Please notify Customers of Changes
No reputable software company in today's market would make major revisions to their software without communicating to their customers changes and the benefits of the updates. For example, FamilySearch has made considerable changes to "CONTACT US" in the HELP menu; extensive enough that even experienced users are having difficulty understanding how to use it.
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Hi Cardon
FamilySearch like most geological sites are always updating and bringing its web site uptodate in our modern world.
FamilySearch is currently amending and inproving the Community Section where all future questions and answers, will be answered. This will be a great inprovement, and I know that an email was sent to FamilySearch members informing them of the changes being made to the WorldWide Communal tree which is free to its mebers
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I believe these changes have been reported in the "Blog" section, though some of the finer detail may have been omitted. As this all seems to be a "work in progress" situation, things could very well be changed again in a few months time.
From comments posted on this forum, I'm sure many users are unhappy about recent developments / changes. If enough users come up with constructive ideas on the best ways for FamilySearch to provide support, hopefully the messages will be heard - and acted upon!
BTW - the "old" system was far from perfect, of course. For example, getting ones problems escalated to a higher level (or even passed to the appropriate FS section) has always been an issue, whether a request has been made by email or phone.
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Yes, an email was sent from FamilySearch users four days after the changes were made. I use FamilySearch every day. On the date the changes appeared, there was no notice of any changes, no help explaining the changes that were made in the "HELP" menu, no banner warning guests that some parts of FamilySearch may not work properly during the conversion, nor any explanation on the blog. I'm not sure what concerns me most - - - the abrupt changes made without warning, or the untrue comment that notice was given to your customers. Everyone can look at the dates these event occurred. There is no reason for us or argue about facts so easily verifiable. As clearly explained initially, my concern is NOT that changes are made to the system. But rather my concern is that FamilySearch does not communicate those changes in a timely and effective manner. This IS a constructive suggestion; one that is consistent with the very best companies in the software industry today, and one that could make FamilySearch the envy of other software companies as well as genealogical software companies. It would send a clear signal guests and users for FamilySearch that they are vital to the mission of FamilySearch.
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The original post does not meet the Community Code of Conduct.
Please review the Code and Edit your comment so that it follows those standards.
You may find the Edit feature by clicking on the Gear in the upper right corner of your post.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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The only point I felt "uneasy" about in the original post was the expression "Please REPENT". Apart from that, there was no attack being made on an individual employee of FamilySearch and the point raised is one that has been made many times in the past.
Users really do need to be notified in advance of pending changes and be given far more detail, too. On a similar issue, I have given examples (on the former GetSat forum) of how badly FamilySearch communicates changes / additions to its online records: the lack of detail making it very difficult to work out what has been added, or even what is no longer available. This contrasts unfavourably with a much less resourced website I use - that gives precise detail of all added material - and what is "coming soon".
I would hope moderators would be more attentive to comments that are on a personal level. Only last week I received a very sarcastic response to one of my posts, which has been left completely unchecked. However, for the most part, I feel the original post (above) did contain constructive criticism of an issue that has not been addressed, in spite of the after many very polite posts that have highlighted the problem.
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If you have concerns about a post that you feel is inappropriate, you may click on the link of the Username of a mod (Moderator) which is a link and then Click on "Message" to send a Private Message to that individual and the Moderator can review the post to verify your concern if you provide the Title and url of the post that concerns you. As stated in the Code of Conduct "when communicating with others in any of our online forums: Be kind, Be honest, Be constructive, Be relevant."
In your original post your said, "extensive enough that even experienced users are having difficulty understanding how to use it." You may wish to contact Support by phone for assistance with any problems you are having navigating the Community site.
Another resource is the "Getting Started" which is the link below that may be helpful.
We are sorry that the needed changes are difficult for you and appreciate all that you do to contribute to FamilySearch.
