I agree, free is great...BUT! Think how tough it would be to do out of state research if people (such a Melly) didn't take the time to transcribe records. So what if they cost, you either spend a few bucks and purchase them, or you don't. It is much cheaper purchasing the transcriptions that have been done than the expense to travel to the area or worse yet.. not beable to do any research at all. I have benefited from the things that Melly has transcribed and posted and for that I truely give thanks to her. Bill Floyds site is the ultimate in research of North Carolina, and to him.. WOW.. not enough can be said. He is an amazing man that has brought great progress to my Family research! I have personally done both, transcribed and made records available for free, and also dabbled in publishing for a cost. If you have never transcribed a cemetery, or spent countless hours transcribing old newpapers, or been shut up in a musty court house basement.. please don't be too quick to judge those that charge for their services or transcibing records. If it weren't for these people, records would not be so easily accessible as they are today. So.. whether for a price or for free...GIVE A BIG THANKS FOR THOSE THAT ARE TAKING THE TIME AND MONEY FROM THEIR OWN POCKET TO DO SUCH! Just my two cents worth! Vicki