hmm, Keith you pose a good question. I suppose it depends on the definition & I am sure there are no hard & fast rules. However, I used to use as a motto "not a genealogist; just looking for family" It was/is the family I was looking for, not what I consider just names, dates, etc. Though I have had some training in genealogy and still hopefully follow the rules such as "proper documentation" etc. , there are other areas in which I divert which would make me a family history researcher. I do NOT stick to just my direct line (which I think the purist tend to follow) Initially this might have been because I was manically looking for my ggrandfather Ezra B. Chase & would look at about everything Chase. Well, I learned a lot! Eventually found my direct line. This family search was wonderful and enlighten. In my very own geographic area, central Vermont, it is wonderful to learn how other surnames connect & are related.Viz. Denison, Smith & Cotton to name a few. For those who have been on this list, you know that it is no secret that Bishop Philander Chase is rather a hero of mine. With his having fourteen siblings, most of who settled in this area there influence has gone far; especially in the development of the Episcopal churches here. One fun quote from a book "Forty Years A Country Preacher"., by Rev. George Gilbert (who happened to baptize me at an early age of 6 mo.) His mother was a Blodgett who" befriended an Episcopalian family named Chase and were the first in Randolph Center, Vermont.....a current joke in that region was that there were enough Chase thereabouts to blow the devil out of he... and enough (names a town) to blow him back him in again" Another book which was given to me a quite recent book on Salmon P. Chase give his family & political history. Not a particularly complimentary book, but DOES give another's view on a "Family member" In this book he claims that not only Salmon P. but his Uncle was a on "power trip". So, I like to learn about family history! Well the day is nigh & soon the sun will be shinning & I will need to be enjoying the "perfect" Vermont fall season. Harriet Chase