Houston County Researchers: I've got some questions that I am hoping that some of you may be able to help me with: 1. For those who have compiled their genealogical data into a program on their computers, and have created a GEDCOM file, have you ever uploaded it onto the Internet? 2. Which databases have you uploaded it to? Was is the LDS Pedigree Resource File, Rootsweb World Connect, Ancestry.com, My Family.com, World Family Tree, or other database? 3. As a result of you uploading your GEDCOM file to the Internet, have you had any or much contact from others who are researching the same family lines? 4. Of those who have contacted you, were they primarily wanting you to provide the sources of your family data, or were they also willing to share their data, along with their sources of info? I've been using computers for over 15 years, but only since 1994 have I been using a genealogy program on my computer (Family Tree Maker). Back in the early 1990s, those who could compile their family data, and then generate a GEDCOM file with their computers, could easily share their data with others. When I first started using GEDCOM files back then, I was amazed at how versatile this could be regarding sharing info. The LDS Ancestral File started out in the early 1990s, and quickly mushroomed into a massive database. It was primarily utilized to help genealogists connect with others researching the same families. And, before 1995, the previous Ancestral File update on CD-ROM (for LDS Family History Center access) was about 3 years prior. I found out in December 1995 that the LDS was going to be updating their Ancestral File database during mid 1996, and that if I could get my GEDCOM submitted before 1 Jan 1996, that it would be included in the newest edition of Ancestral File. Well, I got my data submitted in time. From that point in 1996, I'm not sure if the LDS has updated that database again. Last year, the massive LDS website: http://www.familysearch.org launched their database which included the Ancestral File and the IGI (International Genealogical Index). Prior to that launching in mid 1999, I was being contacted on a regular basis by other researchers who were searching some of my family lines. The Ancestral File contained my name and snail mail address. But, once the massive LDS website opened all of this info up to the Internet, I have had maybe 1 or 2 contacts concerning this family data. Recently, I have been surfing the Net, to see who else may be researching some of my family lines. I discovered that several people (read as: dozens) have basically downloaded the data from my Ancestral File submission, and have listed themselves as the source of the data. I would have no problem proving this, as the majority of the data that I had collected was a result of over 3,500 hours of research; primarily on the MILLS family. At the time that I submitted my family data to the LDS Ancestral File database, there was no place to enter the sources of the data. That has actually turned out to be a blessing. Now I can discern who is actually interested in sharing data with me, or just *trolling* along the Net, collecting thousands of "fish" for their own massive databases of info. I've been to a few of the major databases of online GEDCOM files, and have discovered that a majority of them have no sources listed for their family info. Also, many of the submissions that have been extracted from the WFT (World Family Tree) have wide and vague dates; i.e 1834-1910 for a birthdate of an individual. When I see this sort of info, I know that I am dealing with someone who is "lost in the woods", at least as far as that particular ancestral submission is concerned. Generally speaking, you can improvise a "circa date" that will be accurate, plus or minus 10 years, and usually within 5 years. I've only been using the Internet for a little over a year, and am not sure if it has been beneficial, or just fodder for an addiction :-) Here is what I am contemplating: I am going to update my genealogy program, as it is always in a constant state of change. Then, I am going to generate a GEDCOM file, and then upload it to the Internet, *wherever* there appears to be a significant amount of data posted. BUT, I am not going to include *any sources* of the data. A sincere genealogist will be able to tell by the completeness of the file, that a "trolling fisherman" didn't compile it. You can usually tell this by GEDCOM files that don't include a massive amount of "???" and "circa dates" in them. When you see *actual* dates of birth, marriage and death, you know you are dealing with someone who has expended some "legwork" into his genealogical research. My primary reasoning behind me not including the sources of my data, is that I want to "weed out" the sincere genealogists from the "trolling fishermen". If someone contacts me, and provides enough info about their family to prove that they are related to me, I am more than willing to provide whatever I have about that lineage. But, I expect the same in return from them. In the "old days" prior to the Internet, the main medium for spreading the family info around, was to publish a family history. This is still being done, but with a lot less sincereness in many cases. The last thing that I want, is a family history that includes 10,000 names in it. If I can purchase a family history that I can ascertain is definitely about my family lines, I am more than willing to do so. Actually, to purchase a family history for $30 to $50 is a bargain. I've published 4 family histories about my own family lines, so I *know* about the costs of compiling the data: research trips, copy costs at libraries & archives, long-distance phone calls, microfilm purchases, etc. Do any of you have any good luck stories, or even some nightmares regarding the posting of your GEDCOM files to the Internet? I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Take care, William A. Mills Perry, GA [email protected] ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.