Fellow Genealogists, As of this writing there are 4,854 RAOGK volunteers. It is perhaps one of largest totally volunteer project on the Internet. For the new folks, this means:Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness. Yesterday we were all emailed a warning by the RAOGK staff. Basically, it warns us about professionals "using" volunteers. The RAOGK staff has been notified that there are some professional research people (not necessarily genealogists) who are using RAOGK volunteers to get information and then in turn charging their clients for their work. Volunteers have been instructed to notify their state co-ordinator and the RAOGK staff will handle it from there. This site is based on people helping people, and also a little "Good Book" philosophy -- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Have suspected some so called professionals using the "lookup" link at the Lorain County's Lorgen website. I proceed cautiously at that point. Some, with integrity, will tell you in advance, the requested info is for a client or for the never married, lost 3rd cousin, twice removed, of their neighbor. On the other hand, I personally have met some wonderful researchers thru hours spent as a RAOGK volunteer. Yes, there are those who simply have the "gimme's". So be kind to volunteer web masters & researchers where ever they are. Since most people cannot budget enough time or money to get to all the places they would like to research in, these sites are how I get some of my trade-off research accomplished. Where ever you may live, think about giving some free research time. It is a joy and you will learn much about local history. Now back to my miserable computer problems. Having several today. :-( -- Nancy M. Meyers, Lorain OH Genealogy Lookup Volunteer http://www.centurytel.net/lorgen A proud RootsWeb Supporter Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness Volunteer http://www.raogk.org Life Member of Ohio Genealogical Society http://www.ogs.org/