Recently my wife’s sister got curious about what had happened to her first husband after they split. That marriage had ended badly and they hadn’t been in contact for nearly thirty years. She tried searching for her ex-husband’s name on Google and Yahoo but didn’t get any hits. Knowing I do research online in my work as a professional writer, she asked if I could find out anything.

I write for business and technical publications, so I use a number of high-priced databases for in-depth research. But I suggested she try a simpler alternative – a solution I use myself when I want to find someone quickly and easily. I recommended she try one of the people search database services. Even the better ones cost so little, they’re practically free. Most offer a trial period. I gave her the name of one to try.

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