It is the locating of the cousins that provides the value. I am only just starting to see this. By linking with other Thomas lines you may find someone who has been lucky enough to have the research on their line proven further back than you are. Or find out you have been following the completely wrong line. I have been a "doubting Thomas" as it seems this is a way to take advantage of genealogists like us, eager to find any new lead. But if I was able to link to someone who has proof further than my Enos Thomas b. 1803, it would worth well more than the $170. I sure have spent that much on travel, research, books, document requests, etc etc. -----Original Message----- From: Sam Thomas [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2003 10:27 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [THOMAS] Y-DNA Testing for Paternal Determination Ok, Cousins .... NOBODY BIT THE BAIT QUESTION: WHO IS GOING TO GO DIG UP GRANDPA? :-) You have to compare a REFERENCE DNA pattern against the SAMPLE DNA pattern, both loci amplitude and incidence. GRANDPA is the REFERENCE. Randy Thomas, Being a geneticist, would you be so kind as to give us some insight into the probability factors and the overall process? How, for example, might I link to my G-G-G-G-G-G Grandfather, without a DNA sample from him? Other than locating cousins, what does one have to gain? Sam Thomas Roswell, Georgia 770-643-8880 ==== THOMAS Mailing List ==== Need list assistance? Please contact: [email protected] List Adm for THOMAS-L and THOMAS-D