With activity on the list picking up slightly, and as someone who answers numerous queries, I would like to make some suggestions for writing a effective query. Be specific. Remember that you are asking someone to spend their time looking at their resources for information you are seeking, so the more specific you can be the better. Don't ask for all information on a particular surname. Give details. Be specific as to the person you are looking for. List any possible spouse, possible children, pertinent dates or time periods for vital events. If you think or know they entered or left the county at some time, indicate so. The more information you give to narrow down the references that should be searched the better chance you have of receiving good information. Keep track of references you have already checked. When someone posts that they have a reference, be sure that you have not already checked that reference before asking for a lookup. The Loudoun County USGENWEB page (http://www.rootsweb.com/~valoudou/loudoun.html) has a list of references and volunteers that are always available, as well as other useful links. See the volunteer webpage at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~valoudou/lookups.htm If you have hit a brick wall, ask a query about a known sibling or other relative. Someone may have information about the relative that could be beneficial. Thank the responding person. This lets the person answering your query know that you appreciate their efforts and whether the information was of value or not. So post a query and make it an effective one! Pat Duncan GenNutLdn@msn.com