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M Smith presents a significant concern of FamilySearch users. Customers need to be informed prior to changes made to FamilySearch, educated not only why changes need to be made, but also how they may continue to access information previously provided. Such action would send a clear signal of mindfulness and concern towards the end user - the person for which FamilySearch has been created.
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All
FYI
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Just in passing ...
Please be, aware; and, advised ...
[ Or, "Remember" ... ]
'FamilySearch', was "Created"; and, is "Maintained", by the Church ...
'FamilySearch', is NOT a "Commercial" Website ...
'FamilySearch', is FREE to ALL (ie. 'No', Payment; Fees; or, Subscription, is required) ...
There are MANY competing priorities, in ALL, the Parts, of 'FamilySearch'; and, there are "Very" LIMITED Resources (eg. "Funds") available, to 'FamilySearch' ...
Please ALWAYS be mindful (and, both, grateful/thankful) of such ...
Just my thoughts.
Just saying ...
I know, that this certainly may not help/assist; but, I hope, that this may provide you with, some additional, insight; and, perspective.
Brett
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All
FYI
Unfortunately ...
Like it or not ...
Many records, that were once available, in 'FamilySearch, are becoming "Unavailable" ...
[ The availably/accessibility, of "Records", in 'FamilySearch' ... come and go ... on a regular basis ... ]
[ ie. There one day, gone the next ... ]
There are MANY reasons for such ...
Here are some "Knowledge Articles", in 'FamilySearch':
Why did some historical records disappear from FamilySearch?
Why are there access limitations on Historical Records?
What are the image restrictions in Historical Records?
Now ...
That Said ...
For the vast MAJORITY, of the "Records", in 'FamilySearch', 'FamilySearch' is NOT, the "Record" Custodian.
The "Record" Custodian primarily governs; and, is more often than not, responsible for, the ACCESS, "Limitations"; and, "Restrictions", placed upon THEIR "Records" in 'FamilySearch'.
'FamilySearch', is bound, by the MANY "Contractual Agreements/Arrangements, between, 'FamilySearch'; and, the MANY various "Record" Custodians.
Of course, there are OTHER matters, that MAY also govern, the ACCESS, "Limitations"; and, "Restrictions", regarding the various "Records" in 'FamilySearch'.
I am certain, that 'FamilySearch', would LOVE to make, ALL of the "Records", it "Holds", FREELY available (and, accessible) to ALL; but, unfortunately, such can not always be the case.
Plus ...
The ACCESSIBILTY, to the many various "Records", in 'FamilySearch', can 'come and go', on a REGULAR basis.
The ACCESSIBILTY, to the many various "Records", in 'FamilySearch', is subject to those "Contractual Agreements/Arrangements; which, generally "Expire"; and, NEED to be "Renewed"; where, the "Record" Custodian, is at liberty to "Set" (or, "Change") ACCESS, "Limitations"; and, "Restrictions", placed upon THEIR "Records" in 'FamilySearch'.
Such happens ... And, very often ...
Just my thoughts.
I know, that this certainly may not help/assist; but, I hope, that this may provide you with, some additional, insight; and, perspective.
Brett
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FamilySearch is supported by tithes - sacred funds donated to the Lord for the purpose of fulfilling God’s command to redeem all of His children. Those dedicated employees who write code and support FamilySearch are paid salaries from those sacred funds. With that in mind, it behoves all of us, to make this a consecrated work, one that Lord would find worthy of all acceptation.
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FYI
NOT need, to expound such, to me ...
As, I am Member of the Church ...
And ...
That Said ...
There are, MANY Other, much MORE "Important", NEEDS, of both, Temporal; and, Spiritual, nature ...
Rather than. just 'FamilySearch' ...
We CAN certainly, "Survive", WITHOUT such ...
PEREFECTION, is NOT required ...
Doing one's BEST, with what is available, is ALL that is expected ...
[ ie. Doing one's, "Due Diligence" ... ]
Please, try to be both, realistic; and, understanding ...
'Thank You', in advance.
Brett
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