"John F. Chandler" <JCHBN@CUVMB.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU> wrote: > Ardis wrote: > > That's what I'd like to read from you -- a single, solitary case > > study resulting in the solution of a genealogical puzzle, to the > > standards of a genealogist. > > I would suggest that you consider both positive and negative > solutions. Negative solutions would be proofs furnished by DNA > evidence that two lines are in fact not related at all, despite > persistent rumors that they are. You can see two such solutions > on the Blanchard DNA web page. I think that the point Ardis is making is that, yes, DNA testing can provide some research direction - but that in and of itself is NOT a "genealogical success" story. What would I really learn if DNA studies showed that the neighbors Michael and Conrad Pence are not related? Or, for that matter, it really doesn't help me solve the problem of the parentage of either to know that they ARE. This is not to say that having this negative or positive information might not in some cases provide the clue that will eventually lead to a solution - and that is the kind of "success story" that Ardis is looking for and has failed to find in the "testimonials." Regards, Richard "Richard A. Pence" <richardpence@pipeline.com>