I will throw in how I keep some of this stuff organized. Maybe if we share it will help us all find what works for us. I keep two files for each county I work in. One says "do" the other "done". I tape to the outside of each "do" file an alphabetical list of all the names I am researching in that area. In the file I keep printouts from the library catalog. I write my notes right on the paper. If I copy something, I staple it to printout. In addition to anything I find, I write on the page what surnames I checked in the source. Later I don't have to worry about did I not find a name or did I forget to check for it. I find this process saves time. I often get caught up and forget to write the sources. Now I don't have to. Filing by county instead of surname helps me because I like to research many collateral lines so I have many families in the same area. As far as writing letters to people I've learned two important things. 1)Always ask the person if he can refer you to someone else if he is no longer doing research and 2) Include a self-addressed, stamped envelop (if you don't there's a good chance you will get scolded!) Heidi dpetty@juno.com Researching ELLIS (MA,NY,MI, WI, IA, ND) and HERRICK (NY, WI, IA) _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]