I have been reading the range of responses of a few people out of the thousands who subscribe who are apparently irritated because they are unable or unwilling to follow a few simple rules of list etiquette. Since new people join the list everyday, what is the problem with the list owner sending out a message that we can ignore if we have already read it. Genealogical research demands of us patience, self discipline and the ability to attend to details. We all start out knowing little and hopefully learn with practice. Most of us have made mistakes, but hopefully we learn from them. Personally, I appreciate the reminders to be specific in what goes on the subject line. I am sorry that a few of you are unaware of all the really nice and helpful people that subscribe to the list. Just because there are a few "jerks", it is unfair to judge the many nice people who share their time and expertise, including the list managers who care about genealogy and volunteer to help others. Most anyone who has accomplished ANYTHING meaningful in life has had to follow some rules, even ones that may be inconvenient at times. This evening I spent over an hour looking up and e-mailing information to someone who shares a surname. In general I find as much pleasure in helping others out as discovering one of my own ancestors. On the other side I have had people go out of their way to help me even when I had nothing to give them in return. Most of us would know little of our heritage had not our ancestors, our governments, our volunteer historical society workers, our town clerks kept records. Genealogy is a wonderful hobby. Let's share willingly and cheerfully. Sincerely, Margaret Scheffler I