Pat, I understand your frustration but please don't give up on Washington
County yet. This issue is not one limited to the IGS, but is one which
affects probably all genealogical societies nation-wide. As displayed by
the IGS member, feelings about the issue can be very strong and sometimes
downright nasty. I know for my own local gen society, they don't want
records they transcribed put on the web because these records become
publications for which the sale thereof becomes the main source of income
for them. This income allows them (among other things) to pay the rent for
their genealogy library, which library is available free for anyone to use
(if they come there!). Without the sale of the publications, our society
could not exist--we are just too small. As you can see, it is a dilemma and
I don't know what the answer or solution is, but just wanted you to know
that this is an ongoing issue being addressed by all of us and we share
your frustration. Sincerely, Mary Simonsen