Lisa has asked a question pertinent to the work of all of us:
----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Lisa ....l 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2006 9:55 AM
  Subject: Re: CD's

  I would imagine that an untended site would fade but if one were to use
  something like the Family Tree Maker's service where one's book is published
  to the web and then accessible through its URL would we have to assume that
  it would expire even if attended?  I am not suggesting that this should be
  used instead of printing but was wondering if it could be reliable for the
  foreseeable future.  I have not done this-but am planning to and am
  wondering if it makes more sense to create my own website over which I have
  control.  It may not be able to be Googled after some years but as long as
  it is still maintained could it not go indefinitely?

  Lisa
********* 
My response was (subject to the additions/correction of those of you who know a lot more about it than do I):

Simply put, the internet is just like a bulletin board.  You may post a message, and it will remain there till it rots away, but it may also be gone in 5 minutes or even less.  Any server or site owner (or owner of a bulletin board) may arbitrarily remove whatever they wish from their site for any reason or may simply go out of business.  

As with my website, I may remove or change it at a whim, and if I do not pay Charter it will become unavailable since they will discontinue my service.  So, though some or all of it may have been stored by a search service such as Google or by some other person or entity that has chosen to save it, it will only be available at the site at which I or that other business or person who stored it chooses to have it remain.

In short, we would be silly to presume that our postings will be available even this afternoon.         

Genealogy without documentation is nothing.
                     Paul Drake JD
                Genealogist & Author
            <www.DrakesBooks.com>

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