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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2002-02 > 1012587284


From: "Allan S. Gleason" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Two questions
Date: Fri, 01 Feb 2002 11:14:44 -0700
References: <F151QMaCAP6KiMQpv9L0001a722@hotmail.com>


Hi Paul,
Don't know about getting through to Ancestry - you might consider going directly to
Relative Genetics. Their website is at http://www.relativegenetics.com

As to part b. In my opinion, if as a genealogist you don't have a good surname
database and haven't done your research you are probably wasting your time and
money. Your DNA "haplotype" is much like a fingerprint although it isn't quite as
personal or unique. Why would you be DNA tested just to receive a series of
numbers? You need to have a reason such as to solve a "brickwall" relationship
problem where you would team up with someone on the other side of the wall to see if
there is a door through. Or you might want to see how your line fits into your
family surname group. Good genealogy comes first, DNA testing is simply a tool -
not an end in itself. And it will virtually never give you the name of your
ancestor - it might point to him if you have a good idea already who he is.

After all, have you ever been fingerprinted without reason, just for the fun of it?

Allan




Paul Hendrickseen wrote:

> Hi group,
>
> I have 2 questions:
>
> a) I tried to order through Ancestry, but my order wouldn't go through.
> Tried several times. I put my e-mail and I say I am a new customer, and it
> will go back to the same screen... What am I doing wrong?
>
> b) Both Ancestry and FTDNA make references about their database search. My
> question is: what's more important in terms of genealogycal research: a
> haplotype or a surname database? a haplotype match or a surname match?
>
> Tks/Paul
>
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