I am posting this message to the list on behalf of the executive committee of The Fairfield County Chapter of The Ohio Genealogical Society. We are all aware that a large portion of genealogical information is found by sharing. We do not begrudge any researcher of free information. However, if the information contained in the publications for sale by the Fairfield Co. Chapter OGS is continually given free of charge then our society faces serious consequences. By abstracting and publishing information available in public records and then offering that information for sale we are able to continue our efforts of making more and more information available to our fellow genealogists. Please do not hesitate to contact the society if you would like to have the index to one of our publications checked. When we answer we will be more than happy to give you the information so that you may purchase the publication should you decide to. We would ask that you keep in mind our efforts to make as much information available to as many researchers as we can while you help each other. In speaking with genealogists from societies around the country this past week at the FGS/OGS Conference, the dissemination of free information and the consequences in store for the continuation of societies was greatly stressed. We encourage all subscribers to this list to consider this matter. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated and considered. Karen S. Smith Corresponding Secretary, Fairfield Co. Chapter OGS