I have read this thread with a lot of interest since I have both requested and done my share of lookups over the years. Just some thoughts: 1. I know that some people have great sources but that does not mean they have the time to do lookups, especially if they earn their livings doing genealogical research. Other work many hours or have other obligations that keep them from being able to do lookups. 2. Newbies often do not know what the guidelines are for requesting lookups. If it is the first time someone is asking for a lookup, let's give them the benefit of the doubt. If you are new, go to the lookup page on RIGENWEB and read the guidelines for asking for lookups. 3. Some people simply are limited by money, mobility or other reasons from getting out to do the research in libraries and town halls. Let's not assume that everyone who's asking for a lookup is unwilling to do the work themselves. 4. If you are requesting a lookup, be reasonable in what you ask. Looking for "everyone by the name of Crandall in Westerly" is over the top. Be specific and ask for only one or two names such as "I am looking for the name of the wife of Ebenezer Pifflesnoot. They were married ca. 1760 in Hopkinton." 5. When people offer lookups or when you are using the lookup pages at BWO or other sites, read the informaton about the source before you dive in. I have often had people ask for a lookup for someone born in 1922 from a source that goes to 1850, for example. 6. Thank the person who did the lookup even if they were not successful. 7. Share. If you ask for lots of lookups, offer whatever you have back to others. You might be surprised at how what you have, no matter how modest, might help someone else. 8. Don't confuse posts such as 'can someone point me in the right direction for sources for the Puddleducks in Richmond?" with lookups. usually these folks are trying to do their own research but need a bit of help knowing the difference in doing research in New England versus other areas, or in finding reliable sources. 9. If someone is being inundated by requests and you have the resource yourself, offer to help. 10. Remember that because someone names a source in a post does not mean they actually own that source. 11. Let's recognize the people who offer their transcriptions and sources freely. Beth, Claire and others have been very generous with their time and we all owe them, big time! 12. Remember that people have to pay for subscriptions to NEHGS, ancestry.com and others. The lookup may be free for you, but it is not free for the person who subscribes to the service. This board is by far the most helpful of any to which I am subscribed. It's all about giving and taking. If someone helped you, please "pay it forward" and try to help someone else out there. Donna in RI