I will join in here on the discussion re off-topic posts. It seems we need a public forum on this subject so that we can all come to an understanding on what is acceptable and what is not on Ardrew. By doing this, we can gain confidence in what to post and what not to post. Here are my suggestions for posting: 1. any genealogy relating to Drew County [and this could be from Fayette Co, TN...understand?] 2. any family history relating to Drew County I always make the distinction between genealogy and family history. Genealogy is the lines, dates, etc. Family history is the STORIES that go with those lines. Plus these family history stories are "local history." Gives one a sense of the period. If someone should not want to read, for example, the Possum Valley stories, all they have to do is hit delete. 3. any genealogy tips, ie, websites, new places to search, etc. this is info of a general nature that can help all. 4. any reference material such as maps, books, etc. 5. history of the county in general. Here are my suggestions for not posting: 1. jokes: whether genealogy or not 2. little smaltzy stories that have nothing to do with Drew history 3. private mail between two Ardrew subscribers Reminders: 1. subject lines are very important....watch them carefully. a big time saver.....put in your subject line the gist of the post... esp surnames or specific topic 2. and, as Beth said, skim and delete 3. use the snip in your reply as Melissa keeps begging us to do. 4. most of us have busy schedules, but are dutybound to Ardrew. the above suggestions should help with the time factor. best to all, Rebecca