The charging issue really seems to be hot. As for people taking information from the mailing list and emailing them with an offer, unfortunately, that is life. I really don't have a problem with it, as the people being solicited have a choice NOT to pay the fee (BUYER BEWARE). I am a capitalist at heart. (grin) Also, I will refer them to the local professional researchers or Genealogical Society if their requests are extensive. That doesn't mean they have to use them. Also, I have to agree with Shelley and Joan, on doing lookups free from your house, GREAT, and look at their sites, WOW, there is a tremendous amount of FREE information... However, if people are asking them to research their family above what is available at their homes, and they are spending their time, money, gas, making and mailing copies, then asking for a few bucks to cover the costs doesn't seem unreasonable. Some of us "Swap" favors, too. Again, (sorry Tina), all those individuals who send requests looking for all SMITHs... Well, I would happily xerox the entire thousand page index of SMITH if they are willing to pay the cost... But NOT out of MY pocket (grin)... There is an economical side to FREE and knowing Shelley and Joan, these people are asking above and beyond what is a reasonable amount of FREEness... As for me, I don't charge or even ask for money, but I JUST DON'T GO THERE. If I am not willing to do it for free (as it is extensive costs to me), then I refer out. It isn't any different though, then asking to cover the costs in my mind. Bet what they ask to "cover costs" is cheaper than a professional... There is no RULE that says that all lookups are FREE or that we as cc's are required to do FREE lookups... The rule is as CCs we provide FREE genealogical information and ways and means for individuals to make queries and post information... It doesn't fall TOTALLY on the shoulders of the cc... See http://www.rootsweb.com/~wigenweb/volunteer.html Just my thoughts. R/S MAK --- WIGEN-D-request@rootsweb.com wrote: ===== =========================== MAK = "Mar sea ah Ann Keel" MAKs Sites http://www.rootsweb.com/~wiwood/links/MAK.html =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail - only $35 a year! http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/