While this thread is mainly to do with the Isle of Man FHS it is interesting that there has been no comment yet on Brian's offer to put the 1851 census online.

While I am not computer literate enough to assist here, the thought of having such records on line is wonderful.

Brian I do hope that you have a positive response to your suggestion, because I think the more records that are on line in this day and age of Internet genealogy, the better.

It makes research much cheaper, much more reflective of the age we live in and will certainly cut the costs in some areas where access to some records are only through having to pay exhorbitant fees.... not so the much the IOM but in England and Scotland.

I am all for free exchange of material where humanly possible in order that more people can enjoy genealogy, however I am also aware of the necessity of access to original source material. But offers like Brian's, should be enthusiastically considered as wasted time and money is then avoided in researching.

I hope your offer is taken up and I thank you for it.

Elizabeth, Australia