Debbie made some excellent points. 1. "...the presentation of some DNA projects is still a big factor." How true! She mentioned that sometimes websites emphasize only a small part of the "universe" and by implication discourage others who may -- if only we thought sufficiently broadly -- be valuable to the project. 2. "... no attempt .. 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." Amen! Some surnames have confused and diverse origins & histories. But failing to help participants (especially potential participants) understand their name's history seems a denial of the premise on which surname projects are based. 3. "[UK residents] 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." May I steal that one? I like the sound of "a global study to find out about the origins and evolution of the surname." -ralpht_/)