In a message dated 98-09-06 07:44:20 EDT, you write: << that listmembers take just a brief moment to reread what they have written, and ask themselves one basic question. "I know this is important to _______, but is it important to everybody on the Green-L list?" "Will anyone else even know what I am talking about?" If the answer is to these is "yes", then by all means, send it to us all. >> Allan, I agree with the basic premis (sp?... you know, the idea) of your message (you stated your point(s) very well, IMHO), but I would go a little further to refine your first question that we should ask ourselves.... not whether the information in the post is important to EVERYBODY but whether the query or message contributes any INFORMATION that COULD be important to ANYBODY". (the caps are for emphasis, not shouting, of the operative words). Whether the post is a "simple request", (per Tim), or a continuation of a thread regarding research methods or a particular Ancestor, if SOMEONE could benefit, I see no reason why we shouldn't post to the entire list. Messages like, "Hi, how are you?" or "Did you get my email?" quite *obviously* should be left off. I would also agree with you about DATES (x 3) and would also add my .02... how about PLACES, PLACES, PLACES... ? I would say that the *vast* majority of the GREEN list members are VERY good at posting Subject Headings that correspond to their query. I really do think that we are confusing this List with others. I have lost count as to the number of lists to which I subscribe but would definitely put the GREEN list at the TOP of the heap when it comes to abiding by the RootsWeb "suggestions" for postings. WTG, gang! Melinda OH, NE GREENs