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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2008-02 > 1202141543


From: Robert Stafford <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Recruiting recalcitrant relatives
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 08:12:23 -0800 (PST)
In-Reply-To: <672883.46808.qm@web31810.mail.mud.yahoo.com>


Other posters have noted that it is a good idea to check with SMGF if results are not back within a year. It is possible the sample is bad. It also seems like they put a lot of emphasis on mtDNA testing last year, so maybe they will speed up Y-DNA testing this year.

I was just presenting the pros and cons of the two, assuming a person wanted the credibility of a research project. Showing that two people aren't related is one of the uses I had in mind for the 12-marker test. However, people tend to want to go further and search for a match. For this, they will probably need to upgrade.

You do take a chance with SMGF that some will not be tested. However, enough should be tested to provide a substantial savings overall. Those who aren't tested, or who are impatient, can test at Ancestry or DNAH and get their results back in a 1 1/2 to 3 weeks. I am now recommending that our participants take their chances on SMGF, but someone just starting a project might be more impatient for results.

One advantage to SMGF that I didn't note is that they also test mtDNA and will eventually post autosomal results. I suspect that, when the autosomal data is posted, everyone will be anxious for autosomal results.

As I noted, I have no reason to worry about the confidentiality of commercial firms. However, there are some people who do. I was told that a sheriff in Alabama subpoenaed DNA results and/or a sample (not clear which) from a commercial testing firm, raising fears among some about testing.

Bob Stafford

W V <> wrote:
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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