RootsWeb Newsroom

Archive for February, 2008

Linking to More Resources on the Message Boards

Thursday, February 28th, 2008
We have introduced a new feature on the Message Boards. We now automatically recognize last names included in message board posts and offer special links to additional surname resources. (We have done our best to identify surnames but you will still see words that will be linked that are not surnames in the context of the message.)

These links will look different than direct hyperlinks that members may include in their posts, and will not interfere with any hyperlinks in the message. A hyperlinked name will show up with a light green underline. When you move your mouse over the linked last name you will see a small pop-up, from this pop-up you will be able to click through to the surname message board for that last name or to a special page on Ancestry.com, Family Facts is a free feature on Ancestry, offering family history facts and resources for the surname.

We hope that giving quick links to these resources makes it easier to find all the valuable information available to help our members research their family history. If you have any specific feedback about this new feature please email it to feedback@rootsweb.com. We hope to be able to make improvements based on your feedback.

Posted in New Features | 15 Comments »

Mailing List Update

Wednesday, February 27th, 2008

We’ve implemented a new safety feature for the mailing lists.  Prior to yesterday you could subscribe to the mailing lists without confirming that it was you who really wanted to join.  (We have seen incidences where people have used email spoofing software to subscribe email addresses to the list that were not their own, and were not for genealogy purposes.)  You will now be required to confirm your subscription requests to our mailing lists. 

After sending your subscription request to the list you will receive a message with the subject of “Complete your Subscription to [listname]“ letting you know that you we received a request to subscribe your email address to the mailing list and asking you to click on a link that will lead you to the confirmation page.  The confirmation page has two options, “Cancel my subscription request” and “Subscribe to list [listname]“.  On this page you also have the choice of selecting whether you would like to receive digests.  Subscription confirmation does require a little additional work on the part of our members but it is a large step forward in making the lists less susceptible to spammers. 

 

 

Posted in New Features, Updates | 14 Comments »

We want to hear from you!

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008
As we reflect on the past and are looking forward to the future we would like to hear your feedback on RootsWeb; the site in general, the features you use and the service you receive.  You can participate in our survey by clicking here.  And a reminder…you are always welcome to send your feedback to feedback@rootsweb.com at any time through out the year.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »