We have a lot of new members on our list, so I thought I'd run this again for them as well as for a reminder for us who have been here a while. HOW TO POST A QUERY: All of us post queries from time to time. But do we "really" know how to write one? Do we know how to write a query that gets answers? Here is a format that would be appropriate anywhere. First, pick one surname (last name) for your query. Then proceed as follows: SUBJECT LINE:- should contain three items.... Who (the surname, in all caps) Where (location) When (date). If you don't know the exact date, use an approximate date. BODY OF QUERY - keep it brief and to the point. State the full name, being sure that the surname is in all caps. If you have a middle initial, use it. Try to keep the word count down. (The wordier you are, the less likely you are to get a response.) State the specific information that you are looking for. Are you looking for parents, children/wife of an ancestor? Don't make a statement such as "Looking for information on Joe Doe". That is unacceptable. Don't expect someone to read between the lines. Be as specific as possible. State exactly what you know and what you are seeking (birth, death, marriage, military). Don't give too much information....in this case, "less is more". Narrow your query down to a specific location or region (especially important if the surname you are researching is a common one). But, if you have some origin and migration information you should consider including it. For example, "John Smith who arrived in Massachusetts from England in 1810 and migrated to Effingham County, Illinois in 1830" might be better than just "John Smith of Effingham County, Illinois". It is very important that you do not use any abbreviations in your query. Not everyone understands genealogy buzz words. Be sure to spell out the state names...do not use the two-letter abbreviations. In a separate paragraph at the end, mention any other surnames that are considered "immediate family" to your primary surname. Do NOT put these surnames in all caps. Remember, you are concentrating on your primary surname. Do not list every family surname that you are researching because this makes your query ineffective. Make sure your name and e-mail address are at the bottom of your query. Yes, I know it is listed at the beginning of the e-mail, but repeat it at the bottom since some mail servers can actually show incorrect information as to the sender's e-mail address. This is an excellent idea for all your e-mail. Last, but *very* important...... remember to proofread your query before you send it. You will not get an answer if you are submitting incorrect information because of a typing error or oversight. If your query is not clear and concise, now is the time to rewrite it. Remember, the only surname that should be in all caps is the primary surname. Hope this helps..... Linda (the listmom)