Does requesting a free credit report from the three agencies lower your score just because you asked for it?

I think I've heard that credit inquires(for seeking loans,etc.) of the 3 credit bureaus results in lowering the score and is cumulative. The more inquires such as home buying, auto purchase, major appliance or personal loans the lower the score goes each time. If this is true, does it also apply to personal requests for the free annual credit report?

Public Comments

1. No, that request is exempt and cannot be seen by potential creditors.
2. http://www.altavista.com/web/results?itag=ody&q=+free+credit+report+from+the+three+agencies+lower+your+score+just+because+you+asked+for+it%3F+&kgs=0&kls=1
3. It will not be an inquiry if you request the report from the proper site. Inquiries do lower the score, but usually only if the inquiries are all packed together (showing that you are desperate for money). An occasional inquiry won't significantly lower your credit score.