Here is an annoucement I received from the Association of Professional Genealogist email I receive. It was sent by DearMyrtle, who some of you may know from her genealogy blogs. I thought it was information you might like to know about. If you have any question after reading, please feel free to email me.

Here is the email:

NOTE from DearMYRTLE: The following was just received from our friend Paul
Nauta at FamilySearch. Please address all inquiries to
support@FamilySearch.org.

Indexed Records to Remain Free on FamilySearch.org
28 July 2008

The recent announcements of joint census projects with FamilySearch and
affiliate companies, such as findmypast.org and Ancestry.com, have caused
some confusion. FamilySearch patrons and indexing volunteers are wondering
if the indexes created from their efforts will continue to be free to the
public. The answer is a resounding YES!

All data indexed by FamilySearch volunteers will continue to be made
available for free to the public through FamilySearch.org-now and in the
future. Access to related digital images may not always be free to everyone.
Working jointly with other organizations ensures wider availability to
improved indexes and provides a tremendous benefit to millions of people
around the world who are seeking to connect with their ancestors.
FamilySearch is committed to working with records custodians around the
world to provide faster access to more records for more people.

Where possible, FamilySearch will seek to provide free public access to
digital images of original records. Due to affiliate obligations, free
access to some images may be available only to FamilySearch members
(volunteers and indexers who meet basic contribution requirements each
quarter, patrons at Family History Centers, and members of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who's contributions support FamilySearch's
operations). FamilySearch members will also enjoy convenient access in their
homes or wherever they have Internet access. (FamilySearch is currently
developing its ability to verify that users are FamilySearch members for
future home access. This expanded access should be enabled in 2009.)

The general public will have several options to access any fee-based images
offered under FamilySearch affiliate agreements:
1. Home access will be free for FamilySearch members
2. Access is free through a local Family History Center or the Family
History Library
3. Access is often free through the record custodian or archive reading
room

or [emphasis added]

4. For a nominal fee, the public can access the images on specified
record custodian or commercial Web sites.