For you who are veterans of email lists, this might be old information. But, for those of you who haven't been a Subscriber during previous holidays, let me give you a hint at what is about to happen. Starting very soon since Santa, among others, has delivered new computers, internet service, and genealogy gifts (software) to a host of new rooters! We will be having an influx of NEW subscribers to all the lists. This is GOOD! But while you will see new cousins, friends, and contacts coming on-line, joining email lists, posting surnames to databases, they will be asking all those questions you have seen posted over and over again. Unfortunate as it may be, new users mean we have to reinvent the wheel all over again! *Grin* Please welcome the "newbies" to our lists, have PATIENCE with them, help them and hopefully send them in the right direction. For a month or so (perhaps til the end of January) it will be helpful if we can refrain from using a lot of initials and abbreviations in our responses. For example, when discussing the FHC, lets all take a couple of seconds to type "Family History Center," and give an explanation of who, what, where, when. Please don't assume that EVERYONE knows what it is, or has one near them. I can't stress enough how important your patience and help is for the next month or two. Mistakes will be made, (like posting a message that is blank, or no subject line, or leaving entire digests in replies) and questions will be asked like "What is the FHC, what is the SSDI, what is, can you explain, where do I find, etc...Remember that these were once OUR errors and OUR questions. We were all new once, and many current subscribers are still learning, so let's continue the spirit of cooperation throughout the year. I feel certain that our list will not have rudeness or flip answers If you have a problem with an individual, please keep it OFF the list, and I'm always monitoring the list and will handle the situation privately. This list is about helping each other. Let's be specific and clear in our responses to folks, and give a little extra in explanations. REMEMBER these new researchers may have file cabinets full of information regarding YOUR own family tree, so let's be as cordial, helpful and informative as we can be! I know how much I must have drove people nuts, but their patience have helped me become a List Mom for 10 lists. If things get too bad, please know I will take care of the problems. Lets be patient and teach them to be great genealogists just like all of you are. I would like to take this time to tell you how much I appreciate all your support and help, you people are the greatest and without your help adn support this list would not be the great list it is! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! GOD'S BLESSINGS, Derrell Oakley Teat, List Mom This is most unique Christmas card I have ever seen -- you click on one of the lighted items and it jumps into another wonderful scene - it goes from page 1 to page 13 and each page is better than the previous page......hope it opens for you......Love J's Magic Original Christmas Card - 2002 http://www.jsmagic.net/emissary/ Be patient..it's slow!