The following applies to those who have been DNA tested at Family Tree DNA. It is very important.
New Family Tree DNA Software Version
Family Tree DNA has updated your "myFTDNA" results pages. Some of the changes are good, some are simply maintenance changes and there are some that, well, let me just say that the Feedback Form is there for a reason.
I would like all of you to do three things to help me and yourselves.
1) Login (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx) to your account and look at the changes. Go through the built in tutorial. This is an important step!
2) Read the User Guide (http://www.familytreedna.com/faq/answers.aspx?id=45#1643) to learn about the pages.
3) Use the Feedback Form (http://www.familytreedna.com/feedback-form.aspx) to send your opinions, GOOD and BAD, about the new pages.
OK. Now let me tell you about one of the biggest changes. There are now restrictions on what a project administrator can change in your account. This has been a long time coming, and I think that it is mostly good. It protects both the administrator and the participant. Most administrators are wonderful people, but as they say, one apple....Ok, now you know why. Regardless, it does limit what I can do for you and how I can help you.
However, you do have options and you can determine what the project administrator can and cannot do to your account. This enables you to get the level of assistance you need.
I hate to bring this up, but it's now time for you to determine who can do what with your DNA after your death. Let's face it, no one gets out alive. Before the changes, this wasn't a problem, but it will be now. You can now designate what you want to happen, and with whom. I strongly suggest that you designate someone, if not your surname project administrator.
There is another major change, Family Tree DNA is going to a single GEDCOM/Family Tree upload file. They plan to purge [their word choice] mtDNA GEDCOMs and Y-DNA GEDCOMs in 2012. To address this, I would like all of your to upload a new copy of your GEDCOM that will be shown for all DNA Matches regardless of test type.
There are also new functionality and features such as advanced matching and what is hopefully a more intuitive user interface.
I know that change is difficult for everyone, but I think in the end you'll like the new interface and capabilities. Please take a look and provide Family Tree DNA with your feedback, both negative and positive. They do take your suggestions and concerns to heart. Customer feedback is the foundation for this new software version.
Roberta
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