insuffecient information in the subject line is only one of the frustrating problems in connecting with other researchers, and one of the easiest to avoid. As another researcher pointed out, most experienced researchers have learned to just ignore 'Searching for my grand-ma' messages. These are usually posted by newbies and if they are serious they'll eventually learn how to use the lists and boards. If they aren't serious they are just a waste of time anyway. My most frustrating experiences are with the 'parasites', those people who contact you seeking information yet never share any significant information in return. They are easy to recognize, they are the ones that stop answering your emails as soon as you give them the names of five generations of their ancestors. Their first email to you usually contains something to the effect of 'I'm trying to trace the WOODS family' or 'What do you know about the WOODS family', or my favorite 'Send me everything you can about the WOODS family'. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com