I received my Family Finder results not too long ago and have been more than happy with the service Family Tree DNA has provided. Even though I haven't been able to connect my family tree to any of my matches, I'm still fascinated that we share this common bond of DNA. I've even uploaded my raw data to gedmatch.com to gain additional matches.
I chose FTDNA because of its reputation among genealogists and hoped that my matches would be as eager to discover a common ancestor as I am. I have a very well fleshed out family tree with just a few lines that abruptly stop at around the 3rd or 4th great-grandparent level, and my hope was that I might come across some clues to those lines via DNA cousins. I also hoped that I might be able to help others out, considering I have a well researched and documented ancestry (crossing my fingers there aren't any NPEs
).
While I haven't been able to draw a connection to any of my 13 close matches, I have initiated a few correspondences with a few very nice and helpful matches. On the other hand, I haven't received responses from others, which surprises me since I thought most of us were drawn to this company for the genealogical aspect.
When I send an introductory email to a match, I'm friendly and try to let my matches know how excited I am to explore common ancestry via our Family Finder results. I then include links to my personal site with pedigree charts for each of my grandparents along with a very brief summary of those sides of my family (dates, origins, etc.). I'll mention where I think we may be connected based on surnames they've listed on the FTDNA profile (I have vastly different backgrounds on each of my grandparents so this makes it fairly easy), but I also let them know that I'm keeping an open mind that we may very well connect on another line. I also ask if they'd be willing to share their GEDCOM or at least a detailed family tree for a few generations - I am more than willing to do the bulk of the leg work.
Often, when I DO receive a response which seems to be only 50% of the time following the email I outlined above, a match will usually respond briefly and say that they don't recognize any of my names and then simply include a list of surnames - no context whatsoever - dates, places, marriages, etc. I'm surprised that they've put so much money into this product but appear to be reluctant to pursue common ancestry with others. I feel bad responding and asking them to offer more - I don't want them to think I'm pushy. I guess I should outright ask if they'd be willing to assist me in exploring our connection further.
Perhaps my matches have far more matches than I have and are fatigued by the process. I really wish Family Tree DNA could do more to encourage people to share family trees. I think it would be great if FTDNA could offer a small discount to those who upload GEDCOMS to their accounts.
Does anyone have suggestions or tips to increase the response rate from your matches?
I chose FTDNA because of its reputation among genealogists and hoped that my matches would be as eager to discover a common ancestor as I am. I have a very well fleshed out family tree with just a few lines that abruptly stop at around the 3rd or 4th great-grandparent level, and my hope was that I might come across some clues to those lines via DNA cousins. I also hoped that I might be able to help others out, considering I have a well researched and documented ancestry (crossing my fingers there aren't any NPEs

While I haven't been able to draw a connection to any of my 13 close matches, I have initiated a few correspondences with a few very nice and helpful matches. On the other hand, I haven't received responses from others, which surprises me since I thought most of us were drawn to this company for the genealogical aspect.
When I send an introductory email to a match, I'm friendly and try to let my matches know how excited I am to explore common ancestry via our Family Finder results. I then include links to my personal site with pedigree charts for each of my grandparents along with a very brief summary of those sides of my family (dates, origins, etc.). I'll mention where I think we may be connected based on surnames they've listed on the FTDNA profile (I have vastly different backgrounds on each of my grandparents so this makes it fairly easy), but I also let them know that I'm keeping an open mind that we may very well connect on another line. I also ask if they'd be willing to share their GEDCOM or at least a detailed family tree for a few generations - I am more than willing to do the bulk of the leg work.
Often, when I DO receive a response which seems to be only 50% of the time following the email I outlined above, a match will usually respond briefly and say that they don't recognize any of my names and then simply include a list of surnames - no context whatsoever - dates, places, marriages, etc. I'm surprised that they've put so much money into this product but appear to be reluctant to pursue common ancestry with others. I feel bad responding and asking them to offer more - I don't want them to think I'm pushy. I guess I should outright ask if they'd be willing to assist me in exploring our connection further.
Perhaps my matches have far more matches than I have and are fatigued by the process. I really wish Family Tree DNA could do more to encourage people to share family trees. I think it would be great if FTDNA could offer a small discount to those who upload GEDCOMS to their accounts.
Does anyone have suggestions or tips to increase the response rate from your matches?
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