My take on Ancestry is a little different from others. I originally felt like them, it's my hard work. I had everything on my computer and didn't know anything about backing up or copying on cd. Well my computer crashed and the only thing I was left with were my original notes, in other words not much. I was needless to say very upset and had to start over with what I had. After checking out the many sites I decided on Ancestry. With Ancestry I could make it private and not have to worry about losing all those years of hard work. No one in the family is interested and I want have any grandchildren to leave all this to . I don't mind sharing with anyone what I have but I feel it is always work in progress I really do like Ancestry and the amount of material available for reaseach, census records, military and etc. I do contact others about where they found certain material and vice versa, I've met some family members around the world, France, England, Canada and all around the US One day I will open it to public but as of now I'll keep it private. Really guys the yearly cost is minimal and it's a gift to myself. *Terry*