Hi Everyone, Now that we have all the formalities over with we can start learning about what we need for our genealogy (everyone has different needs- basics, research areas, etc) I think I started out in too much of a rush with all the lessons at one time so we are going to get more personal and learn what we need right now. Greenies, I will take you thru the how to's until you get the hang of it. Those with a bit of practice we will start out on links to get you searching Those who know what they are doing, let us know what to do LOL. We are here to help each other, no one can do all your work for you but I will help all I can and go that extra mile if you work with me. In some cases, it takes more one on one but we want to keep the list moving too so don't be too shy to ask questions--there are no dumb questions-only dumb answers. I looked for my great-great-grandfather for five years and was able to find him thru a contact off a query. Start writing your queries to get your name out there working for you. They should be to the point but not too abbrieviated. Read over some to get the general idea. The best place to start posting your names is in the county or state that you know your ancestors came from. The US GenWeb is fantastic--A wonderful group of volunteers that are a blessing to all of us. You can find it at <A HREF="http://www.usgenweb.com/">USGenWeb Project</A> . If this comes thru blue just click on it and it will take you there--you select the state you need and go from there. Each State and County should have query pages and most have surname lists of others trying to find the same surname. I am trying not to get too ambitious and race ahead because it is an addictive and time consuming hobby as you will see. Its my obsession <g>. If there is ever anything you don't understand ---ask!!!!! For example LOL means either Laugh out Loud or Lots of Laughs and <g> means a small grin. :-))For those on AOL we can meet in chats if you have any questions or you can IM me(instant message). I have been on AOL since the middle of Dec and love it. My brother has a slightly different attitude and its a lively topic thru email haha. I have several bad habits as you will see, I like to type as much as I like to talk so I tend to rattle on (sorry) and forget spelling- I goof up a lot but you will get my drift. ASSIGNMENT#1- I would like for each one of you to tell about your surnames on the list- not just me. We have four with Williams, and many other similarities. We won't ever know if we are related or not if we don't ask. That is also the reason for the queries and asking anyone researching the same surname to exchange info. Good Luck and hope to see all of you real soon! ( Where do your Williams come from?? ^i^ Dianne