Hi Maxwell Listers, Just an update to keep you all informed and to answer a few questions that have come in today regarding the list activities (or lack thereof), my interpretation of the AUP, and a possible compromise. First - I would like to commend you folks for being one of the best lists I run. You should all take a bow. Some have been with me since I formed the list back in 1996 on the now-defunct listserver, Dsenter.com. Rootsweb.com, as some of you will recall, welcomed us to their server at a time we really needed a home. Dsenter was on the verge of going out of business, and eventually did. Your numbers are now between 250-300 members between the List and Digest subscribers. You are generally a very amicable group of people who share a common interest, and seem to be eager to help your fellow researchers try to sort out what must be a very hard line to research. I'm sure something such as DNA would really help in doing so. I personally would enjoy some discussion about DNA studies, as it relates to the genealogy of the Maxwell line, and see no reason such discussion cannot take place on this forum. However, we must make an honest attempt to keep the playing-field level. This relatively new (to most of us) internet allows anyone, regardless of who you are or what you are, to participate if you have a modem and an ISP. Just as important as keeping within the AUP, I feel it's just as necessary to NOT dis-associate someone (anyone) of our fellow members who may not be able to afford such a program, regardless of whether it's at-cost or half-cost or whatever. To some the amount advertised isn't enough for concern - but - to some it is a giant leap, and puts them out of the realm of discussion, not to mention, embarrasses them, which I'm sure none of you would want to do. What I would propose, is, first, to open the list again - and continue the discussion, without the mention of any charges, or exchange of money, in following with the AUP. I would see no problem with offering links to sites as suggestions, and commenting something like "check out xyz site for their charges. Let's also agree that to share any results from the DNA testing with the list, would be acceptable. But, again I stress, no mention of charges. I'm sorry, that part is not negotiable. It's one of the AUP items, and as you can read on the link I offered, Rootsweb.com tells you that if you cannot abide by them, then perhaps you shouldn't participate in a Rootsweb list - and even offers a link to other servers that may (or not) have less stringent AUP rules where you can form your own list. How clear can it be? Now - answers to some questions I've received, either directly or addressed to the list. You will readily recognize the answer if it fits your question... No - no traffic to the list today - genealogically speaking that is - only argumentative statements concerning this 'incident'. As to my interpretation being off-center and not following the 'spirit of the AUP' - I'm probably not the sharpest ax in the shed, but I read real good, and am also pretty good at interpreting what I read. To those who argue that this forum is, in deed, a place for this discussion - I agree - see above. To those who wrote to thank me - you're welcome - it's my job.... Let me know if you think this is workable, and we'll get it going again. If not - offer your own solution. Ken Hollingsworth