Actually, rootsweb has good technical reasons for the no attachment rule: if it is allowed, then all kinds of memory hungary .gifs, entire gedcom files, forwarded web pages, etc invariably get sent. Rootsweb runs on a fine line budget, and needs to conserve resources, on of which is memory. Remember that all messages posted end up in a permanent archive. There are two easy ways around the issue: 1) regarding attachment of word files, just type into word, select all, copy, and paste into the email message. I do this all the time for resumes, etc., and it is easy for list messages. Since text only is allowed, text formatting will be lost in either case. 2) .gifs, very long gedcoms, web page forwards, etc can always be sent direct to the interested parties email address with abandon. The list is to share enough information to develop contacts and mutual interests. Posting a very large file or attachment to a list of 200 persons, when only 5 may be interested in the detail only strains rootsweb's resources, and increases 200 person'swait to download their email. Web pages are good for containing detail.Fine detail that ensues due to a contact should occur by direct email, and typically many email exchanges occur to a good query match. All of these need not be posted. That makes the list appear as a chat room. I have refused to stay subscribed to some county and regional lists exactly because of the cahtty nature of the posts. Yep, I am still here, and as ornery as usual :) regards, Garry P.