Hello Marlene, I've just posted the following to Norina & Bev - yours came in as I was doing so, otherwise I'd've included you as well. ************* As I was the one who basically started this general thread in the first place - by politely (if firmly) stating *why* I wouldn't be answering the "poor lady" - I feel it's only fair that I should respond. But I'm doing it Off-List, as this subject is Off Topic because: 1) We'll *all* quite likely be getting a slap on the wrist - at least - from the Listowner for breaching the List Rules; and 2) I have no wish for it to develop into any sort of Flame War. Taking the 2 cases in order: 1) The "poor lady" had posed the question - poorly - 8 months ago, and promptly received a deeply-detailed answer which included a suggestion as to how best to frame questions in future. She had clearly taken no notice of this, and - effectively - restated the question in the same way. I'd've been perfectly happy had she lied and said that (say) she'd had a computer crash and lost her earlier data - in which case I'd've copied the earlier reply to her as it stood, and added the extra detail she'd wanted. 2) The "poor man" had posed his query to *at least* two lists at around 9.30am UK time - from a UK address - which gives the impression that he was unlikely to be 'at work', and thus probably able to check his mail at varying times throughout the day. He received a detailed reply within 3 hours, and a second before [UK] sunset - but as yet I've still seen no response. I don't see where you get the "obsession with money" from... There's been no mention of any money being requested - the information having been freely given in both cases - but it *is*, I believe, worthwhile now and then to remind the Seekers of Free Information that they *are* getting good value... And, yes, I'm also a Hoper for Free Information from the various Lists I've joined - and am happy to (in a way) "pay" for it by answering others' enquiries where I have knowledge of the subject, or if their enquiry sounds interesting. Freely... Gus ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marlene Shipman" <marlene.s@xtra.co.nz> To: <bedford@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, February 19, 2010 9:23 AM Subject: Re: [BDF] THOMAS MORGAN & SARAH HALE - c1840 Heath & Reach > Hi > It is sometimes difficult given the worldwide timeframes we are workimg > in, > folk working, and family responsibilities etc. I care for a disabled > person > nad it is sometimes 48 Hours or more before I can reply.Even though I may > have read the message.it's impossible to reply immediately and make sense > of > any suggestions. Especially as I no longer have access to Censii and would > have to get a Caregiver in order to check at the Library. My circumstances > are only one of a dozen possible scenarios. > I agree with Norina & Bev - surely we want to help with whatever level of > experience or resources we have available? Freely? > OR not answer? > Marlene

Despite having - as I'd thought - pasted Marlene's address into my quick reply, it'd seem the pasting failed... My apologies for continuing this On-List, as I fully realise it's Off-Topic. Gus