Phone number fields in the MLS system that feed into FamilySearch
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:25 pm
:mad:I have discovered a serious problem with the phone number formats in
the MLS system.
When the members of our Stake are registering and using the New
FamilySearch genealogy program, it pulls the members' addresses and phone
numbers from the MLS system. The problem is that it is our Stake policy to
NOT enter the area code in the MLS system. It is "understood" that if the
area code is different than the prevailing area code, only then it's entered into MLS.
The reasoning for this is to have shorter phone numbers in the various reports
and lists.
(Yes, I have brought it to the attention of the Stake Priesthood holders responsible
for this information. Other big problem is that our Stake President is going to be
released this weekend and they are focused on other more important matters at present.)
Then trying to figure out how to change that one little piece of information in
the New FamilySearch is extremely challenging. In the New FamilySearch, if you want
to change your phone number to include the prefix, you have to uncheck the box
(pulls all the information from the MLS system) that states you don't want
to use the MLS address. Then you have to fill in all the address fields. I
didn't want to have to reenter my address (which should be populated from MLS) into
the system again nor want it displayed. Then I had to figure out that I had to use the
next tab to make sure that only my phone number and email address were
going to be displayed to other users. I shouldn't have to fill out
another address or the same address (under the first tab) in order to
correct the wrong phone number information from the MLS system.
In the U.S. there should be a uniform format in the MLS system whereby
the Wards have to put in the phone numbers in a uniform format, complete
with area code before accepting the membership entry.
By not having the area code prefix, other members using New
FamilySearch will not be able to determine the correct phone number to
call or make contact with those working on the same lines/genealogy. I know.
I've already experienced that problem. No one could see my area code until
I had someone show me the steps above.
I am VERY computer literate, so if I'm having an extremely hard time
with this, the average person won't be able to figure it out.
I have reported this issue to the support staff at New FamilySearch, but
this is really an MLS issue.
Sister Phyl
the MLS system.
When the members of our Stake are registering and using the New
FamilySearch genealogy program, it pulls the members' addresses and phone
numbers from the MLS system. The problem is that it is our Stake policy to
NOT enter the area code in the MLS system. It is "understood" that if the
area code is different than the prevailing area code, only then it's entered into MLS.
The reasoning for this is to have shorter phone numbers in the various reports
and lists.
(Yes, I have brought it to the attention of the Stake Priesthood holders responsible
for this information. Other big problem is that our Stake President is going to be
released this weekend and they are focused on other more important matters at present.)
Then trying to figure out how to change that one little piece of information in
the New FamilySearch is extremely challenging. In the New FamilySearch, if you want
to change your phone number to include the prefix, you have to uncheck the box
(pulls all the information from the MLS system) that states you don't want
to use the MLS address. Then you have to fill in all the address fields. I
didn't want to have to reenter my address (which should be populated from MLS) into
the system again nor want it displayed. Then I had to figure out that I had to use the
next tab to make sure that only my phone number and email address were
going to be displayed to other users. I shouldn't have to fill out
another address or the same address (under the first tab) in order to
correct the wrong phone number information from the MLS system.
In the U.S. there should be a uniform format in the MLS system whereby
the Wards have to put in the phone numbers in a uniform format, complete
with area code before accepting the membership entry.
By not having the area code prefix, other members using New
FamilySearch will not be able to determine the correct phone number to
call or make contact with those working on the same lines/genealogy. I know.
I've already experienced that problem. No one could see my area code until
I had someone show me the steps above.
I am VERY computer literate, so if I'm having an extremely hard time
with this, the average person won't be able to figure it out.
I have reported this issue to the support staff at New FamilySearch, but
this is really an MLS issue.
Sister Phyl