Genealogy Website Reviews

More Genealogy Websites

Genealogy Website Articles

Request A Review

Genealogy

- Star Review

Last Updated: 2/16/2009

Genealogy Star Rating

Join Genealogy	Email This Review
Member Reviews (1)

Few of us have the time to devote to digging through libraries and public records to uncover links to our ancestors, let alone make a family tree. So that’s why Star Reviews pulled up Genealogy.com in our beloved Google search. We have to say, we weren’t blown away by our initial impression of their website interface. It looked very basic and we had some doubts whether they’d find our family history or not. But, keep reading for our experience.

What’s New with Genealogy.com?

Data collections and family tree software sold through the web site
Virtual cemetery-add or search for burial information
Free trials of any of the site’s three membership levels

Star Reviews Favorite Genealogy.com Feature

Celebrity family trees - Ok, even if you’re just curious, with the click of a button, you can see who Pamela Anderson, Brad Pitt and even Donald Trump’s ancestors are. Their family trees are not only interesting, but are a great sample of what you can make for your own family.

Genealogy.com Features:

Three levels of membership
A detailed learning center full of useful how-to articles
Auto-renewing memberships
Free Genealogy classes
Access to 1.8 billion names through the web site
MyGenealogy.com-Keep track of your family tree, photos, links and data in one spot.

Navigating the Genealogy.com website:

When we first surfed onto the page, we thought the site feel was a little plain. But, we quickly realized how many options you’re given, including searching for an ancestor, browsing the U. S. census collection, or looking through passenger records. However, you won’t be able to get very far without registering for a paid membership.

For example, if you enter the name of your ancestor, you’ll only receive a summary of which Genealogy.com products include the name you’ve listed. Despite any initial feelings of not knowing where to begin or if to sign up for a membership, once you spend some time browsing through the web site, you’ll find it’s not too treacherous to navigate.

Finding Family on Genealogy.com:

There are several ways to locate your ancestral roots on Genealogy.com. The Learning Center at Genealogy.com does provide a significant amount of information to help you get started creating your family tree. More than two dozen detailed articles are available, including advice on how to begin the process and shape up your research skills. Additionally, users can browse through tips written by an experienced genealogist. There is also a World Family Tree for anyone who may not have family all in one country.

This service lets you see your roots on a wider scale. There are International & Passenger Records for all of your family members that may have sailed into Ellis Island. Creating your family tree is a simple process, as all you need to begin is your last name, birth date and place. Genealogy.com takes you step by step through the remainder of the process. We really enjoyed how detail-oriented this whole service was, going above and beyond what we first expected from them.

Signing up on Genealogy.com:

We were a little overwhelmed with the amount of membership options available on this online genealogy service. At the basic level, you receive access to the Genealogy.com database and family tree creation software (the software only works with Ancestry.com). The deluxe membership level also includes a second type of family tree creation software.

Only with the Gold membership can users search the U. S. census collection and passenger records. This level is also the only one which provides free technical support for the software and web site.

It is difficult to find out how long the free trial software lasts, as the details about auto-renewing membership are only available using a link at the very bottom of the membership level comparison page. You only receive a free trial for 7 days without being charged. The Genealogy.com Learning Center is available for non-members without a charge and includes some great resources.

Genealogy Website Pricing:

Basic- $69.99 a year
Deluxe- $99.99 a year
Gold- $199.99 a year

Customer Support:

We would have liked to see ‘Contact Us’ information more clearly displayed on their website. It was listed on the ‘About Us’ page, but we think it’s necessary to place on the main site. The toll-free number led to menu options that were easy to navigate. However, we were given an estimated wait time of 3 minutes but ended up being on hold for 16 minutes. When we did speak with a representative, he was very friendly and eager to help.

To receive a response via email, you have to complete a contact form. However, you’ll be asked to register (for free) before you can submit your question, and urged to read through the site’s FAQ’s first. We received a response to our question in less than 24 hours, but the response was very impersonal and the answer was completely different than what we had been told over the phone.

The web site does include FAQ’s that can answer most questions. However, using their pull-down menus to navigate their collection of answers is not as straightforward as it should be and may make it difficult to find the answers you’re looking for. Overall, their customer support was mediocre.

Upside:

Three membership levels. Informative Learning Center articles and expert tips.

Downside:

Long wait times for phone support. Membership costs seem expensive for what subscribers receive. Email support contradicted what phone support said.

Summary:

We felt that Genealogy.com had a lot to offer those seeking their family’s deepest secrets or maybe just a curious individual who wants to design a family tree. There were a lot of resources available here, but we can see how an inexperienced Internet user might be intimidated, as they were pretty in-depth. Prices were a little high as well, and the free trial only lasts a week, so deciding if you can devote enough time to delving into your family tree is a must. We liked a lot of the features like the Learning Center and celebrity family trees. Genealogy.com recognizes the entertaining aspect of family tree services and runs with it. Customer support was ok, but we felt they weren’t personal or efficient enough to give us correct answers. But, we still recommend their genealogy service.

GoTo Genealogy

Genealogy Member Reviews

Member Rating (based on 1 reviews)		See all 1 reviews

Leave a Comment GoTo Star Review GoTo Genealogy

Genealogy Review

by expertsandy who has written 178 reviews and is trusted by 0 members

The Genealogy.org provides for researching your family tree online. The search utility on the website provides for searching hundreds of databases and thousands of archived newspapers. It also helps in discovering the stories and history behind your family members. You can also discover and upload pictures to your family tree. The website also provides for sharing your family tree with others online. You can also take benefit from the research that other users have undertaken - maybe parts of your family trees are linked. The website also provides for Support Forums where you can share thoughts and issues with other members and their families. The website provides excellent technical support.

The website also provides for many links to various resources along with the tips and advice on researching your family tree with ease.

I give it 5 star rating.

Agree Completely	0	Helpful	0	Seems Biased	0	Just a Flame	0

Rate Review Add As A Trusted Reviewers

E-mail Review