I have so far built my family tree online and refuse to purchase FTM until they address this issue. I've put about 2 years of effort into my tree and uploaded lots of photos. I'll be darned if I'm going to pay for software that forces me to redo a lot of my work and then deal with two unsync-able trees. Also, they really need to make a down loadable demo version of the software available so experienced users can really witness what the software can and cannot do. This should especially be justifiable to existing Ancestry.com members.

*completely agree*

I have just had the 2009 FTM software delivered and uploaded it to my PC.

I have built an extensive online tree at ancestry.com with over 5000 names and over 1000 images and hundreds of stories.

I had read the spec for FTM 2009 and it said it had greater integration with ancestry.com. However to check that I would be able to use my online tree with FTM and download all my images I phoned up the ancestry number and specifically asked about downloaded existing attachments in my online tree to FTM.

I was told that this was all possible and the two worked together. I also asked if I could upload the software to both my PC and laptop and work on my tree from both at different times. Again I was told that this was indeed the case. So this was why I bought it.

And now I find out reading this post that this is not the case at all. I would never have paid out for the platinum 2009 edition if I had known this. I was seriously misinformed by ancestry and feel completely conned.

I am terribly disappointed and let down yet again by The Generations Network. I am certainly not going to start my tree all over again in FTM so my software is pretty much useless to me now.

It's such a shame as the FTM software seems to be rather good and much easier to input information than the ancestry.com website.

If TGN can't integrate the site and FTM then why can't they just allow you to pay extra to have the features in FTM in an online version?

Yesterday I cancelled my ancestry subscription which expires next month to use the six months that came with the FTM platinum edition. However now I can't imagine me renewing it once this six months is up.

Ancestry really do seem to shoot themselves in the feet alot don't they?

I think that FTM 2009 is a great program, but as far as sychronizing with their online trees it may be a long time. I uploaded several trees, then invited people to join it but if you want to update your tree you have to upload a new tree and reinvited the same people again.

This system sucks! It's common knowledge that Ancestry.com is using our own information to bring in more subscribers who click on our source links.

I think it's better to move our family information to a non-Ancestry.com site that is protected. After all, who's really gaining from your information--not you!! And the fe that answer are people that have nothing to offer.

Take it from me--I've been screwed before.

fe equals few. My keyboard is sticky.

Get real Russ! TGN is selling subscriptions which is why they took over FTM. They don't care if the program doesn't sync with the online trees. It's all about adding more subscribers and family trees.

For instance, the family book feature has been undercut by the online book feature to make more $$$$. Very few features in FTM 2009 and, by the way, a few more bugs which they promised to fix.

A lesson for all--failure happens when the grip is on the money and not on the morals.

Hi yes I have had a similar problem and that is even though my tree has always been private! Ancestry don't tell you in their terms and conditions that even if you have a private tree everything can become public if you invite another ancestry member. They get the option to merge all your private images etc into their public trees.

I am all for sharing my information but not to line ancestry's pockets. I was disgusted to find my personal photographs, certificates and other personal documents I had paid alot of money for or inherited in the trees of people I had never been in touch with and coming up in ancestry's searchable database.

So yes I do agree with you in principle, but for me I do research from more than one PC so really need to have this web access option.

FTM does seem good when I have looked at it but the way it is set up without this integration means it is no real use to me. What a shame!

whbox,

But, the book feature IS in 2009.

Russ

Oh, I didn't know about other Ancestry members being able to merge your photos and images into their trees. I made my site private and not searchable, and I've only invited direct family members. I'm not inviting anyone who hasn't contacted me first and who isn't a direct family member.

I'm not real crazy about having all my information on Ancestry.com because, like I said, it's more for Ancestry's benefit than ours. I'm looking into a better alternative.

Not the same thing as what they have online. It seems that TGN is not too interested in FTM. They want us to put everything online so they can hijack your information and make more money.