what is the best way to invite people to add their DNA to wikitree?

+7 votes
206 views
My DNA test is a 23andme test however, my uncle took an ancestry DNA test and gave me access to his results so I can see the matches and such. Only thing is they are his matches, and I would like them to add their results to GEDmatch and Wikitree so I can compare my DNA to some of my uncles matches.

So what I want to know is... how or what is the best way to try and get them to add their DNA information to Wikitree
in The Tree House by Stephanie Stults G2G6 Mach 4 (42.2k points)

4 Answers

+3 votes
 
Best answer

Why do you want them to add their DNA to Wikitree?   

I ask people to add their family to Wikitree or allow me to do it for them.  I have asked them to take a DNA Test if they haven't already, and in most cases, will pay for it. I ask them to add their DNA test to Wikitree or allow me to add the test for them.  I tell them the primary reason for the request is that it helps me find Relatives and improve the quality of the research I have already done.  

I tell them that the benefit to them is that others will work on our shared ancestry, and they can participate or not participate at their convenience. If they have not taken a test, I warn them of the possibility they may learn something, like an NPE.  Quite a few have told me not to tell them if I find something that may upset them. (Many are elderly).  I also make sure that they understand they can say no and I won't bring it up again.

I have never found that trying to sell them on how it benefits them works well and it allows them to say no too quickly.

With that said, I thought Wikitree would be a good place to track DNA Relatives, but that has not gone as well as hoped.  There are too many DNA Relatives who will not consent to be on Wikitree or to add their DNA test.  I really need to keep track of DNA Comparisons outside of Wikitree. I want all my DNA relatives and comparison results in one place, the ability to group them by how we are related, and the ability to grant access to individuals that I am working with, using similar privacy settings people are used to finding on the DNA Services.

by Ken Sargent G2G6 Mach 6 (61.2k points)
selected by Stephanie Stults
That sounds perfect!  Where do you go to learn how to do that? Id like to do it myself if possible. So I can compare with collaborators to see if we agree when there are paper trail conflicts.  Any comments?  Thank you!
+5 votes
Either your uncle or you if you manage his kit should contact them through the company they tested with and explain what you would like them to do and what the benefits would be.
by Lynda Crackett G2G6 Pilot (663k points)
+1 vote
I would be very cautious about asking anyone to put their DNA information on line. They need to be aware of the privacy issues that can arise by doing so.
by George Churchill G2G6 Mach 9 (95.4k points)
+6 votes
I think we have to define some wording here...

We do not post actual DNA on WkiTree.  What we post are the test kit numbers and if we are confirming a match, enough general DNA data to verify the match.   

The best reason for people to use WikiTree for this function is that it creates a bridge between GedMatch, multiple testing companies, and well researched user trees.   This facilitates making good matches and knocking down brick walls.  

I recently found a cousin I did not know existed.  She lives in Germany and can read and write in German which I do not ( French and Latin plus my native English) but because of the new GedMatch link to WikiTree I found her quickly, and she responded the same day and we have gone back more than a century now from where we started.   I am slowly getting what she is finding into WikiTree.  

But the tools here are great if you understand how to use them and what they do and don't do.
by Laura Bozzay G2G6 Pilot (817k points)

All I can say is that your reasons never seem to change minds. You may find this difficult to accept, but most people subscribe to DNA Services for reasons other than Genealogy. The argument about not revealing RAW DATA was never the problem.  They subscribed to 23andMe because of the health reports and AncestryDNA because of the Ancestry Reports. Or like those I kits manage, they did it because it helped me. 

see 23andMe is finally allowed to tell you if you have the genes for Parkinson’s as to why people subscribe to 23andme.  

and then contact these people and say

"The best reason for people to use WikiTree for this function is that it creates a bridge between GedMatch, multiple testing companies, and well researched user trees."

It goes right over their head. If you say it will help them with their genealogy, they can immediately say no.

Also, you should tell them that by adding a DNA Test, they are agreeing to  "discuss and compare results with other WikiTree members?"

Many are not interested enough or at all in discussing their results or comparing their results.

I agree many people do DNA tests for other reasons than genealogy.  But the absolute geometric increase of it I believe is related to genealogy and shows like Who Do You Think You Are and others of that type.  The commercials Ancestry runs on finding your roots I am sure has garnered interest as well.   So it is true many people do it for other reasons. But many also do it now for genealogy.  

I believe the question was specific to getting people to join and post on WikiTree.  Well this is a genealogy site not a medical or I am just curious about my roots site... It is for genealogy.  If you are doing genealogy then generally you are interested in finding cousins and making matches.  So if you want people to join then I do think talking about how it bridges among the various companies and allows for matching and finding cousins and having access to better trees are all positives.  But the person has to first want to be on a genealogy site.  If they don't then I do not think this is the place for them and we are not just a DNA comparison site.

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