Pat, Heavenly days, no! Of course, it's not MY list--I'm just a subscriber--but I think I can safely say that one is not restricted, even by custom, from asking for help on collaterals. It is certainly acceptable--indeed, appropriate--to ask for whatever you need. Since you have only been with us two days, you had not seen the several exchanges between me and Sue Ann. I made a number of suggestions and have happily checked several things for her and sent the results. The reason for the question was my horrendous schedule at the moment. I was trying to determine whether I should attempt to access several books in the Florida Collection at the State Library in Tallahassee, (books which I would have checked yesterday before leaving had they not been closed) or just send her the bibliographic entries and let her request them through ILL. If Mr. Calkins had been a direct-line ancestor, I would have gotten the library to send the books (180 miles) to me and I would have copied any resulting entries and snailed them to her. The reason for the distinction in my world is that the most urgent requests--to my mind, at least--are those dealing with direct lines. I'll shortly be sending Sue Ann a packet of several things which I hope will be helpful, but I'll just send the other citations to her so that the library staff can simply copy any references to Mr. Calkins and send them directly to her, saving both me and the library some precious moments. I hope that Sue Ann was not put off by that question; I'll help any way that I can, any time, collateral or direct. And I'm sorry if my question implied in any way that I or any other listers might "treat you badly" or that collaterals are in any way off-limits (even for 'Noles). Thanks for the opportunity to clarify! I'll take the liberty of posting this to the list, too, in case I inadvertently misled anybody else. --Brian in Palatka ****************************************** Pat Stoewe wrote: > > Hi > I am really new to your list...2 days... but not new to genealogy or > other lists and was wondering if I might ask you a question? > > I just saw your response to Sue Ann and am wondering if it is only > appropriate to ask for assistance if it is for a direct ancestor, rather > than a collateral line. This is not sarcastic. Every list works > differently and I do not want to ask for assistance and be treated > badly. So, was hoping you might give me some guidance and keep me from > being flamed or, in the least, embarrassed. > > Thanks > Pat > PS...I am the mother of a 'Nole and a Gator, so have no real allegiance!