Hello. I don't normally get involved in these discussions but I thought I'd put in my two cents worth. Living in Colorado while most of my ancestors came from the east or Midwest (Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland, etc.) I know how difficult it is to track down a lot of the source documents. I too spend many hours at our library and on the computer - not to mention all the wonderful people out there who have volunteered to share their data with me. I know I would not have nearly the data I do now without their help. I hope that in some ways I have been helpful to others. And yes, I have gotten conflicting data from people - but then I've gotten a lot of helpful data too! That's where documenting your sources is helpful. When I get gedcoms from other people, I never just merge the databases. Yes that would be the easy way - but then I'd never know where that data came from. I always retype the data and enter that wonderful person who gave me the data as the source for that item. If they be chance enter their sources - more the better. I still give them credit for their help on the database. If I get the same data from several people, I just list numerous sources. I think most people out there are just looking for clues to their past not to make it rich writing books. Like you can really make that much anyway. I for one will share my data with anyone willing to see it. To me that's what the genealogy is all about, sharing your treasures with others. I do use Family Tree Maker and I will not submit my family tree to them because it sort of torks me that they take data from people and then turn around and sell it to others. I'll give it to anyone that asks for it - but I won't give it to someone who'll then sell it to someone else. That's one of the things I like about Ancestry.com. They take peoples gedcoms and post them for all to see. You can pay for membership to their site but they don't charge for data that's sent to them free of charge. Oh well enough of my soapbox. Happy Hunting! Tammy Phillips