Just an observation here: The object method seems to be compile-time safe, whereas the hash method seems to require run-time checks which could fail. Am I right in thinking this? If so, the compile-time safe version is infinitely preferable. Rich. -- Richard Jones. http://www.annexia.org/ http://www.j-london.com/ >>> http://www.team-notepad.com/ - collaboration tools for teams <<< Merjis Ltd. http://www.merjis.com/ - improving website return on investment http://execellence.co.uk/ - Interim and executive recruitment