Hello to all identified and potential cousins, The following was originally sent in response to an inquiry about the value of DNA participation. I am currently involved in three different surname DNA projects. On my Arnold project, I found 4 other participants (out of then only 25, now almost 100) with whom I had similar DNA. Working with one of them I was able to extend my lineage to my 4th g-grandfather born in 1745. (I only had data on my grandfather previously.) In my Webb project, there are three others who have very similar DNA. We have not yet discovered the common ancestor although one line is estimated to have a 91% chance that the common ancestor lies within the past 20 generations. (That was the same percentage as my new-found Arnold relative, but we found the common ancestor within seven generations.) The coordinator urged me to find a relative to participate in the Burgess project, but the relationship he expected did not develop. However, we did match another unexpected participant on several markers, thus starting a new line in the project. Even though the results are mixed, I am pleased to participate in all these lines because, as more people join, the possibility of finding a link to the past becomes more real. Reasons for participation: 1. You may hit it lucky on you initial attempt and find someone who shares an ancestor for whom he or she has a fully documented paper trail. Yes, it sometimes happens. 2. Your DNA sample will be on record in case some distant, unknown cousin decides to join and produces a match. As our state lottery motto states, "If you don't play, you can't win" but the odds are better with DNA. 3. In most cases you have an enthusiastic, knowledgale coordinator who is helpful in analyzing the results. (Dan, Anne: you each owe me a dollar.) 4. You usually develop some wonderful friends/cousins who become collaborators in the hunt. 5. You are in the forefront of what will certainly become one of the primary tools of the family researcher. I expect that one day every genealogy professional will want DNA support for the essential paper trail and you will be ahead of the game. I am sure there are many other good reasons, but these are the ones that move me. Merrell Arnold