I think the following may be of interest to some of our Macoupin County Mail list members: Subj: [UFT-L] Notes & News 18 Feb 1999 Date: 2/18/99 2:13:20 PM Eastern Standard Time From: rhondam@thegenealogist.com (Rhonda R. McClure) Reply-to: UFT-L@rootsweb.com To: UFT-L@rootsweb.com NOTES AND NEWS FOR FEBRUARY 11, 1999 -- PLANS FOR TLC's GENEALOGY PRODUCT LINE-UP I was not sure how many had read the message on the UFT site about TLC's plans, so thought I would include it here this week. Over the past few years, there have been a number of acquisitions of genealogy software products and developers. Because The Learning Company now owns four of the leading genealogy titles, Family Tree Maker, Family Origins, Family Tree Creator, and Ultimate Family Tree, we've heard concerns that we may discontinue development of one or more of the programs. That is not true. We are now in a position to tailor each of our products to a unique segment of genealogy enthusiasts, providing functionality that is specific to each segment. Many of you know the "Banner Blue" division of The Learning Company (we were the original developers of Family Tree Maker). Because we have the most expertise in the genealogy software category, we will be managing all of The Learning Company's genealogy products. We intend to maintain separate product teams for each brand, to enable us to preserve and emphasize the unique traits of each product. In addition to our four software programs, we are also well known for our data CDs and web sites. We will continue full-scale efforts to grow our Family Archive CD line by publishing useful genealogy data. We are committed to making valuable online resources available to genealogists at the web sites for each of our products, as well as at www.GenealogyLibrary.com. Currently, The Learning Company and Mattel have agreed to merge. While that is not yet final, we believe that the history and success of the "Banner Blue" organization will lead Mattel to leave our group on its current track without major changes to our structure or business. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by April 1999, and as the two companies are integrated, we will continue to communicate with you about any changes. We at The Learning Company are committed to developing the best and most useful genealogy software, CDs, and web sites available. Through the years, our "Banner Blue" division has demonstrated our commitment to the genealogy community by listening and responding to your enhancement requests and product suggestions. We are excited to have such a broad portfolio of products to offer to all genealogists, whether they are just beginning to trace their roots or are established professionals. We will continue to encourage the efforts of genealogists through support of valuable national organizations such as Rootsweb, National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies, and others. We will also continue to offer support to smaller groups through regional grant programs, and to aspiring professional genealogists through our scholarship program. Our commitment to the pursuit of genealogy stands strong.