Advice on subscription sites

[David Fleming]

Here's how it is. I am in the UK, researching mainly UK ancestory (with some in Eire).

I have very limited money - but I think the budget could run to maybe one subscription to a genealogy site.

Which one is "invaluable"?

David.

[Boongie Pam]

None.  It's a trade off really, I think subscription sites only make things a bit quicker. Or of you have limited access to libraries etc.

The only sites I will pay for are...

1901 - pay per view so I'm in control and pay for what I get.

Scotlandspeople - fantastic, again pay per view but well indexed for OPRs and gives you the wonderful registrations for BMD which can sometimes open up 3 or generations on one page!

I think you are better off saving, going to London for 3 days stay at the Uni halls (in holiday time) for £28 per night and get all the census free at the FRC.  You also get a cheap and cheerful Brick Lane curry thrown in - no subscription necerssary.  

Seriously though, after a year of research I've managed without subscribing anywhere but I do have a good library.  If you can't get the St Catherine Fiche at the library then 1837online is good but badly indexed.  I sink all the cash into certificates.

Good Luck and all the best,
Pam
 

[Sylviaann]

Go to your nearest LDS Family History centre.  It#s very cheap to see films of census and parish registers and free for BMDs

Or your nearest main library will have BMDs for free.

The main cost is getting the certificates.

For 10 years I didn't subscribe to anything and now only pay as you go.  Read the information on these message boards for the cheap and free sites.

Sylviaann

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi

I have been researching for 15 years, but did not join any pay sites untill I joined rootschat earlier this year - which was Ancestry.com for answering queries over these boards.

I have never used an LDS library, I prefer to spend a couple of days at the local records office (this is where having a trailer tent comes in handy) looking at the actual records without any 'transcription errors'

When I lasted visited Southwell Minster, I was allowed to look at the registers from 1850 onwards in the vestry of the church (they have retained all their registers) and lean upon the same table as my ancestors leaned on when they signed the registers.

I can tell you, its quite an experience looking at the same page my grt grandfather looked at, leaning where he did and observing his and gr grandmothers signatures in the marriage register - pages look so fresh they could have been signed yesterday - plus all the details were now in front of me - so no need to buy a certificate.

There was no charge for this, but I did put a larger than normal donation in the 'offerings box'

I can honestly say that you will never get these kind of feelings finding data on the internet or through filmed copies of the registers.

My advice is dont subscribe, pay as you go, and try to visit the area of your research.

Chris in 1066Land  

[Boongie Pam]

Definitely agree with visiting areas.  I went to Annan just for a mooch around and sat with a pie on the steps of the town hall.  An old chap was there and I said hello got chatting and it turned out he went to school with my grandfather.  He told me lots of stories my Grandad wouldn't have 'fessed up that's for sure.

I also got help from the wee local museum and the fabric shop!  You just never know who can help.  The local record offices have such specialised knowledge that they can be indespensable.

I apologies for anyone sitting 1000s of miles away growling at me!

Pam
 

[newbie]

I found this thread really interesting, I have been thinking of joining up too but didn't know which one to choose, in the end I decided (like Pam to sink my funds into getting all the relevant certificates I thought were necessary.  But having read posts from Chrisin 1066 land  and others I have been convinced that going to the Record Office where your interest is, will be more satisfactory so I'm off to Glamorgan! I have used the GRO indexes at the Berkshire Record Office where the staff are very very helpful but nothing else so any tips much appreciated.
Newbie (still swimming )

[MrsLizzy]

I like to join the relevant Family history society - I find it very good value and you can get help from kind people many of whom are on the spot.

[newbie]

I joined the Glamorgan F.H.Society and on Saturday I finally got to visit the Aberkenfig Resource Centre - courtesy of my other half doing the driving!
Really helpful people who know the area well can give advice on where to look.

[Jane Masri]

Chris 1066land said some VERY pertinent and wise things about actually visiting the places of our ancestors and having that wonderful experience, you can't beat it and you certainly can't get it on any of these subscription sites.
Like the other posters here, I've got most of my information from free sites on the internet, helpful people on county message boards and of course ROOTSCHAT
What I do subscribe to is the relevant family history society for the counties I am researching.  It's well worth the small sub and you know it's going to be ploughed back into the group to acquire more resources.

Jane
PS.  I thought Chris 1066land was on holiday!