I'm a little puzzled by the subject of this thread, since searches of the LDS IGI have always been 100% free. I have been following this rumor closely and here is the latest (from what appears to be a knowledgeble source). The LDS Church is indeed putting their "Family Search" on the net (sometime in the next couple of months, so they say), but keep in mind that the Family Search databases include the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC), the IGI, the Ancestral File, the SSDI, and a couple of other data bases. The part that will be going on the internet first--and this makes a lot of sense--is the FHLC, and the internet version will have a lot more seach options than the FHLC that is available on CD-ROM has. This means you can search the FHLC (by name, subject, locality, or call number) at home and when you find what you want, and if it is on microfilm or fiche, you can go to your local FHC and order the microfilm or fiche. The FHLC is the most important of the Family Search databases, as it is the means that one gets access to films of original records. The Ancestral File, and much of the IGI, is data submitted by individuals, which may or may not be accurate, and is really only useful as a guide to tracking down original records. Perhaps later, after they feel comfortable with the operation of the internet FHLC, they will consider adding the IGI and Ancestral File to the internet database. I think the main concern of the LDS church is that someone will download large portions of the data, republish it and try to sell it. The church's policy is that this data should forever be free to the user. Merritt Earl Cagle wrote: > > This was sent to me by, Doyle Chambers. I had > heard rumors of the LDS doing this. Mabey this > is true and they are putting searches on the net. > Earl > > > Earl, > I received this just now, but have not verified it yet. If its true, it > would provide a great opportunity for the Cagles to use the LDS Library for > a period. You might want to post it for the others if you think it's true. > I will attempt to verify it meanwhile. Doyle > > ***************************************** > Dear listers, > I recieved the following post on another genealogy list. I double > checked with the head of our local LDS Family History Center and he said > they too had recieved a letter from SLC in reguard to this test. Guess > we can all have some fun on the IGI and Ancestral File in the comfort of > our own homes! > Rillene N > > >>>Beginning about March 1st, possibly a few days later, the LDS Church > will release a beta test of Family Search on the Internet for about a 3 > week trial basis at: http://www.familysearch.org (Keep checking until > they actually have it up and running.) > > They would like everyone to try it out and respond! After the short > beta testing they will take it off the Internet in order to fix any > problems.<<<