World Vital Records has produced several press releases in recent weeks. Click here to see them. The previous announcements have publicized several new subscription-based services but have never mentioned the fees. Newsletter readers have speculated about the fee structure in messages that are attached to those previous articles. World Vital Records solved the mystery today with the latest press release:
World Vital Records Launches Genealogy Subscription: 2 for1 Subscriptions Available for $49.95 Until October 31, 2006
Provo, UT, October 05, 2006 -- World Vital Records launched its genealogy subscription today offering individuals who register before October 31, 2006 a two-year subscription for the price of one.
"Today marks a milestone for us in becoming the number two player in the genealogy industry. We are pleased with the content we have obtained to offer to our users to help them find their ancestors and are anxious to gather much more," said Paul Allen, CEO, World Vital Records.
Subscription prices will be $49.95 per year. Individuals can also sign up for the special subscription upgrade, which includes the 2 for 1 subscription offer, as well as Everton's Genealogical Helper for only $69.95 (25 percent savings).
Everton's Genealogical Helper is the one magazine in the genealogical industry that emphasizes content, continuing education, and research resources, for both professional genealogists and amateur family history researchers. The industry bible for over 50 years, the magazine contains twice the amount of information of other publications, and now features a 50 page section each issue dealing exclusively with research on the web. Each issue contains sections on missing ancestors and family members, in-depth articles by professionals, expanded book reviews, renewed emphasis on personal connections/introductions and more. Leland Meitzler recently became the managing editor for this magazine.
World Vital Records is adding a new data base or functionality every business day. Some of the content that will be included in the subscription model will include the following: 1871 Canadian Census, 1880 United States Census, Membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints records, 1830-1848 (50 volumes), Scottish death records, and much more.
"We are really excited about the proprietary content we have available for individuals who subscribe to World Vital Records. We also want our users to know that although we have added a subscription, we will always have some free content on our site," said Yvette Arts, Executive Vice President, World Vital Records.
Individuals interested in registering for a subscription can sign up at http://www.worldvitalrecords.com.
Found a bunch of Social Security records. The map on the results page is cool, but not always accurate (Alabama Land Grant showed map of Colorado.
I'm just not sure how helpful this site would be to me. I need southern COLONIAL records and so many online sites provide information starting about 1850.
I'm still thinking about a subscription, especially if the excellent Genealogical Helper is included.
Posted by: soccermom | October 06, 2006 at 01:06 AM
They've finally "launched" and they STILL don't provide a detailed list of what they offer. So unless you happen to need one of the five databases they listed in the press release, why would anyone sign up?
Posted by: Jason Presley | October 06, 2006 at 08:41 AM
Why does the CEO's name Paul Allen ring a bell for me. Was he associated with another comercial genealogy company? Sales tactics also sound familiar. This offer is basicaly urging the customer to buy an unknown product. Were are the specifics?
Posted by: Allen C Ackley | October 06, 2006 at 09:06 AM
---> Why does the CEO's name Paul Allen ring a bell for me. Was he associated with another comercial genealogy company?
Yes. As mentioned in one of the company's earlier press releases that is still available at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2006/06/provo_labs_and_.html
"About Provo Labs
"Provo Labs is an incubator for Web 2.0 Internet companies, such as 10Speed Media, LDS Media, MP3Books, and Funding Universe. Formed by MyFamily.com founder, Paul B. Allen, Provo Labs focuses on building companies that combine content, community and technology in innovative ways to create value for its customers."
---> Were are the specifics?
At http://www.worldvitalrecords.com.
- Dick Eastman
Posted by: Dick Eastman | October 06, 2006 at 10:04 AM
Where are the specific lists of databases? All I see on the signup page is vague references and broad categories, most of which are available either free or on other paid sites. If they want my money they will have to be more specific on what databases are available.
Posted by: Russ McClelland | October 06, 2006 at 10:29 AM
Please go to this link for a list of the specific data sets we are offering at World Vital Records.
http://wvrdev.worldvitalrecords.com/wvrcontent.aspx
Although individuals can purchase a subscription right now, the charge on the subscription will technically not start until November. (This means that each subscriber will receive three weeks for free.) In addition, we are offering two years for the price of one. We are offering this free time, as we are still working to put up all of our data sets. Thanks.
Posted by: Whitney Ransom, Director, Corporate Communications, World Vital Records | October 06, 2006 at 02:19 PM
Please use this link instead:
http://worldvitalrecords.com/wvrcontent.aspx
Posted by: Whitney Ransom, Director, Corporate Communications, World Vital Records | October 06, 2006 at 03:08 PM
I tried signing up today and have had nothng but trouble ever since. I gave my VISA # and I received an error message that my # didn't correspond with my address (after having used it successfully over the weekend). Stupid me - I tried it several times. Well, after calling the bank, there are several charge authorizations from World Vital Records on my VISA. I tried the 1-888 # - doesn't seem to work from Canada - finally found a number to call - got an answering machine - told me to use the e-mail for immediate service. Several hours later and several messages/e-mails - no reply.
Posted by: Jayne Paradis | October 09, 2006 at 11:56 AM
I have finally been contacted - seems that they were/are having problems with their phone system. They are trying to rectify the problem.
Posted by: Jayne Paradis | October 09, 2006 at 03:55 PM
Adding a new database every business day!!??!! That is great! I checked out the site World Vital Records and it seems like it will be a great benefit to my genealogy research. There is also a free newsletter that anyone can subscribe for. The specific link for that is http://www.worldvitalrecords.com/newsletter2.aspx?utm_source=tm2. Plus when you sign up you get a lot of free stuff like a free eSourcebook of American History. Paul Allen is a smart guy. A site like this should do really well and it will be fun to see how extensive the product offering becomes.
Posted by: Matt Shumway | November 17, 2006 at 05:20 PM
Matt is right, the newsletter is really great. Make sure to sign up for it at http://www.worldvitalrecords.com/newsletter9.aspx?utm_source=tm9
Posted by: Doug Norton | December 11, 2006 at 08:02 PM