Hi~

I've done quite a few "cold contacts" and have had hits and misses results (even a response that says 'nope, got the wrong person' is/can be helpful).

I've put notices in a couple of papers, this is nice if you can afford to do so (a couple of papers even sent free copies of the issue that included my query/ad).

When writing, might I suggest including a SASE. I always do, and was recently told by a new found cousin's wife, that the reason the reply came so quickly was because of the SASE.

When you write someone, they have time to read and re-read the letter. They also have time to digest any informaiton and feelings before responding.

As suggested in previous posts, seclect a few folks to send letters to, be sure to be brief (this was another thing I was told by members of the used to be missing line--they liked the fact that the letter was brief and included how I thought we were related), give some lineage to show you're not a kook and, again, I suggest include a SASE.

Best Wishes!