While I didn't see the advertisement you referred to, Laura, I do have a question about the uproar. It is my understanding that we can provide researchers on our sites. On the multitudes of sties I have seen doing this (on USGenWeb) there is a statement that some may charge for their services. That seems fair to me. No, I do not have that on my pages. We are providing genealogical services - free on our sites. And, if you are like me, free to those who ask for our help. However, most of us do not live in the counties we represent...... and while we may have books, microfilm and/or CDs of the records, nothing can compare to actually being there. There may be visitors who want to hire a genealogist and don't know where to turn and would depend on legitimate sites such as the USGenWeb as a source. I believe all transcribed materials of public records should be free. Period. My opinion. The question is what is the worth of the person's time to do so? Until every public record, family file, Bible record, etc. is available online for free, there is a need for researchers. Even those who charge. On my personal website, I state that I will do research for a fee. lol I have yet to charge one.... can't do it. How lucky I am in my life that I don't have to charge in order to eat or supplement my income. Some do. Again - I did not see the ad - so my thoughts are based on assumption - which are always precarious. <A HREF="http://mkharrison.com">MK Harrison</A> <A HREF="http://www.gabar.org/directory.asp">State Bar of Georgia Directory</A> <A HREF="http://www.ancestry.com/landing/homelandsweeps2/landing2.html?SourceCode=3913&iid=3913%3A+Sweepstakes+1">Ancestry.com</A> <A HREF="http://www.rootsweb.com/~gabarrow/">Barrow County, GA</A> <A HREF="http://www.rootsweb.com/~gaworth/">Worth County, GA</A> I love cats because I love my home and after a while they become its visible soul. - Jean Cocteau Copyright © 2003