Dave Mayall wrote: >There are 3 Questions that must be considered; >1) Is this easier for transcribers >2) Are we certain that the period is never significant >3) Are we certain that transcribers will not misinterpret this rule in any way You are quite right to be concerned about point 2). I come from a long line of ___________'s. Because of FreeBMD's erroneous assumption that '___________' always indicated a repetition of the surname above I have been deprived of the chance of finding my ancestors. It's fortunate that I have private family papers to inform me of the marriage of Lionel __________ to Dorothy.............. S[mn]i_h (known as Dot) or I would never have found it! Kevin Eyles :-)