The German Genealogist

I first emailed The German Genealogist to ask him how he conducts his business/research and how much he charged, if he accepted a flat rate, etc, etc I explained I was unemployed and funds were limited(I have the email trail to prove it) Several days later he contacted me and explained the process, told me that once I sent money he would start, actually he said he starts the process for free Ha! I didn't hear anything from him after several days and noticed he hadn't responded to an email invite on a genealogy siteI sent another email questioning his no response and all I keep getting from him is when I'll send more money and how many installments I plan to make, etc etc His replys to my questions were about money and he never came out and answered straight, always around the bush and about money I sent another email asking for a refund Nothing I filed a claim through [redacted] , he didn't respond I've escalated the claim with [redacted] in hopes of getting back my money Within the last few days I've learned through other clients that he's done the same thing to them This is a BUYER BEWARE review Send money at your own risk!!!

Karl-Michael S*** does a very thorough job and is very professional as wellHe found a census when my dad was about yrs old, approxIn I was astounded ! It was an extremely positive experience, to be sure

I first emailed The German Genealogist to ask him how he conducts his business/research and how much he charged, if he accepted a flat rate, etc, etc. I explained I was unemployed and funds were limited. (I have the email trail to prove it) Several days later he contacted me and explained the process, told me that once I sent money he would start, actually he said he starts the process for free. Ha! I didn't hear anything from him after several days and noticed he hadn't responded to an email invite on a genealogy site. I sent another email questioning his no response and all I keep getting from him is when I'll send more money and how many installments I plan to make, etc etc. His replys to my questions were about money and he never came out and answered straight, always around the bush and about money. I sent another email asking for a refund. Nothing. I filed a claim through[redacted], he didn't respond. I've escalated the claim with [redacted] in hopes of getting back my money. Within the last few days I've learned through other clients that he's done the same thing to them. This is a BUYER BEWARE review. Send money at your own risk!!!

Hello. I am writing this review of my own free will and accord. Mr. [redacted] informed me of this option and I was glad to do it. My husband and I have been clients of his for the past 2 years. He mainly helped me husband with his familes in the areas of [redacted], areas of [redacted] and in areas of **. We didn't do a lot of work in [redacted] or [redacted] but he still taught us a few things that strongly stand out in my memory. We were very fortunate to find him. I believe it was my husband who [redacted] one day and there he was in the same State in which we lived. We went to lunch together a few times. Spent some time at the [redacted] and did some telephone-computer sessions at home. At the time, we were very fortunate that he was willing to work out a financial arrangement with us. I was very impressed that he and his wife were extremely proficient as genealogist, that they worked together, were accredited as genealogists, and worked for [redacted] He as some slight disabilities and was in an accident which nearly cost his life and he could not keep up the pace at[redacted]. It's really unfortunate that they didn't hold on to him. My husband is very good at digging for information and some people gave him the wrong information. My husband had a very hard time getting over that difficulty but both [redacted] AND myself proved to my husband that Mr. [redacted] was correct and that the lovely person who had originally helped him was unfortuately, incorrect. We also were able to prove that Mr. [redacted] was correct by requesting, through the Freedom to Request Information, the mother's MAIDEN name on the original application for a social security card. Hopefully, later, I will be able to show you a partial copy of the result of this one key that Mr. [redacted] gave us.
Through our phone call/computer sessions, he was able to help us become more accustomed to other programs out there which could provide assistance. Something as simple as [redacted] was foreign to us.
He also taught us how to use a snippet tool - an extremely useful tool in digitizing our documents. [redacted]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait until for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

Dear [redacted],

 

This is what I feel should be shown on my behalf.

It is quite obvious Mr. [redacted] is not going to return my money to me because he thinks that very important 1920 census that he prepared for me was certainly worth  $100.00.  I hope that you were able to see that I could send family or friends a copy of the same census. And what does that census tell me about my grandparents from Germany – NOTHING.  I knew that my family and  the grandfather lived in a little area called Avondale, just about 2 miles outside of Westminster, MD.  I knew this long before I called on Mr. [redacted] to help me with my Grandparent’s from Germany.

 

He was not able to honor my request for information as to how many brothers or sisters each of the grandparents had, nor the maiden name of my grandmother.

