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This is a simple site to get up and running, particularly if you upload your own .ged file created by another program. Warning : uploading a new .ged file overwrites the data - no merge facility. The layout and navigation is intuitive and a pleasure to use compared to other similar products. Privacy measures (e.g. of live people) are good. The reporting and search functions are limited, and new features are often experimental and slow to appear. The developers seem to be immune to the barrage of suggestions to improve the product.
It has emerged as a popular free site with many entrenched supporters who brook no criticism - "go to another product if you don't like it". This might be OK for those who do not pay a fee, but as soon as a developer charges for a product, it's standards should be much more professional - particularly in technical support and server response. Too often there are server problems, and these are brushed off as "glitches". As I am writing this, I cannot access my (paid for) site.
The "forum" design is laughingly antiquated, and there is no help desk ticketing system, and there are many complaints about no telephone service, or ignored pleas for help. The more loyal devotees state they are happy with the service they get.
As with any online database, the user should have all data (particularly images) backed up on their own computer. Do not depend upon on any on-line version as your primary database. So if you use the free version of TP, do NOT use the online editing (there is no .ged export in the free version) - rather edit on your PC (using FTM or Legacy or Brothers Keeper, etc) and then upload your new .ged file. This should link with the exisiting stories and photos, provided the names are not edited.
Value for money? As you can get many features for free - that has to be 5 stars. But if you are using a paid version (even though the prices are relatively cheap), you might get annoyed about its amateurish support.
So it is a "qualified" recommendation to a friend.
In summary, I would recommend Tribal Pages to a friend.
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