are that public records, including those found in county records, are available to everyone. Therefore, anyone should be able to exchange the info with others. As long as one is also sharing from where the records are referenced. Copyrights should apply to "original works" only. This is why many publications state "compiled by." An example is that of cemetery records. Anyone can survey a public cemetery! But when it is published one uses the term "compiled by." Genealogists usually share all possible information, copyrighted or not, and most of the time these "published" items are really taken from public records. It is another story when one uses a reference written in full by a historian who presents his material in his original words( or opinions. ) For even then the references and resources are usually given.. Today, too many are making claim to their "Copyright interests." this is as far as I am concerned, the attempt to become published or famous." And nothing more. For all of these ancient records, statics, newpaper articles and such are still a matter of public record. Yes, there are exceptions to my statements, when one has actually uncoverd NEW material, or presented a new view on a subject. Or perhaps researched and presented a genealogy that has never been published before. A rarety, these days. I find that simply giving a fellow researcher or contact credit for providing the resource is a nice thing to do, and elimates the worry of things. Perhaps I am incorrect in my statements, but feel that too much of "this belongs to me" is going on all over the internet!! Can we not share with one another, and just be certain fo site our resources to others? The bottom line here is that all of us find our roots, and back up our statements or research. Judy in Georgia...