I think, as we go along, we come across knowledgeable researchers who we trust to know that they have done indepth research on a particular family. I for one, have depended a great deal on Peggy Cannady's info because I consider her the authority on the BELLAH family. I know that she will probably protest that 'label', but she has the overwhelming amount of documentation that she has sent me. I try to do the same, but when it comes to BELLAH, I have sited her and her shared documentation numerous times! She has set me straight on a couple of misleadings that I would/might have taken.. that was a time saver for me, and I will always be grateful! There are others who are the experts... Ann JOBE BROWN for her JOB[E] line, our own Nancy MILSAP for her MILSAP line [I know all of the above have other lines they have researched, but when particular surnames come to mind, that's who I think of] .....I would consider myself the expert on the area DETHROW, SCONCE, and my direct lines for JUSTICE, TAYLOR, BENNETT, and a number of other area families when it comes to my direct line... I have NO PROBLEM sharing with the above mentioned ladies.... they have gone and still go above and beyond the normal... but, the above ladies, through the years, have become friends of mine... we have shared, so much... I just don't share with 1st time contacts all I have until I establish a relationship. I think also, the general label of "family associations" is misleading as well... that was my fault! I had come across a couple of real 'stinkers', and started thinking of them all as the same. Peggy had previously shared her positive finds that she had found with her experience.. that put a new perspective on things... so, when it comes to "Family Associations", be your own judge. Be aware, though, that not all are the same. We all have been burned by those who harvest our information only to resell it ..... we also have been burned by sharing alot, and then no mention of our work or generosity when we find it online by the person we have shared it with... that's just rude and unethical! But, in our learning, we have also come across people who make the others look pitiful! Generous people who are only in it for the love of the research. We have a passion, that only others of the same breed, can understand. We will continue to share, but as the Bible says, being aware of the 'lions in sheeps' clothing', are out in cyberspace making it needful for us to be "innocent as doves but wise as serpents"!! I would like to thank all of those who have helped me! Without the Peggys, the Anns, the Nancys, the rest of us would be lost and stuck in our maize of confusion. For their sharing and generosity, I am very grateful! Thanks, gals!! Lanita