Thanks to Norm, the person who works so hard to keep Lactnet running, for answering my concerns. He has assured me that the Lactnet article listings (that is, our individual postings) are off limits to indexing robots -- so will not be referenced in, say, Alta Vista or Yahoo. I *assume* that this will remain the policy? This means I withdraw my concerns, with apologies to anyone (Kathy A. and Kathy B. probably most) who has pulled out inordinate amounts of hair or banged head against brick wall too many times over my worries. The privacy issue, per se, has never been an issue for me. I understand that Lactnet is "public" -- I just don't relish the thought of having my individual posts indexed by a search engine. That said, I think everyone who posts to this list should give serious thought to these issues. (Even more than the "Welcome to Lactnet" caveats about "The New York Times") Several people have written to me concerned that they have discussed personal information about their family that they'd hate for "perverts" to collect. That is a valid concern that everyone on the list should consider when posting. In fact, picture the pervert and your boss sitting at the screen reading your messages -- before you post. Many of us are playing with a big toy (Internet) that defys our understanding. Be wary, be informed...then enjoy. Margery Wilson, IBCLC