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From:
Subject: [DNA] When is SNP Testing Useful for Genealogists?
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 15:07:40 EST


I have four Britton families in my project.

Two are I1a; two are R1b. Only one of the R1b's has found a close match in
the database, but that match isn't particularly helpful; I had already
suspected a link between the two men in question and the match simply confirmed
it, without providing any clue to their English ancestry, which is what
everyone in my project wants to know.

When the latest R1b results came from DNAH on Sunday, the e-mail included a
special offer for SNP testing.

My impression is that:
1. SNP is not particularly useful at this point for I1a's;
2. it may be useful for R1b's if they are interested in population studies
and deep ancestry, but probably not if their primary interest is genealogy.

Am I correct? I realise that for some, DNA testing is a hobby, but I cannot
assume the same is true for most members of surname projects, so I would be
guilty of betraying a trust if I encouraged my project members to pay for
tests that won't give them value for their money.

Thank you.

Lindsey



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