This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: deevazquez Surnames: Thompson, Wilson, Sanders, Howard, Reynolds, Cottrell, Freshour, Petty, Woolard, Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.thompson/17336/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The number of inquiries is increasing because there are so many seeking their roots. I'm excited about that! However, those of us who are on several bulletin boards get so many inquiries in our mail boxes that it is hard to read them all. I, as well as others I know, skim the 'subject line' for any inquiries that we might be related to. We search for subjects that POP out at us. When one does, those are the ones we carefully read for any connections. So, write your Subject Lines so the entire inquiry will be read and hopefully produce the results your looking for. Here are some tips that might help your inquiry POP and get into the hands of those that can really help you with your research. 1. BE SPECIFIC on the Subject Line. Use the 'curb appeal' method. When selling a house, if there isn't any curb appeal, the perspective buyer may not look inside and miss a jewel. It's the same with the genealogy bulletin boards. Put as much info as you can on the line and don't speak in generalities. 2. Abbreviate! Use terms like: Abt - about; Mg - Marriage; b-birth; d-death, etc. (Saves space for more info) 3. Use the 2 letter abbreviation for the state instead of spelling the state name out. (Saves space for more info) 4. When seeking info about more than one person, use more than one inquiry. Keep it Simple. Don't confuse the reader. Most people won't take the time to decipher your inquiry trying to figure out what you are really looking for. William Eller, Melba Kidd, Indiana. If you put this on the Eller board, you might miss someone on the Kid bulletin board that can help you. Also, there are so many William's, a date would be nice. 5. It is not necessary to put the Surname on the 'subject line' when you are already on the Surname List. That is redundant and you're not using the subject line space to your advantage. For example: "Re: I want to talk to any Thompson" when you are already on the Thompson Board. 6. When using a common name (William, Thomas, George, etc) use dates and places if possible. It will narrow the search down and the readers will know exactly what your looking for. (i.e. Thomas Thompson, b 1833, KY) 7. Put maiden names in parentheses. For example: Melba (Johnson) Kidd. I hope these suggestions are helpful. Good luck in your research! Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.