[SMF144]

Hi John,

How true indeed. Like anything else in life, it all depends on the individual and what he/she would like to do with "their" stuff. I, myself, have been hoarding good primary wartime private snaps because I have plans to do something with this stuff that I have worked very hard to obtain. Whether that happens or not is a good question. Father time will be the judge of that but my intentions are good. I have also been known to be generous and share my stuff the odd time with researchers and noted authors. That being said, I've come to dislike the vacum cleaners out there that suck all this stuff up and never share it. Obviously that's their choice, but the learning curve for the rest of us will be that much longer. Just like noted authorities not being able to share information etc between themselves, "we" are the ones that suffer, not them.

I've learned from the best but a good friend of mine taught me a valuable lesson and that is life is way too short to be playing these games. So, if Sudek want's to pick and choose who he gives his blessing to, well, then that's they way it goes but there's one thing to bare in mind, you can't take this stuff with you to the other side.

Stephen