I think the question that needs to be asked is how many markers are you comparing and in what haplogroup. 300 matches seems like an awful lot to me, if you are comparing 37 or 67 markers, which would give you some kind of realistic relationship information. If on the other hand, you are only talking about 12 or 25 markers, I would not waste my time, the possibility of relationship is meaningless. Marleen Van Horne

Note: After having tested over 90 participants in the Harrell DNA Project, I have determined that the 25 marker test is sufficient to start with, as it gives a very good indication as to which lines one is related to.. This test can be extended to 37 or 67 markers at a later date, if desired.. I do not recommend the 12 marker test because the results will have too many matches to make a separation of lines.. A participant in a family tree surname project can access a webpage which compares his markers with everyone in the project and gives the genetic distance from all the others.. The distance in the Harrell Project varies from "0" to a high of about "30". "0" meaning there is a close relationship and "30" indicating very little kinship.. We have about 25 participants who have "0" genetic distance and all of these people had traced their families through research to S.E. Va./ E. NC before DNA testing was introduced.. DNA testing of 25 markers has helped prove their research is sound..GLH > Marleen Van Horen wrote in part: If on the other hand, you are only talking about 12 or 25 markers, I would not waste my time, the possibility of relationship is meaningless. Marleen Van Horne > G. Lee Hearl Authentic Appalachian Storyteller Abingdon, Va.