I had files of family papers and not much genealogy interest until three brothers-in-law and one uncle all died within two years. Remaining family members gave us boxes of family material and I decided to organize it all. You guessed it. I became hooked.
In doing an internet search on a family member from Massachusetts I found that a volunteer had added his grave site and photo to FindAGrave.com. I am continually impressed with how generous the genealogy community is and so now want to do my part as I can.