Jim Martin
This issue
Thu Apr 26 14:27:36 2001



I will address this issue in the form of a "message to authors" or an addition to the "message to new visitors" page. Primarily, I'll state that the board is for the sharing of information for non-profit or personal use; however, authors and those engaged in a commercial enterprise may post their messages and requests for information as long as they stay on topic (Alabama in the Civil War) and/or that they make the respondents aware of their purpose or project in requesting this information.

I'm thinking of adding a new page link where authors and researchers can post their ongoing and upcoming projects. This would accomplish a two-fold purpose, 1) It would allow others to contribute to the efforts of the author by forwarding information to them which they encounter in their own research and 2) It would make us all aware that when one of these people requests information that any research done or information provided will go toward this book, article or commercial project.

I don't know what "James" has in mind. I hope the recent revelation of an article about the 19th Alabama flag is something of which he has knowledge, but not something in which he is taking part or has a financial connection.

There are far too many people on this board willing to provide assistance anyone from the family genealogist to the professional author. It is the appearance of deception for personal gain that is troubling.

I think we can recognize the genealogy questioners, so answering those questions shouldn't be a problem. In addition, the recognized and regular contributors have an "understanding". By that I mean, should you Hayes, Art Green, Dr. Bergeron, Bruce Allardice, Bill Morales or other known authors post a question, I would anticipate that they might use it in some sort of publication. Perhaps we should just be a little wary about new visitors with very expansive or suspicious questions. It might even be reasonable to attach a tag to your response, stating that this response is for personal, non-profit use only and may only be used for commercial purposes with the permission of the author.

I'm "all ears", so give me any suggestions you like about how we can keep this board healthy and fair to its contributors.

Jim