I subscribe to about 2 dozen lists. My incoming email averages about 500 per day. Yes, genealogy is my job and I realize that the majority of you have other full-time jobs and do genealogy as a pastime, so you are often frustrated by reading a number of emails that don't help you in any way. But let me tell you from experiences -- this is like panning for gold. Not only can you learn something about your own ancestors by reading just one message among hundreds, but you can learn the history of an area, customs which may affect what your ancestors did, make contacts with others (not necessarily "cousins" but folks who are willing to get a record for you at the archives, etc.) and the list goes on and on. So, no one says you have to read *all* your mail each day. If you get too many to read in one sitting, do it the next day. But don't just delete them sight unseen because the subject header is too vague or a location isn't included, etc. And don't discourage posting to the list. You never know where you might find that nugget of gold. Off my soapbox now. Vickie Elam White CompuServe Genealogy Forum Staff New Member Specialist 102657.1616@compuserve.com (preferred) VEWhite@aol.com (alternate)