Sorenson Foundation and GeneTree With New Offer

Like many other folks, I received the following e-mail on Friday:


Get Your Personal DNA Results

Dear SMGF participant,

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) is excited to announce that your personalized DNA results are now available from the Sorenson mtDNA database, through a special offer made by GeneTree, a family networking website. Eligible participants may obtain their mtDNA-HVI, II, III results and pedigree information for a special introductory price of just $19.50. Comparable tests cost over $150!

With your mtDNA results in hand you can explore new and exciting genetic-genealogy territory by taking advantage of GeneTree's:

* Tools for making connections with mtDNA cousins
* Resources for interpreting mtDNA results
* Innovative tools for discovering migration patterns of ancient and recent ancestors
* Media sharing and storage capacity for pictures, video and other media

To be eligible for this offer you must have requested an SMGF participation kit prior to October 23, 2007 and returned your kit prior to Dec 31, 2007. To view promotion details and get your mtDNA results please click here.

We encourage you to take advantage of this special GeneTree introductory offer!

Sincerely,
The SMGF Team

Unlock and view your personal mtDNA results now at GeneTree.com

SMGF takes great care in protecting your confidential information. SMGF does not transfer or share data with third parties without explicit donor consent.


I was intrigued. I had submitted a sample to the Sorenson Foundation's project last year. At the time, the project was merely a database to which folks could add their DNA (along with a four-generation genealogy. In the meantime, as reported by Blaine Bettinger, the Sorenson enterprises rolled out "GeneTree," a site that combines social networking, family history, and genetic genealogy.

I gave the matter some thought. reviewed the FAQ and Privacy Policy and then signed up. I gave them a six generation genealogy of my direct ancestors. GeneTree replied fairly promptly, telling me that, "The team of researchers at SMGF are now searching the information you gave to verify your participation in the project. The privacy of our users is important. This process can take up to two weeks to verify identity and notify you that your results are ready."

I've read both of Blaine's e-books, so I think I know what to expect and what not to expect. I'll keep you updated.