I have seen several offers for DNA testing connected with Genealogy. Has anyone actually done this and what is the success rate in finding ancestors using it? Are there additional fees related to finding people after it has been done? And why are there various types offered - one for fathers side and one for mothers side and now tests to link you all the way back to caveman days - why? For someone who doesn't have a lot to spend but still interested in genealogy, is any one testing offer more reliable or accurate than another? Eric -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – Enhanced email for the mobile individual based on Microsoft® Exchange - http://link.mail2web.com/Personal/EnhancedEmail

I would suggest first joining the mailing list that is associated with the DNA testing you are thinking of doing.  I belong to the DOUGLAS one and  we have a pot of money that people contribute to for people just like you!  People who we are interested in what their DNA will tell, who are skeptical and might not have the money.  it's hard to find people willing.  I've put in 25 or 30 - when I've got it, and so it adds up!!   >From what I understand, when you get your tests back they will send you the people's contact info that are closest to you.  I think it's just what they are willing to give out, so someone might only allow his email, versus another only address.  I don't know if they give your info to your close cousins.  maybe someone else can share that info.   We just had a cool thing happen.  A man who is 83 years old, did a DNA test for another surname came up with almost an exact match with one of the Douglas participants.  it turns out that he was adopted as a child and never knew who his biological father was.  Three of the guys who were close matches have called him (he doesn't have a computer) and they say he was tickled pink to talk to someone whom he was related to!!!!  This just happened last week and we haven't figured out where he fits in, but isn't that half of the fun of genealogy??    Julie --- On Wed, 4/29/09, web-czar@rcn.com <web-czar@rcn.com> wrote: From: web-czar@rcn.com <web-czar@rcn.com> Subject: [IOWA] DNA Tests To: IOWA@rootsweb.com Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 10:32 AM I have seen several offers for DNA testing connected with Genealogy. Has anyone actually done this and what is the success rate in finding ancestors using it? Are there additional fees related to finding people after it has been done? And why are there various types offered - one for fathers side and one for mothers side and now tests to link you all the way back to caveman days - why? For someone who doesn't have a lot to spend but still interested in genealogy, is any one testing offer more reliable or accurate than another? Eric