I think a lot of the people on here who are so generous with there time and resources have first personally invested in subs for one or two sites, or bought discs, etc, for their own researches at first - I know that's what I've done - and simply keep on the subs, and are willing to look things up to help others, or potter to a local record office on behalf of others, etc.
There is also the "know how" that is at least as valuable - knowing how/where to find things out, being able to decipher or define things, or even that "fresh pair of eyes".
There's also the pleasure of simply solving a problem. There's a lot of satisfaction in being able to do that for someone.
The people who restore photographs have my especial admiration for their efforts - even if I had "photoshop" or similar, I know I'd never manage what they do with such speed.
I think very soon after we step into the "Roots stream" we become so grateful for the help people give us, so freely, that we all want to contribute what we can to help other people. And so it goes on...
