Hi, Lanita, I understand your dilema. You are a kind and generous researcher and have helped me in the past. I don't think the new researcher understands what he's asking of you. I definitely don't think you should "give" him your gedcom. I have benefited from several family members who have given freely of their information and I have given freely. But once a book has been published , I don't feel that anyone should ask for their information without purchasing their book. I don't know if it will offend him or not, but you can tell him that you put many years of research into your book and will sell him the book. Then he might realize that it is a large undertaking and shouldn't just "get" your gedcom for free when other family members have purchased the book. I hope I've made my point and maybe offending him will be ok. He'll get over it . Sincerely, Rhonda Madison Message: 1Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2007 18:13:16 -0500From: Lanita Sconce Smith <ozarkn@grm.net>Subject: [MODAVIES] sharing GEDCOMs... need some inputTo: modavies@rootsweb.comMessage-ID: <8aa38b3a959aac541df2bdecacd35742@grm.net>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Hi all, I need some input from others. I have just returned from coordinating another family reunion. This particular family is one where I have researched the families connected, written 3 books, and coordinated and produced the family reunions for the past 7 years. I've put unknown hours, time and energy [not to mentioned expense] in researching the families, and have joined DAR through one of the families because of my research. At this year's reunion, the updated book was available for purchase. Those who didn't get the 1st one I put out in 2000, wanted this one. A particular family member [30 yr old] attended this year's for the 1st time. He is into genealogy within the last few years and criticized the updated book because it was too small [50 pages... a strictly updated version of the core family]. He didn't want to purchase a book, but wants me to send him my gedcom file so that he can use it to put out another book... 'a better, larger edition', and not once has he mentioned about giving me credit]... Frankly, I'm at a dilemma.... I want to encourage this new cousin who's discovered the fascination of researching family history, but frankly, I don't want to send him all the info I have just cause he wants it.... Am I being selfish? What should be my reply? I thought about just sending him names, but since he didn't want to purchase the book [and didn't] and wants all this info free, this really makes me feel funny...... I KNOW if he gets a book put out, he will use my info and hard work and take the credit.. I'm willing to share some of my info, but not at the risk of not being recognized or mentioned for the hard work I've already done. I'm open to suggestions, and input..... Lanita _________________________________________________________________ News, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Get it now! http://www.live.com/getstarted.aspx