In a message dated 1/29/01 9:00:31 PM Eastern Standard Time, powell@cswnet.com writes: > > I used WorldConnect, and found hits on a very rare surname (Yoist, in case > > it matters). But then, I couldn't find any way to d/l the GEDCOMs. > > If the submitter of the gedcom allows it, you will be given a link to > download gedcom. If there is no link to download gedcom, it is because the > submitter of the data choose that download not be allowed when they set up > their account. In the words of Rootsweb programers, when you place your > data in World Connect "Unlike with certain other Web sites, you have full > control over your GEDCOM." I would not have it any other way. > > On doing a Yoist surname search at World Connect I found 3 databases with > this surname. One of the databases had a gedcom download option, the other > two did not. You will need to contact the owner of the gedcom for further > help. Fleta is absolutely correct on all counts--I'd only add that "yes" you DO need more information and that information can be supplied by the submitter as Fleta pointed out. Also, if the submitter does allow downloads of his GEDCOM, WorldConnect permits up to 10 generations to be downloaded (and not the full GEDCOM). The number of generations, just like the choice of allowing downloads at all, lies with the submitter. Also, with regard to your statement that if you are going to clean living information you should also remove mother's maiden names, I would add that removing mother's maiden names is not necessary if sufficient information isn't made available to identify the living children. Given names can be removed for the living showing only 'Living SMITH' for examle and listing only a year of birth and nothing else. Hardly enough information for identity theft. That said, however, the true solution to the problem is NOT to use mother's maiden names for account information for banks and credit cards. I realize they ask for that information but they have no way of knowing if the name you give them is really your mother's maiden name. Joan