Mac wrote: "On this sight, every date, place, and fact would be carefully scrutinized for absolute accuracy." Hmmmm - And just who will volunteer to do the scrutinizing? And just who would determine what sources would be considered acceptable? (I can see a serious issue brewing before this is off the drawing board.) And I'm not sure scrutiny and judgement should be the spirit of a family website. I do like the idea of a Washburn website, however.... somewhat an expansion of what we are doing right now. It could certainly enhance our current communications and might be a valuable added venue for bringing family members together - All that and no flight delays, lost luggage, or dreadful room service. To say nothing of the expense! On a web site those who wish could scan in pictures of great Aunties and grampas - and even of ourselves, if we dare. But must a family web site be strictly genealogical? Of course, it could be a password protected site. We might also have diaries and family stories to share. Even our own. On a protected family site people might feel freer to share information about themselves. Then those who wished to do so might elect to meet informally in large or small groups anywhere they feel like gathering. Because of this list I've already met Washburn Cousins from all over new England and even from the opposite side of this country! How blessed we already are to be connected in this way. But there is even larger potential to come together in a group using the internet. But as for our genealogical links, I hope everyone would feel free to share whatever information they have. As family Genealogists differ widely in abilities should anyone be ousted for not having full documentation of their line? It could be considered a work in progress - with the proper caveats, of course. Names for whom records are known should have proper citations affixed. Others could be considered provisionary. We could make a point of that and have proving each name and relationship a collective goal. Like sharing a puzzle. As long as we are consistent and honest about it. Most people don't want to claim the wrong grandparents, anyway - especially those of us for whom the very purpose of family research is to understand our own makeup. And, frankly, I don't have much desire to belong to another organization in which one's pedigree must be proven. (Unless everyone agrees to DNA testing...<big grin>) No, a friendly, supportive, tolerant environment for those who are trying to establish, or willing to help others with, family ties would most appeal to me. (And my own line is fully documented back to John of Bengeworth, so I can attest my motive is not ulterior) But it is certain that any Washburn site would need a webmaster....to organize the site and keep it up to date. And that is a very specific skill. And it would be a significant effort. Quite time consuming. I would assume in such a big family, with so many on this Washburn list alone, there must be numbers with experience in web site development. Yes? Hellooooo - are you out there? Maybe a few people could work on it. Any volunteers? Mostly, I'd hope for sharing with one another in a gracious and amicable manner. And I do venture to suggest - the less politics the better. Barbara Dudley Washburn-Lienhard Woodside@bicnet.net