In a message dated 97-07-20 14:52:04 EDT, you write: << You all sound like a bunch of cry-babies, if you want the damn credit write a BOOK! David Neil Wallis 2261 NW 52 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112 >> ---------------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>--------------------------- Dear All; Although I would not state my views as vividly as David (above) I do agree with him. I am an Author, Scottish Clan Historian, and interested in my Grandmother Wallace's family. I can tell you, that if you give out the information, to anyone, including databases, you have no right to a copyright. Only original material, such as a book, article, poetry, etc, can be copyrighted. Giving someone of your records; albeit you may have done the research; does not make them liable for copyright infringement. Once you type the information to anyone, you are GIVING THE INFORMATION to the public. Whether they are cemetary records, court house records, it matters not, they are public records, and perhaps you could have kept them "secret". Maybe no one would have gone to the same cemetary or court house and would have never found this information. However, isn't that a little selfish? We ask so many to help us in our quest for knowledge of past relatives, do we then not share what we have learned also? It is a matter for morality I guess, of the individual, however, .....you offered the information; and it was public records, that makes it public domain and there is no way you are going to collect on any "copyright infringement". I have had some years of knowledge about copyright, due to what I do, and there is just no "case" here. You don't go to a database company, give them the information and then cry "foul", when they print it. It doesn't work that way. I am new and was hesitant to write, but it is getting absurd to 'boycott' and try to 'shut someone down' for providing a service. I give so much information away free, to Scottish and other people each day on my list and I do it freely, so that they may become better informed about Scotland and Scottish Culture, some history. Only the "most original articles" are copyright. Why do I do that?? for the love of Scotland and to get rid of so much disinformation that is out there. If I could find my grandmother Wallace's ancestory, I would (and have) given all the information I have to anyone who will look at it. I didn't do it for self-glorification, I did it to find out what I could. If someone else can learn something by my information then I find that to be a wonderful thing. Sorry, I warned you, I am an author, off the soap box now....... Thanks to you who will read this......to those who won't ......I don't care. We should work to keep the internet free of government regulations, with regulation perhaps we could not trade this information that would otherwise be, ...... charged for. Best Regards, Nance