Edward M.

I've been a subscriber for several years. They've had quirks and updates and I/ve been able to deal with them. But beginning around March of 2023 they have turned almost useless.
First: Since I signed on a few years ago, I've been using a 12 item search string with no problems whatsoever. Suddenly in late February, the string doesn't work and I get the message "Oops, we are having trouble loading results. Try again".
I do all of the usual clearing bookmarks and caches (which is their bot chat answer for everything) try again on 4 different browsers on three different computers two different OS and and iPhone. Same result. Meanwhile, waiting for some email response (as others have said, the phone number is useless.)
Finally get a reply that says I'm "not allowed" to have a search string that long.
I ask for some clarification as to why that is happening now after years of using that search string. It has been two and a half months of asking for a reply and explanation, and nothing.

Second: Today, May 19, I am now unable to use even a 3 item search string (which is what they first recommended). One item works. But if I have to search by only a single item, my work becomes ridiculously redundant.

Third: If you go into the Service Agreement, you will see (unless they have removed it) directions to call and Ancenstry.com number to help resolve your issues. I called and actually spoke to a decent human who gave me two numbers to call. The first was the regular number that never picks up, the second was just dead air.
Called back Ancestry got another person who gave me the same two numbers. When I told her they didn't work she said there was nothing they could do about it they are only "partners" with Newspapers.com and no one there can contact them. She said there was no way to escalate and to just keep trying the numbers.

So in essence, Newspapers.com is just charging us more for less now. Why throttle the search engine? Why not tell us that it is happening and why? What's the point of the site if it can't be searched (other than to take most of their clients money so they can look up obits and weddings).

Would give it zero if that was possible.

Horrible company. I wish there was an alternative.