Pros and Cons of Using Ancestry Genealogy Websites

There are a multitude of advantages and disadvantages to using ancestry genealogy websites such as and for your family research. These platforms offer a vast collection of digital records, advanced tools for building and managing family trees, and extensive support for adding personal documents. However, they also present significant challenges that users must be aware of to avoid misinformation and legal concerns. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of these genealogy sites, and discuss alternative options available to genealogists.

Pros of Using Ancestry Genealogy Websites

There are several compelling reasons to use ancestry genealogy websites:

1. Built-in Software for Family Tree Building

Most popular genealogy websites, including , offer robust software to help you build and manage your family tree. These tools often include features such as automatic synchronization, easy-to-use interfaces, and advanced search capabilities.

2. Extensive Collection of Records

Ancestry sites compile a vast archive of legal, birth, baptism, marriage, death certificates, property records, newspapers, wills, and tax documents. These records are often digitized from public archives and libraries, making them easily accessible to users. Membership dues typically provide full access to these records without additional costs.

3. Upload Functionality for Personal Documents

Users can upload personal documents, photographs, and records to their family members' profiles. This feature is invaluable for creators and researchers who want to preserve and present family history in a personalized manner.

Cons of Using Ancestry Genealogy Websites

While these websites offer numerous benefits, they also come with several downsides that users must navigate:

1. Inaccurate Information

Ancestry sites are known to have issues with accurate information. Public family trees are frequently incomplete and riddled with errors. It is crucial for researchers to verify and document the accuracy of their information, rather than relying on pre-established family trees.

2. Ownership of Your Family Tree

While you may create a family tree, the website owns it. Converting your tree to an electronic file for personal use can be challenging, and losing access to your tree when you close your account is a significant issue. Most websites offer proprietary tools or software for this purpose, which can be expensive.

3. Bogus Records

Some ancestry websites, including , generate false records with grandiose names like Millenium Files Genealogical Index. These records often lack transparency and accuracy, making them unreliable for family research.

4. Manipulation of Information

These sites may change information to match their preferred data, especially if your family tree disagrees with mainstream narratives. It is essential to compare every element of a record to ensure the accuracy of your family tree, and to conduct your own research using public and private genealogical resources.

Alternatives to Ancestry Genealogy Websites

While and are popular choices, there are other alternatives to consider:

1.

is a free resource from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that offers a vast collection of records and tools for genealogical research. It is a valuable alternative for those seeking to avoid subscription fees.

2.

offers a more user-friendly interface and a free option for basic features, making it an attractive choice for beginners. It also offers a more comprehensive set of features than some of its competitors.

3. Legacy Family Tree

Legacy Family Tree is a desktop software application that works offline and can be used independently of the internet. It is a popular choice for users who prefer a more traditional approach to genealogy research.

Conclusion

While ancestry genealogy websites like and offer many benefits, they also come with significant drawbacks. To avoid inaccurate information and legal issues, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and verify all data. If you are looking for an alternative, consider , , or Legacy Family Tree. Whatever your choice, remember the importance of accuracy and the value of personal research in building a solid genealogical record.