Hello all: Can anyone share some advice about DNA testing? I understand the differences between the maternal and paternal variations, but does a certain company offer more value or extra "features" concerning the results? I'm leaning toward the genographic project (from National Geographic), but the one offered by ancestry.com seems ok too. Any positive or negative input would be appreciated. Thanks! Scott

I can't really help you, Scott, other than to tell you that I have three relatives all who have done the testing through FTDNA [http://www.familytreedna.com/Default.aspx?c=1] Plus we have one Degruy member who has done the testing and there is a Degruy page at FTDNA. I would contact Robin Daviet. I'm sure she could help you a lot better than I. Robin is a member of our list and the coordinator for our Degruy page. Since we've had only one DeGruy do the testing, there really isn't much going on. I do not know if any Degruys have done the testing on any of the other companies. http://www.familytreedna.com/project-join-request.aspx?group=DeGruy There are "sales".... and I think you can always get a better price if you go in through a "group" rather than individually. For example in 2009 we got this message - I'm including it even though I have no idea of what the prices might be. I do believe, however, that if you are going to do it, you should go ahead and do the full 67 markers Dear French Heritage DNA Project member, Family Tree DNA Company today announced a special offer that we want to tell you about. This offer is good only from June 9 through June 24, 2009. So time is very important. The following is the announcement from the company. "Last summer we offered a pricing special that was the most successful offering of its kind in our company's history. Many project administrators strongly supported our recruitment efforts and both their projects and our database grew significantly. This year we will offer an early summer special with an unparalleled promotional discount. Offer summary: . Y-DNA37+mtDNA for $119. (The regular project price is $248 -- a reduction of more than 50%!!) . The promotion will begin on June 9, 2009 and will end on June 24, 2009 . Kits ordered in this sale must be paid for by June 30, 2009 This is your new members' opportunity to skip past the Y-DNA12 and Y-DNA25 tests and get the best Y-DNA Genealogical test on the market in addition to an mtDNA test for an extremely reduced price! I should also mention that according to one of our competitors' method of counting markers our 37-marker test could also be called a "41-marker test" as we do test and report markers 464e, 464f, 464g, and DYS19b. Though we test them, it is very rare that individuals have results for these markers. Therefore, by our conservative counting method, our competitor's "33-marker test" is actually a "29-marker test." We mention this to make sure that you understand the difference between these tests and are able to compare "apples to apples." You can sign up for the test at https://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?code=T86200&Group=FrenchHeritage Since it is a combination test and includes the male YDNA test, women will need to enlist a father, brother, male cousin, uncle, etc. to test. This offer is for new members only. It will make a fine gift for father's day. The total cost will be $123 ( $119 plus $4 shipping and handling), The mtDNA test is the HVR1 panel. If you have any questions please ask. With our best wishes, Doug Miller djmill@earthilink.net Scott Pelitire wrote: > Hello all: >