GENEALOGY-DNA-L Archives

Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2008-05 > 1211050178


From: "David Faux" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Some truth in article was Re: Answer fromAncestorsMagazine
Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 11:49:38 -0700
References: <327759.82649.qm@web81607.mail.mud.yahoo.com><110800.90473.qm@web81607.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To: <110800.90473.qm@web81607.mail.mud.yahoo.com>


I realize that we are going to get cut off soon Bob, since we are pushing
the envelope, but in reality there is a huge chasm between say myself and
you - just as an example. For those that want the "full monte", which
includes the deepest possible haplogroup testing, then only EA and FTDNA are
in a position to offer this option. I will do everything in my power to
support a company whose mindset is closest to my own. Genealogy is only a
small part of my interests. My prime focus is on population genetics.
Ancestry and RG are either not interested or not capable of offering deep
SNP testing. We (the genetic genealogy community) need a company that can
address the needs of the entire group - A to Z. And back to the original
point, 12 markers is a fine entry point if there is more to offer for those
who want to learn more. I fail to see what use 10 markers at a hugely
inflated price is when customers are erroneously classified as a Genghis
Khan descendant or whatever, and there is nothing whatever in the way of
followup tests and the DNA sample is destroyed anyway. Most people don't
know this and they bite because of the hype. FTDNA offer facts such as the
advantage of their database size and their deep SNP testing
capabilities...............ok, I better get off my soapbox before I get a
warning from our moderator.

David K. Faux.


On 5/17/08, Robert Stafford <> wrote:
>
> I should add that Ancestry.com is also a good marketer. However, we will
> have to wait and see how well they do. It is hard to tell how well Genebase
> is doing. They put out some large numbers earlier.
>
> Bob Stafford
>
> Robert Stafford <> wrote:
> I agree with you. FTDNA is the best at marketing DNA testing. The companies
> run by scientists, such as RG and EA, are at a distinct disadvantage. I have
> an advanced degree in science and an MBA, so am very familiar with both
> mindsets.
>
> Bob Stafford
>
> David Faux wrote:
> As the former business/marketing manager of EthnoAncestry I can say with
> some authority that FTDNA is absolutely adopting the most correct approach
> with all variables consisered. Don't forget that with 12 markers FTDNA
> provides a guaranteed haplogroup assignment (a very good deal, except for
> those who are halogroup phobic), and in addition, it allows immediate entry
> into Dr. Hammer's extensive world-wide database for comparison purposes. I
> have no idea why you are both saying or implying that FTDNA is in some sort
> of shoddy way trying to dupe the consumer. That is absolutely not the
> case. I can report this a former competitor. They have consistently acted
> in a way that was in the best interests of the consumer but of course they
> cannot please everyone. One of you is a big supported of RG and will take
> any opportunity to take a pot shot at FTDNA. They are spot on in what they
> are doing. I know that. Most everyone else knows that. So why not end of
> story.
>
> David K. Faux.
>
>
> On 5/17/08, Robert Stafford wrote:
> >
> > I agree. The irrationality of consumers is a well-known phenomenon.
> >
> > Bob Stafford
> >
> > "Peter A. Kincaid" <> wrote:
> > Why would you need to upgrade if there was
> > value in the 12 marker results? If there were
> > no 12 marker tests offered by FTDNA then
> > 25 would be the entry level test and prices
> > would have to be adjusted accordingly. The
> > only real value of the 12 marker test for FTDNA
> > is for them to keep this as the base price/value
> > making one have to pay more for the tests of
> > real value. Anyone with business/marketing
> > experience will understand this point.
> >
> > Peter
> >
> >
>
> -------------------------------
> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to
> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the
> quotes in the subject and the body of the message
>
>
> -------------------------------
> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to
> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the
> quotes in the subject and the body of the message
>
>
> -------------------------------
> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to
> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the
> quotes in the subject and the body of the message
>

This thread: