The problem that Frederic describes of people thinking they have little hope of a match is part of the problem, but the presentation of some DNA projects is still a big factor. If a DNA website is set up and all the content is about Virginia or New England or is sponsored by the X family association of America, people aren't even going to wade through the pages to find out who has been tested. They just won't think the project is relevant to them. The fact that no attempt has been made to research and understand the surname in its country of origin is not likely to inspire confidence in the ability of the administrator to recruit in other countries. The sheer size of some these American genetic groups is also a big problem. I have a large group from 1600s Virginia in my Cruwys/Cruse/Crews project which I have hidden towards the bottom of the Y-results page so that people don't get put off when looking at the results. Despite the group's size it is after all just one of many different genetic families, and ultimately a subset of a UK line. In answer to Martha's question I think you need to think in terms of the benefit for the potential testee. I don't think anyone in the UK would be particularly interested in taking a DNA test just to help American "immigrants to find their roots". They are much more likely to participate if they think they are contributing their DNA to a global study of a surname which is aiming to find out about the origins and evolution of the surname. Debbie Kennett