 

I have seen often how he will turn around the blame on me.  Asking far more than what was sent, but not mentioning that I asked if the cost was to be greater to just return the $100.00. It would have been far better to ask if I wanted that census then to charge me for something that didn’t even reference them in Germany.  And I am very upset that he was telling whoever read the e-mail that he doubted that I belonged to [redacted].com., what was it his business if I did nor not and what did it matter.

 

So I am out of $100.00 and have absolutely nothing to show for it.  As I said before, the 1910 Census from [redacted] showed me a nearby neighbor that would up part of the family one day and it showed my grandfather 10 years younger and not my grandmother, she had died years before.  But even that 1910 census didn’t explain how many brothers and sisters each had and my grandmother’s maiden name in Germany.

 

The funny part about this is that I have very little family, only a brother who really isn’t interested in this at all.  I was trying to prepare booklets to hand out the my brother’s children for their children 3 years old and 4 mo’s and my grandchildren – 7, 6 and 19 months. So they would know the history of the family one day, certainly long after I’m gone, that’s why I was doing it now.

 

So case is closed [redacted], I’m not getting my money back.

 

Mr. [redacted] and his team have been very helpful in answering questions concerning family history queries, in a timely and professional manner.

They have directed me to sources, links, histories, gazettes, and ship manifests that have helped to locate ancestors, and documented births, deaths, emigration and immigration records. They have answered questions concerning spelling, and name alterations through historical events.

Mr. [redacted], kept me on track, and focused, and made sure that my search was in the right direction, so that I would not waste my time or his, without saying so. It was fun and exciting to receive his help, and the help of his team as my search for relatives became not only a dream but a reality.

After visiting with him, and doing my homework with his council, I was able to ask family questions with greater depth, and they were surprised and amazed that I knew so much about my husband's side of the family, even though they live in the Mid West, and we in the [redacted]! It is pleasant to work with knowledgeable and professional people, who not only know their material, but also, love their job!

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I sent Revdex.com copies of [redacted].com 1920,1910,1900 census

to show you that I had access to them and I can keep copies on my

screen. I wrote him that I had gone to the library and

historical society and found the information - Anton Gehle – Balt

1851-1872  Passenger and Immigration   Vol 2 Port of Departure

Bremen – Ship: Charles – Port Baltimore  I think he was #93 on the list. I

think he arrived in November or Dec. There was also listed Kungundia 

Leg…….? but with a child.  She was supposed to have come with him but need

to go back and check.. I know I saw Bavaria and Gutersloh but haven’t found all

the other information because of all my other paperwork on so many other

people. I had asked him for my

money back if it was going to cost me more to find the information I

needed.   He just goes on and on

how I asked for more for nothing after I had made the statement above. 

You have ALL THE 

correspondence we had between us and still he claims he provided me with so

much information well work $100.00 and more.

Yet has provided free info for a woman at was at least $30,000.

I do not wish to

correspond with him again, it won't do any good.  He think

he's right and I think I am. 

I did not get

what I asked for and when you see the slanted 1920 census he

sent me, I like the [redacted] one better that I sent

you.

COMPLAINT NOT CLOSED -

UNHAPPLY THORN

 

 

Regards,

The client, [redacted], has received far more than that for which she has paid. ALL our clients since 1979 get TWICE what they pay for. Whether or not she shows you a 1920 Census image, she has failed to mention precisely what it was that I found for her on that image!  Also, her showing that image is AFTER I found it for her & provided croppings & analysEs. The year of immigration & naturalization are THE two crucial keys for further research. Services in excess of $100 have been rendered. I have offered to continue to do some pro bono work for her on www.facebook.com/GermanyGenealogy. There, I have given away, just this year alone, $30,000 worth of research, data, documents & images. Due to her own admitted anxiety & privacy issues, she has repeatedly refused to accept going on to Facebook to take advantage of not only my assistance, but several others in the community. She still privately emails me that she has sent me census images, but none is there. It would not matter if she did. Because I have fulfilled MORE than my part of the agreement, I, therefore, request that this case be closed, set aside, resolved, etc. What she is requesting is worth in excess of $1,000. Her request is far-fetched. She has nothing but time to continue to harass me about $100. I ask her to cease & desist her expectations that are far & beyond that for which she can afford. There is a reason that [redacted].com has a $2,500 minimum. Because we appropriately did her a huge favor & found, analyzed & shared with her THE key digital document for the case for ONLY $100, she should be singing our praises, like 152+ others have done on www/[redacted].com/in/GermanGenealogist--& NOT filing frivolous complaints! NObody else has 152+ WRITTEN endorsements on [redacted].com{:>) Because she is refusing my free help & that of my colleagues, PLEASE pull this thorn from my side.  [redacted], you did NOT have the 1920 Census until I provided it for you. Now, please, move forward & write us a positive review right here on the Revdex.com. One other client has already done so.

