I see both sides of this issue.

At my local LDS Family History Center, they all are using IE6. So whenever I am there, using Ancestry.com involves the annoying un-deleteable messages, and more noticably, a screwed up Family Tree view due to the un-compatability with Ancestry.com. I have voiced that issue, but they keep a tight lock on the computers, and will not upgrade. It is kind of annoying.

Of course, at home, I am using IE7 (or is it 8?), so Ancestry.com works for me most of the time.

The point I am trying to make is, that it is difficult for some people/places to update/upgrade their browser. Some people may not even know how. I think Ancestry.com should try to find a "middle-ground", and have "browser coverage" for more Internet browsers. For example, Internet Explorer is and always has been (for a decade, at least), the standard for most computer systems. Compatability with older IE browsers should be mandatory for Ancestry.com.

I dont mean to talk down to the older folks, but many older people aren't as computer savy as kids like me (Im 23yo). They may have older computers their children gave them (that was the case with my Grandmother). Upgrading to the latest and greatest browser can be difficult and confusing, and many users here might not even have computers powerful enough to upgrade to the latest IE browser. I mean, since IE8 is out, users cannot upgrade from IE5/6 to JUST IE7...they must go all the way to 8. What if they cant, for whatever reason?

In conclusion, I am enjoying 80% of the "new features" Ancestry.com adds, but they should also focus on backward-compatability. User-friendliness is very important, and I feel like Ancestry.com is not focusing on that with this browser problem. The fact that this topic is already at multiple pages in just a few days is proof that there is a big issue at hand, and it needs to be resolved. I understand that Ancestry.com surely thinks that backward-compatability is a thing that doesn't gives any money in return...but they are wrong. User-friendliness DOES increase the equity of an online product.

I wonder how many people will not re-subscribe due to Ancestry.com's tough browser requirements?