Can I invite WikiTree members to donate to a FTDNA group project?

+9 votes
368 views
The Wikitree terms of service are clear that members can't promote commercial products without prior authorization.  I'm seeking such authorization.

FTDNA is the primary vendor for Y-DNA testing.  I'd like to create several WikiTree Free Space pages that encourage descendants of a particular WikiTree ancestor to donate to an FTDNA surname or haplogroup project to support Y-DNA testing of their relatives.  I would include instructions on how to donate directly to the FTDNA project and how to specify how those funds should be used.  

There are some cases where I might have a potential conflict of interest, such as being related to the ancestor involved.  I would fully disclose all connections I have to any FTDNA project.  

This seems to provide value to WikiTree's core genealogy mission.  Does WikiTree allow me to do this?
in The Tree House by Kevin Ireland G2G6 Mach 2 (25.7k points)

3 Answers

+5 votes
 
Best answer
Hi Kevin,
I'm the FTDNA Group Projects Manager and I have no problem with what you're describing. It's no different than posting in a Facebook group or other off-site groups to encourage donations to the project. You're indicating that you're going to clearly explain that the donor can earmark donations, and that general donations that are not earmarked may go toward testing descendants of one of your ancestors - who's quite likely to be the ancestor of more than just you - seems to cover all potential angles. And if people don't want to donate because they think there's a conflict of interest, then they can just not donate. That's always a consideration regardless of where or how you're soliciting donations. You can always refer questioners to groups @ ftdna . com.
by Janine Cloud G2G1 (1.2k points)
selected by Kevin Ireland
+5 votes

Good question, Kevin.  I refer readers to individual FTDNA project pages.  Sometimes they donate to the project, but I don't ask for donations. Eample:  https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/cooper/activity-feed

WikiTree is free to use, but it is not free to operate.  I always encourage folks to buy their DNA tests through the affiliate links so that WikiTree gets a little gratuity.  This is the only way I know of to contribute to WikiTree.com. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:DNA_Tests#Ordering_a_Test

by Kitty Smith G2G6 Pilot (638k points)
Thanks, Kitty.  I'll include WikiTree's FTDNA purchase link in my Y-DNA testing-related spaces.
That sounds perfect Kevin! Mags
+11 votes

Hey Kevin,

WikiTree actually has a great relationship with FTDNA and we are working to use WikiTree Free Space Profiles for pedigrees and other information associated with FTDNA Group Projects.

We follow FTDNA rules about privacy and are careful to disclose only what FTDNA allows.

Mags

by Mags Gaulden G2G6 Pilot (638k points)
edited by Mags Gaulden

He'll correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe what Kevin is asking about isn't soliciting test-takers or any linking between WikiTree and FTDNA, but pertains specifically to the option that some FTDNA Group Projects enable which allows people to donate funds to the project. These can then be used at the project administrator's discretion for things like purchasing upgrades for strategically important kits, or helping to pay for new tests that people may have difficulty affording.

Unfortunately, I can't answer Kevin's question.

It also might be worthwhile to note--because I think it could otherwise cause some confusion among the 11,000 FTDNA Group Projects--that the effort to use Space pages for pedigrees and other information associated with FTDNA projects is a WikiTree one, that FTDNA is not promoting this as an alternative or adjunct to its GAP data structure or communicating with project admins about it.

Thanks for your input Edison and yes Family Tree DNA is very much aware and supporting the work WikiTree is doing to use Free Space Profiles. There currently is no "official" avenue for Group Projects in this regard and WikiTree is being supported as a very viable option since World Families.net shut down.
Thank you, Mags. I've invited Janine to drop by just to make certain that FTDNA's position is clear.
Sounds perfect since Janine is the one who has connected us with Project admins for the testing and development we have been doing.

You should add the project you admin to this work as well.

Mags
Mags, can you give an example of one of these WikiTree/FTDNA project connections.  I have several projects I would like to see connected to FTDNA.  I just am having trouble visualizing what you are talking about.

Hi Kitty, not to step on Mags' toes, but here's one of the DNA group projects.  And here is the link to the DNA Group Project's main page with information on setting one up.

Wow, the charts are intricate.  Thanks for the info, Darlene.  I have to think about how I could do this.  Pennybakers would be easiest since most of the tests are descendants of one colonial couple.  Smiths would be impossible, but perhaps one or two of the matching groups.  Usually, for those Smiths I enter this in a biography as an example:  

=== DNA ===

Descendant of yDNA group NE18. See SmithConnections Northeastern DNA Project.<ref>[https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/smith-connections/links SmithConnections Northeastern DNA Project], haplogroup Rb1 NE18.  Unknown connection to [[Smith-27264|Christopher Smith-27264]] (imm. from Stratford-Upon-Avon). [https://www.wikitree.com/treewidget/Smith-27264/890 This is a list of Christopher’s YDNA descendants.]</ref>

== Sources ==

<references />

It doesn't display the relationships as clearly as the charts, but it is a lot less work.  

I had to run an out-of-town errand and just got back. Thanks for jumping in Darlene!

Smith. I wonder if you couldn't divvy the Smiths up by thier EKA or some other way, like the Groupings in the project, Kitty, and devote a space page to each one?

Mags
Edison and others - I've spent quite a bit of time with Mags going over what WikiTree offers to FTDNA group projects and I know she was quite conscientious regarding privacy and other considerations.
As for formally endorsing it - there have been discussions, but the new management team has only been in place for just over four months, and they've been spending a lot of time getting to know all areas of the company and what the priorities are - and this hasn't been one of them yet. That's not to say it's not important - just that it's not as urgent as the other items being tackled. The CEO is aware of WikiTree and while he's not yet met with Mags, he did not express any objections.  
I hope that helps.
Thanks for dropping by to answer the question and to express the "official" position, Janine. Always fun to see you! Mags
Kitty that might be me try and find out the links arnt working for me  still waiting for dna account back to

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