Here's another question to ponder...
When you finally get a new clue, new maiden name, or break down a huge brick wall, what do you with your new information?
Where do you go?
I try to Google first, but sometimes I default to Ancestry if I am just looking for census/military info.
If I want the 1900 census, I try to remember to go to the Family Search Pilot Site, I like their search engine better than Ancestry's.
I sometimes will go to FamilySearch to look at the IGI, if they happen to have died in NY, I'll check IGG the Italian Gen site.
Usually I will go to Rootsweb World Connect at some point if I want to see if they are in a family tree.
so...what is your plan of attack?