As a new member of the list, I found it a pleasure to peruse the Air-l archives to see whether my query had already been addressed. And since it hasn't, I wonder whether anyone knows of software (or even just some scripts) to work with files of chat interaction. I hate to reinvent the wheel. It's great to be back in virtual touch with my colleagues in internet research. Best wishes to all of you, Sherri -- Sherri L. Condon, Ph.D. The MITRE Corporation 11493 Sunset Hills Road Reston, Virginia 20190-5214 Phone: 703-883-5522 E-mail: scondon@mitre.org