Having the luxury of not paying for each message I am sent, it doesn't bother me to belong to lists that send non-list specific messages---it doesn't thrill me, either, and I tend not to read them. However, I do belong to several lists and all of them have, from time to time, sent messages such as the Mother's Day message. I do not think this is unusual nor offensive, merely a thoughtful gesture. And, yes, I would hate to have the list deteriorate to the point where actual family information is minimal and jokes, birthday wishes, etc become the norm. I don't see that happening. I am very pleased to have someone feel that a Howell list is useful and wish that more of my surnames had lists. I appreciate anyone who has the time to supervise a list. I would hate to have petty reasons determine participation. Knowing that it is expensive for some on the list to receive non-Howell messages should be sufficient to decide that that is not appropriate. Now, to the pertinent reality: I loved reading all of the recent Roll Call posts even through I found no connections. I would suggest this be a quarterly event. Newcomers to the list would then have access to posts from people who may "lurk" but not post regularly, merely waiting to see if they find a match. Nancie Howell Willey