I first emailed The German Genealogist to ask him how he conducts his business/research and how much he charged, if he accepted a flat rate, etc, etc. I explained I was unemployed and funds were limited. (I have the email trail to prove it) Several days later he contacted me and explained the process, told me that once I sent money he would start, actually he said he starts the process for free. Ha! I didn't hear anything from him after several days and noticed he hadn't responded to an email invite on a genealogy site. I sent another email questioning his no response and all I keep getting from him is when I'll send more money and how many installments I plan to make, etc etc. His replys to my questions were about money and he never came out and answered straight, always around the bush and about money. I sent another email asking for a refund. Nothing. I filed a claim through[redacted], he didn't respond. I've escalated the claim with [redacted] in hopes of getting back my money. Within the last few days I've learned through other clients that he's done the same thing to them. This is a BUYER BEWARE review. Send money at your own risk!!!

Hello. I am writing this review of my own free will and accord. Mr. [redacted] informed me of this option and I was glad to do it. My husband and I have been clients of his for the past 2 years. He mainly helped me husband with his familes in the areas of [redacted], areas of [redacted] and in areas of **. We didn't do a lot of work in [redacted] or [redacted] but he still taught us a few things that strongly stand out in my memory. We were very fortunate to find him. I believe it was my husband who [redacted] one day and there he was in the same State in which we lived. We went to lunch together a few times. Spent some time at the [redacted] and did some telephone-computer sessions at home. At the time, we were very fortunate that he was willing to work out a financial arrangement with us. I was very impressed that he and his wife were extremely proficient as genealogist, that they worked together, were accredited as genealogists, and worked for [redacted] He as some slight disabilities and was in an accident which nearly cost his life and he could not keep up the pace at[redacted]. It's really unfortunate that they didn't hold on to him. My husband is very good at digging for information and some people gave him the wrong information. My husband had a very hard time getting over that difficulty but both [redacted] AND myself proved to my husband that Mr. [redacted] was correct and that the lovely person who had originally helped him was unfortuately, incorrect. We also were able to prove that Mr. [redacted] was correct by requesting, through the Freedom to Request Information, the mother's MAIDEN name on the original application for a social security card. Hopefully, later, I will be able to show you a partial copy of the result of this one key that Mr. [redacted] gave us.
Through our phone call/computer sessions, he was able to help us become more accustomed to other programs out there which could provide assistance. Something as simple as [redacted] was foreign to us.
He also taught us how to use a snippet tool - an extremely useful tool in digitizing our documents. [redacted]

Karl-Michael S[redacted] does a very thorough job and is very professional as well. He found a census when my dad was about 6 yrs old, approx. In 1938. I was astounded ! It was an extremely positive experience, to be sure.

This is my 2nd Response. The first one was emailed directly to the Revdex.com person who sent me a hard-copy letter.

Here is a copy & paste of it. I un-scrunched it for you a bit{:>)

Bottom line: The finding of the image she received was pro bono. However, the analyses (yes,...

plural), cropping, editing, enlarging & emailings & reports were not. She now has the image, the analyses & reports. We exchanged numerous emails that I will not reproduce here. Services worth more than twice what she paid were rendered. She wanted $1,000+ worth of work for $100. The research was done immediately--prior to payment even. In research, it is possible that nothing more would have been found. The lady should be grateful, but was expecting a Mercedes Benz for the price of a Matchbox toy car. She did not obtain the document that I obtained. No [redacted].com would not have GIVEN her this document. It must be researched & found, saved, edited, appended, enlarged, etc. If your trial period is over, [redacted].com will not even show you the image until a subscription is purchased. The client refuses to comply with obtaining further hundreds, if not thousands of $ worth of pro bono research where I & others serve on Facebook. The client now requests I privately send her the further research I did, but will provide no compensation. These are the types of clients all genealogists do not want. We understand poverty. We are in that group, but we do not expect the doctor nor the genealogist to serve for free.

