If I may add my own thoughts: We were all beginners at one point. I am still so very grateful to the lady who showed me how to get around in a courthouse, that I couldn't even begin to know how to repay her. She took the time to help me all those years ago, even though I may have been an irritating greenhorn, and generously gave of her time and knowledge. This kindness shall NEVER be forgotten by me, and I have tried to behave in that manner towards others. And I truly believe that as easy as internet genealogy may be, those of us with years of experience should be taking the lead and making it even ~easier~ for long distance researchers to find out about their ancestors. We should be reading cemeteries, or transcribing courthouse documents, and getting them online. There isn't one of us who couldn't type up an obituary or a will and submit it to the query boards. I don't necessarily believe that if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem, but we could all be doing MORE to help our cousins who live out of the area. And finally-- for Heaven's sake folks-- this is just a HOBBY for many people! It's supposed to be FUN! Some of us take it a little more seriously than others, but NONE of us should look down our collective noses at anyone's research methods. If it works for them, and makes them happy-- who are you to question it? I get a little agitated at some of the incorrect info that seems to abound on the internet too, but it's not my job to change the world or convince someone they are right/ wrong. I just do my own thing, share what I've managed to accumulate, and hopefully everything will fall into place. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ortzs" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, July 06, 2001 11:50 AM Subject: [PAARMSTR-L] Re: PAARMSTR-D Digest V01 #172 > I am taking this oppportunity to say "thank you" to all who have helped me > in my search. > Every one has their opinions about things but this is how I look at it : > > we all have the same goal in mind - > our family history. > It is wonderful that the internet has made the sharing of info so much > easier, > not to mention the speed. > And many, including myself, have found mistakes in histories listed on trees > at Ancestry.com etc. > I still consider myself a beginner. > I walk graveyards, contact churches, sit searching in libraries and have > gotten closer to not only my children, who aid in this search, but also to > understanding the lives that my ancestors lived. > I am also thankful that thru lists such as these I have been answered and > contacted by distant relatives I never knew existed. For that reason alone - > this has been a positive experience. > > Since I am a wife, mom & full-time college student, I only get to really > search during breaks. > Class starts again next week. > > It is a blessing to have others share tips & info, which I try to do in > turn. > > Thanks again, > > Michelle > > >