As most of you are aware, genealogy is an expensive hobby. Lots of people send us offers for computer programs and websites and databases and cd's and books and all sorts of things. I am one of the furtunate in that I can afford to pay for a few things that make my life easier regarding research. One of those things is Julie's book. I have a lot of roots in Mason County and am constantly referring to her work at my convienience. It also came to me autographed and with a personal note of thanks for ordering it while on my honeymoon LOL BUT Not so very long ago, I lived in Ravenswood which is about half an our north of Point Pleasant. I was disabled with a back injury and out of work so I had NO money. I couldnt afford the gas to get to Pt Pleasant, and even if I could the pain of the trip would have prohibited it. My ONLY resource and comfort during that time was my computer. I depended ENTIRELY on the free resources and help I found there--these mailing lists included. I propose we thank those who help us for free and support those whose work has a reasonable cost when possible. Personally I am forever indebted to the Latter Day Saints for FREE gen software and for FREE access to thier records online. I am thankfull for all of you who have sites with your family information posted and to each of you who respond on the lists with answers to queries. I post what I can as well as being the Rootsweb List Administrator for two lists by way of giving back to the comunity. I also teach a genealogy class at the local high school. When I have a book--through purchase or library loan--I do lookups. That is what genealogists do, Sharing and family is what drives us. Julie didn't make money from her book--she did the work out of the kindness of her heart and charged enough to cover her costs (and in some instances Im betting not enough). Be fair with yourselves and do what's right. If you can afford to purchase gen matierial and will use it, then buy it. If you truly can't, then use what is available and don't forget to say "Thank You" to the person who helped you. Just my opinion, Robin in Toronto -- _______________________________________________ Make PC-to-Phone calls with Net2Phone. Sign-up today at: http://www.net2phone.com/cgi-bin/link.cgi?121