this is from the rootsweb newsletter: Gary Boyd Roberts is the Senior Research Scholar of the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS). He is the author of several authoritative publications, including "The Royal Descents of 600 Immigrants to the American Colonies or the United States," "Ancestors of American Presidents," "Notable Kin" (volume 1 and volume 2), "American Ancestors and Cousins of the Princess of Wales," and "Best Genealogical Sources in Print: Essays." In 2002, Roberts commented, "I hope everyone who uses the Internet continues to share information with each other. Many "lost pioneers" and 19th-century immigrants have a sibling or cousin who is in the ancestry of another genealogist. The Internet is much speedier, and potentially more comprehensive, than any past query column or other medium of exchange . . . The Internet is also, of course, a splendid tool for updating your branch of a particular genealogy. An electronic medium should never replace library and primary research, and it may well expose beginning genealogists to many old mistakes. But use the Internet, gather information from cousins online, and then begin your real research with at least hints, if not resolutions, about ancestors who might previously have remained "dead ends." In celebration of Roberts' achievements at the NEHGS, it is offering free access to all of his columns for a limited time. These articles can be read at: http://www.newenglandancestors.org/education/articles/research/special_guests/gary_boyd_roberts/gbr_mainpage.asp