

[Guy Etchells]

The main reason is accountability if users have to sign in before they can access the records they can also be prevented from accessing the records if they abuse the privilege.
I don’t know if one has to sign in using ones real name as I always do no matter what site I use, but I hope it is so.

Don’t forget the LDS entered into an agreement with the Jewish community back in 2012/3 after abuse regarding holocaust victims and this helps to stem such abuse.
Familysearch also uses data supplied by third parties through various agreements and as a result has a duty to them as well.

A secondary reason is when all users have to sign in there is a chance that some data providers who restrict access to patrons at family history centers might relax and allow access to all signed in patrons.

As a footnote perhaps I should add I have been signing in to access Familysearch for 4 or 5 years now even though it was not required.

Cheers
Guy

[Rosinish]

I have always used the 'sign in' choice as Gadget says there is info. to be gleaned which requires one signing in i.e. it has always been my way of doing.

It may actually help them to decide on what records to make available online rather than having to visit a local family history building?

Please don't enquire as to why or how signing in would/could make a difference as I have no idea, just wondering myself really 

Annie

[SmallTownGirl]

It's free so I can't see the problem 

I don't think there is a problem, but given the way of the world, I'm sure some people will think there is 

STG

[smudwhisk]

It may actually help them to decide on what records to make available online rather than having to visit a local family history building?

That decision is dependent on the terms of their contracts with the various Archives and other data providers. 

I've heard rumours that some additional parish registers may become viewable outside of the FHCs once the compulsory sign in is implemented, but I'll believe it when I see it and its not known what at present.  It won't be all but is dependent on the various contractual agreements and issues relating to copyright from what I've been told.

I don’t know if one has to sign in using ones real name as I always do no matter what site I use, but I hope it is so.

Unless its changed, user names do not have to be real names but your real name, or what you claim it is, is part of the account details.  Similarly, the account display name visible on Familysearch can be different to the account name.

I've had an account since the LDS stopped film ordering via the FHCs and it went online only.  However, I only use it if I need to because I find, possibly browser related, that I have issues with the website not working properly when logged in.