Not another blog about PeopleLegacy.com?!

I'm afraid to say, yes. Yes, It is yet another blog about PeopleLegacy (I will refer to it as PL) and their recent acquisition of all information from the FindAGrave (I will refer to it as FG.) website.  

First let me say to those out there questioning the validity of this information, that it is indeed true. It is not fake news. It is not sponsored by a spoof website for comedy.  I know, because upon hearing the news, I first checked for myself before having my entire being consumed with angry company bashing thoughts. 

Secondly, Myself as well as most of other genealogy and history research bloggers are all also victims of this PL website. I would venture to guess that the majority of us have in one way or another contributed to the FG website at one time or another.  You are not alone. ​

I myself visited a restricted grave site on a business property escorted by the owners employee. Because I was allowed to visit and I wanted people to have the images, but contact me for information instead of bothering the very busy company, I watermarked my own images with contact information to better serve those who may want more information about it.

You can see (barely- as it's blurred) that my username and this website address is listed on all the photos from that grave site area. There is no denying what has happened here.

                                  Above is my original entry on FG.
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I'm not certain who the owners of PL are. But after a comprehensive read of the TOS and EUA on all parties, It is my own opinion that they are indeed in violation of Copyright.   AFTER and only after I formed this opinion did I begin reading stories from other bloggers and people about the topic.  There is not anyone so far who does not believe that.  ​Please make sure you go and inform yourselves of the entire TOS on all parties, and then go ahead and read what some reputable people may have to say about them.  Try Judy Russell - The Legal Genealogist and Dick Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter and Thomas MacEntee's Abundant Genealogy

I assure you that Ancestry (The parent company of FG) is well aware of what has happened. Their legal team are on the project for sure and there is no need to write to any of the parties involved. and actually, I'm going to advise you in an unofficial way - simply as a friend who is going through the same things, to NOT do that at all. You do not know how the information you may send through a form mail, will be used.

However, I would keep abreast on what is happening by following Ancestry if you have not already. We've all been effected and I suppose in a way, violated. Though we know that the images we post are to help others, and seemingly this website also wants to help others with free information, we never consented to it being extracted and placed in areas where we did not give permission for them to be placed.  

Hang in there, friends. It might get a little bumpy. In the mean time, try enjoying some of your Adventures in Genealogy.

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