Joan, Maybe Robert Strong can answer your question. He's the Bowers Project Adm. Since you were looking at a different surname outside the Bowers project, I'm not sure how each administrator operates their project. And, maybe I was not supposed to send out the Bowers Project page address. When the project first began, I believe the page was sent out and I looked it over but took quite a while before having someone submit DNA. Maybe Robert can tell us what FamilyTreeDNA's philosophy is on this and whether most project administrators want people to take the test before granting access to the project information. I just did a search to see if there were any projects for the other surnames I research by clicking on Surname Projects at the top and then using the alphabet letter for the surname. But it appears that, for example, if I choose the letter "p," only all the surnames beginning with "pa" come up (only 25 names) but it shows the number of projects found as 226. I could not see how to access the remaining names under "p." There may be some technical difficulties with FTDNA right now since they just updated their site. But that is aside from your question. I looked at the "Parker" name which is in my husband's realm and the screen that comes up for "Parker" is a request to join that particular project. It seems to give an application with an area to type in information. So I'm thinking perhaps one could ask if they can look at who's tested and how the project handles its website to decide whether to join. Maybe they can grant temporary access if they restrict it. It didn't appear on the Parker name that I had to do the test first to fill out the application....but I didn't check to see what happens after I fill in the code and request. My question would be: Would I want to do a DNA test without first seeing what lines have been tested and had an opportunity to see how they have set up the project website? As I said, maybe Robert can discuss the FTDNA philosophy on this. He has done a great job with the Bowers project. If anything, I think being able to view the Bowers project information has been an encouragement to me to do the DNA test. Donna H. Gary Williams wrote: > I went to the address you gave for the DNA projects and found my Bower > line, but I have another line that needs proving. I wanted to see in > that surname if there was anyone tested, but I couldn't tell if I > could get into the database unless I took a test. I'm a women and > wouldn't be taking the test. Can I join the surname database by just > filling in my information. The FAQ seems to only discuss joining if > you test. > > Thanks for the information you've supplied. > > Joan Williams, > Cutler Bay, FL. > > > On Jul 24, 2008, at 12:30 PM, D. Hinson wrote: > > >> Don't forget to take a look at the DNA project page to see the >> pedigrees >> listed. You might see a possible connection there. Email addresses >> are posted so you can contact a descendant. >> >> http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/bowers/pats >> >> Also try searching the the Roots Surname List. the RSL has been >> ongoing >> for over a decade now. >> >> http://rsl.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ >> >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to BOWER-request@rootsweb.com >> 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 BOWER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > >