Isn't that ysearch? Jon Masterson Wales UK, Florida US jon@scruffyduck.co.uk Gedmatch: A488362, M938817 Surnames: Cannon, Coulter, Clinton, Dryman, Lance, Mabey, Pryor, Wrixon Locations: England, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, Utah, Virginia On 06/12/2015 20:47, G. Magoon via wrote: > The case based on database size is fine, from a practical standpoint; but > in the absence of any other benefit, the argument basically boils down to: "I > am recommending you test at FTDNA because I and most others have been > recommending FTDNA previously." > > Personally, I think it would be stupendous if someone was able to set up an > independent matching system (analogous to GEDMATCH) for Y-STRs (and mtDNA > for that matter). With such a tool, prospective testers wouldn't have to > worry so much about having to pay a significantly higher price in order to > get that "ticket" into a large database. > > Your post also raises the question: how much is that "ticket" worth to a > prospective tester? 50% extra cost? 100% higher cost? 200% higher cost? > Personally, I think that is a decision that should be made by the > prospective tester (or the person paying for the test), based on financial > considerations, goals, etc. From my perspective, it is not as simple as > "there is only one choice". > > I'm glad you raised the issue about results living on for posterity, which > I also think is an important consideration. But I think testers at all > labs, including FTDNA, would be wise to take appropriate safegaurds in this > respect. An organization or business will typically only have a finite > lifespan, and there are no guarantees that results will be > hosted/maintained in perpetuity, FTDNA included. > > Again, just my two cents. > > Greg > > On Sun, Dec 6, 2015 at 1:37 PM, Mike W via <genealogy-dna@rootsweb.com> > wrote: > >> Recruiting others to test, project and results sharing systems is critical. >> This is the essence of genetic genealogy as comparisons between people and >> sharing of results are needed. >> >> If possible, it is good in Y DNA testing to recruit get your most distant >> male cousin to test so you can estimate the DNA information for the >> family's most distant known ancestor (MDKA). However, it is hard to recruit >> people on the other side of your genealogical brickwalls and you may not >> want to pay for someone's tests you may not be related too. Ideally, you >> want people who are inclined towards DNA testing to find you or for you to >> find them through a matching database. >> >> The importance of a consistent set of test results available in a large >> matching database can not be understated. This is FTDNA's most dominant >> advantage for Y DNA, the largest accessible database. There hundreds of >> thousands of Y DNA records already available in FTDNA's database. These are >> records of real people, not just anonymous results. For more details, >> please read this web page. >> https://www.familytreedna.com/why-ftdna.aspx >> >> Cost is a factor, but when you get your Y STRs tested with FTDNA you are >> also getting a ticket into that large database and project management >> system with all of those surname projects. FTDNA allows you to join >> projects without cost and there is no annual subscription fee for support >> in their database and matching systems as well. >> >> Genetic test results data without the accompanying web based project and >> matching systems is not as useful and may not live on for prosperity. When >> you order STR and SNP tests from FTDNA your data is supported by a growing >> company with a 15 year, self-sustaining operation. You don't have to send >> your DNA sample to multiple labs. You and your recruits' samples all go to >> Houston's lab and are stored there subject to published privacy policies. >> This is particularly important if you think you only have one shot to get a >> DNA sample from a recruit. >> >> The central lab and DNA storage support is complemented by a full product >> line. Besides Y DNA testing up to 111 STRs, there is Y SNP testing and even >> Y Next Generation SNP discovery testing (Big Y) along with an array of >> autosomal and mitochondrial DNA tests. You have "one stop shopping" for >> your DNA sample. >> >> I'm not known for political correctness and we do not want to scare you off >> newbies but it is important that we acknowledge - It is very, very likely >> that 37 Y STRs is not enough. I recommend you starting with a minimum of 67 >> STRs. Most of the male large haplogroup branches of Europe started their >> great expansions during the Bronze Age. That means that it is very hard to >> discern who fits where at 37 STRs. 67 may not even be enough. Probably many >> of the people posting here, even those who prefer niche vendors, have 67 >> and even 111 STRs tested with FTDNA. >> >> Regards, >> Mike W >> >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> GENEALOGY-DNA-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 GENEALOGY-DNA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I have been testing my DNA and been a surname project administrator for well over 10 years. I think I have personally taken every test at every lab (except for the most recent startup labs). I too agree that having the largest database is a factor BUT it certainly isn't the only factor. Like most surname project administrators I maintain an independent website for all those in the surname project complete with comparative spreadsheets, etc. That being the case it doesn't matter which lab you use. I feel customer support is a very important factor. In my opinion, FGC and YSEQ have the best customer service. Eldon