To make your query work harder for you ... keep in mind the old rules of news reporting and include as many of the following as possible: WHO: State the names of people as completely as you can. WHAT: Try to limit your query to one or two specific events or bits of information. Post another one or more later with additional questions rather than load all your questions into one. In this way each of your questions will stand out and get attention. WHEN: Dates are important, if you don't know the day, month and year try to put in a period (1790s, late 1800s, etc.) WHERE: Mention the location in the body of the query. Include a more specific location if you can. WHY: Why are you searching for this (these) individual(s)? Describe your connection to him/her. Here is a good guide for writing a Query that will get your answers. I try to post it every few months for new list members. It is also good to use this principle for asking for look-ups it will help your volunteer find your family. HOW: How your query appears will often get subscriber's attention. Check spelling, grammar and format. Apply the KISS system: Keep It Simply Simple. SUBJECT FIELD: To get the most from your query, place the SURNAME, LOCATION, YEAR in the subject field. Remember! Many subscribers belong to multiple list servers; therefore, many go through their mail looking at subject fields only. Unfortunately, messages with "My Family," "My Line," "My Grandfather," "My JONES," etc., as subjects are deleted without ever being opened. REPETITION: Once you have an acceptable looking query, save it and update it as necessary. Use it again about once a quarter to touch base with new members. Also, you may use it on web sites that accepts queries. Earliene Kaelin [email protected] or [email protected] 1118 156th St. East Tacoma, WA. 98445-2324 Coordinator for http://www.rootsweb.com/~ildewitt/ Home Page http://www.telisphere.com/~cartmill