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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2008-02 > 1202125662


From: W V <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Recruiting recalcitrant relatives (Robert Stafford
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 03:47:42 -0800 (PST)


YES, SMGF.org is FREE, but if time is a consideration I believe Mr Rhodes WILL be disappointed. I would guess that John would like to see results from his testing in a shorter period of time than say 18 months, the time period that I have been waiting to see my results on the SMGF site. They are still NOT posted.

Furthermore, the Genographic Project(NGGP) gives each testee a VHS-tape sized box containing a world DNA migration map, brochures explaining the Project, and a DVD with the original TV broadcast program (perhaps less useful to the Mennonites but it could be 'shown' as explanatory info) with Spencer Wells illustrating how the program worked in the field and what it's goals are along with a history of man.

A 12-marker haplogroup designating test MIGHT be useful to differentiate his lineages. It was for me when two lineages were compared against a target lineage and ONLY one was found to have the same haplogroup as the target.

Transferring the NGGP results to Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) costs nothing and guarantees that the sample will be preserved for 25 years if further testing is desired. Cost is NOT small. Before Christmas ordering three kits at a time lowered the cost to USD $92/93 per kit.

Additionally, Mr Rhodes could perform BOTH tests if he is actually onsite.

I have NOT had any problems with confidentiality in the time I have been with FTDNA. Access to their surname databases COULD be useful in making surname comparisons before further testing is done.

So it's a choice of time vs money AND both tests could be done simultaneously.

Bill VH

> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 07:54:53 -0800 (PST)
> From: Robert Stafford <>
> Subject: Re: [DNA] Recruiting recalcitrant relatives
> To:
> Message-ID:
> <>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>
> I can see some advantages and disadvantages in using the
> Genographic Project. Most people have a very favorable
> opinion of NGS. It is also a nonprofit research project.
> Thus, it should easier to convince people to join.
>
> The downside is that a 12-marker test has little use beyond
> a haplogroup prediction and is really overpriced. Thus, they
> would need to transfer to FTDNA, a commercial company, to
> obtain a test useful for most genealogical purposes. It
> might be a problem getting their permission, since they
> thought they were in a non-profit research project. Even if
> they gave permission, it might not really be informed (at
> least morally) consent, since they may be confused about
> the relationship between the two organizations.
>
> Another disadvantage is that the Genographic public
> participation project has little, if any genealogical value
> (other than getting transfers into surname projects). Thus,
> in the long run, it is better for genealogists to have
> people participate in the SMGF (www.smgf.org) project. It
> is also a nonprofit research project, so should be promoted
> as such.
>
> They will provide kits for family reunions and other
> gatherings. It does take some time for the data to be
> posted, which is a major disadvantage. However, it is free
> and the 43-marker test is sufficient for most genealogical
> purposes. Many projects post their results to their surname
> projects.
>
> For those afraid of misuse, both are monitored by
> Institutional Review Boards, so there is little chance of
> misuse of data. Of course, those transferring from
> Genographic to FTDNA lose this protection, although I
> don't really consider it a large concern.
>
> It might be a good idea to try both and see what works
> best. But, in either case, promoting them as nonprofit
> research projects should make it easier to convince people.
>
> Bob Stafford

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