Theresa , and anyone else contemplating a one-name study , I can recommend running the study as an informal one-name study , and declaring it as such in postings to lists . That way you can include what you want and not feel obliged to take on more than you are comfortable with . The crucial points as far as I'm concerned are: Publicise your project on relevant lists Make a version of your database available online as a gedcom ( using GenCircles or some other freely accessible website ) . If you drop out of online genealogy , at least your work and the contributions from others who've helped you will remain accessible for others . Put a good , full introduction to your database on your online version - this way it will be found by Google ( the database entries don't get Googled , but your introduction will be found and lead others to it Always include your data , its sources and your own helpful comments in your gedcom database . Backup , backup , backup . Put out requests for info on lists - repeat this from time to time When you are provided with info by others , credit them and ( if they want ) give their contact details in your database notes Lastly , plug your project from time to time -eg mine is the Hertfordshire BIGG Project , covering 19th century and earlier BIGG and BIGGS families . You should find that your original idea , to help you sort out your own family from other namesakes , is likely to meet with success . In any case , such a project is FUN . Do it ; enjoy it . Best wishes to all listers, Robert Hillier