In a message dated 9/16/99 11:42:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time, Jcpeleg@aol.com writes: << I agree that the internet is a good tool for the genealogist, but if there is no source given for the information being used, it has to be suspect. It certainly does provide a possible clue, but the user must try to authenticate it. Just like the "old timers" did. >> Agreed. Guess I've been spending time "collecting breadcrumbs" you might say - by adding "the internet" to my genealogy research toolbag!! I'm actually very enthusiastic about "online" as a way of connecting with others who are also researching. Sure beats the "small circle" of folks I knew down at my local FHC or the few I coorespond with! Common sense rules, of course - to weed out what's here. But - I have to say that I really appreciate the ability to go the the LDS site for example - and look up what films I want to order - at home - instead of wasting valuable "time at the library" doing that. Instead, I can be looking at films there! <g> I use several of the posting boards - and have a few "subscriptions". Have been able to pour through books and local histories I hadn't even known about. And - I've been "learning" so much!! From colonial sites - to you name it! Was reading old court records from CT for the 1630s-1640s the other night - online! (One of my ancestors was a juror - so am looking up those specific dates to see what "things" he heard and judged on...) Fascinating. And all because of this new medium that allows an easy way to search out these types of things. I realize I am waxing poetic here - and I certainly see the nonsense that sometimes is on websites or posts - but all in all - am a firm believer in "the medium" - and the conversations (and connections) we make - are really up to each of us. Sure helps when hardly any of us seem to be physically located wherever it is we are looking for relatives!!! <g> I've also run into some really nice people online as well. Luckily, I've been able to "return the favor" a few times around too - and I like that. We're all trying to do the same thing. This mailing list is yet another example of "us" - all different ages, levels of experience, places we live, etc - but all with an interest in this case of "NY based genealogy research". Terrific!!! It's a great tool to share things we find as we are each out there beating the bushes... - and thus, we all move ahead .... (think I'm running down now... and I know you must be grateful!! <g>) debbie in california CAhobbies@aol.com (Searching these surnames in NY: Pratt, Hosmer, Schmidt/Smith, Witt - with allied surnames such as: Hawkes, Kittredge, Miller, Hillman, Burnett. Primarily Niagara and Erie Counties - with a few things so far in Livingston and Onondaga co's as well...)