Actions

[redacted].com 11/25/13

To: [redacted] [this is an abbreviation; her email was indeed here],[redacted].org

Dear [redacted], 

Thank you for helping me get a listing with the Revdex.com{:>)

I have one client who has already written a glowing review of research & counsel I provided her--pro bono! That is, she paid me NOTHING & I'm not giving her anything for her endorsement.

I just got my wife back home from spinal fusion surgery. Doing better than we ever thought possible.

We wish you & [redacted] well with his misfortune.

I will attempt to close this case with just a few poignant & pertinent comments. 

* The offer for free follow-up research by the http://www.facebook.com/GermanyGenealogy community still stands.

* Although I thought otherwise, I did NOT tell my wife's neuro-surgeon that he should make his incision on her back.

 He made it in the front!  

Whether you "needed it" or not, the 1920 Census was the appropriate "incision" for your case. Indeed, it provided DATA THAT YOU DID NOT HAVE  & IS CRUCIAL TO THE CASE: HIS YEAR OF IMMIGRATION & HIS YEAR OF NATURALIZATION.

 I have offered further FREE help, which you have opted to refuse. I can see that no matter what I do--even off of Facebook-- that you will spin another misunderstanding. I regret that you do not see the massive value of what we have found for your ancestors research. We have 151+ endearing endorsements on [redacted].com. NO other genealogist has this amount of LI kudos.

On these notes, the defense rests. I ask the Revdex.com to set aside this misunderstanding that a client should somehow expect to get $1,000+ worth of research in German records for just $100. There is a good reason why [redacted].com wants $2,500 just to start. There is so much to do & be done. 

GOING FORWARD: We shall, in the future, over-communicate & explain to anyone who sends $100, that it will NOT get them massive research in Europe. Many thanks to the Revdex.com for being willing to resolve disputes.  

CONCLUSION: This client has been duly served more research time, analysis, image cropping & editing & preserving, & more--than that for which she paid. She now has data that SHE DID NOT OBTAIN ON HER OWN & WILL help her or the next researcher, to continue in the right paths. Revdex.com: Please send me a final notice of the action on this case & how it will appear on my file.

http://[redacted].com/[redacted] &/or [redacted]: 30+ year stunningly proven Europe internat'l genealogists! Germany, Alsace-Lorraine, Czech, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, et al.  Cracked more cases in 1st Q 2012 than ever!

Since 1979: THOUSANDS of data, documents & images found on THOUSANDS of ancestral family members for THOUSANDS of people! (USA, immigration & Europe-Germanic) [redacted].com   http://www.[redacted].com (SEO'd{;>)⇄ />
[redacted],** [redacted] USA     

PHONE ###-###-#### or (24-hr; ###-###-#### lv msg) Mobile: ###-###-####

149+ ENDEARING ENDORSEMENTS from 134+ online--& that's just since 2008!

http://www.[redacted].com   Many more received offline!

Since 1979:  98% success ratio of having FOUND & digitized online &/or offline data, documents & images!

 

HUNDREDS of INTERNAT'L CLIENTS: South African business owner, ex-Deutsche Bank director, celebrities (e.g. Tim Russ, a/k/a Lt. Commander Tuvok on Star Trek Voyager), farmers, politicians, et al)

 

1972: Tim Russ & I played in a soul-music band together at Izmir, Turkey American high school. We were both proud sons of US Air Force military fathers{;>). So, guess whom Tim hired to help him with his Russ ancestral families--all the way back to his pre-Emancipation ancestor, Itasca "Tasker" Russ!

[redacted]: THE very 1st person hand-picked for the former [redacted].com Paid Expert [redacted] Research Line (PEARL)!

* Former [redacted].de[utschland] Europe & Germany PRIMARY Research Consultant: fielded majority of research-oriented calls & emails FROM Germany!

Highest-rated internat'l genealogist & the ONLY German Genealogist on Military.com

 

"Expensive? No, Sir/Ma'am. Expensive is when you spend 30 years and many $ just TRYING to find what we often DO find in ONE DAY!" --[redacted]

On your initial retainer for online or microfilm research, take a 50% DISCOUNT (i.e., get twice as much)! 

Hire us ($1,000 to $10,000 retainer requested).

 

Refer us someone & get a 10% residual reward of research for you or anyone you'd like.