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Archiver > APG > 2000-06 > 0961697140


From: "Andi MacDonald" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Genealogy merger
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 11:05:40 -0700


For two years I have been saying that Rootsweb was going to sell out to a
larger company and that the researchers/genealogists will lose on the deal.
Rootsweb has been the backbone of genealogy research on the Internet for
most people because it remained free unlike Ancestry which sold out early
and began charging for all the "free" information they promised several
years ago. (Remember when we all uploaded those family group sheets they
now charge us to view?)

Quote from the press release...
"...we have ensured that RootsWeb.com content, services, mailing lists and
Web pages will remain free, while allowing the site to provide more
functionality and resources to a larger audience as a result of our being
part of the MyFamily.com network."

With Rootsweb's founders giving up ownership, it is inevitable (no matter
how hard Brian tries) that Rootsweb users will end up paying the
price--somehow. His ideas and dreams, in the beginning, were far different
than they are now. Back when we all accessed Rootsweb through (was it
Rand?) Brian's boss' server, his dream seemed to be making genealogical
information freely available to everyone. Now, apparently, his dream is to
reap the rewards his hard work has earned him (as it should be!).

I am wondering who will start the next Rootsweb...that is, free genealogy
site? There is bound to be one as there is a need for a safe haven for the
genealogist who gives so freely of their time where they know others will
never be charged for the information. Ancestry once promised it, then
Rootsweb...now who?

It's been great Brian, thanks for the wild ride!

Andi MacDonald

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chad R. Milliner" <>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000 8:32 AM
Subject: [APG] Genealogy merger


> For those of you who haven't heard, myfamily.com, owner of ancestry.com,
has
> aquired Rootsweb. Here is a link to the press release.
>
> http://www.myfamilyinc.com/pressroom/rootsweb.htm
>

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