Lineage Requirement FAQ
Why do you require my lineage?
The whole purpose of a Y-DNA surname project is to use Y-DNA to identify and connect Schneider lines genetically. If you don't identify your Schneider line in some capacity, your Y-DNA results just become an anonymous and meaningless string of numbers to the project. It defeats the whole purpose of being a member.
What if I don't know much?
That's ok. Anything you know will be fine. We just need to identify your line somehow even if it's only back to your grandfather.
What about my privacy?
You will only be identified by your FTDNA kit number, and any living individuals in your lineage will be marked as "Private." If you want any additional individuals marked as such, we can do that too, as long as at least some are identified.
What if I'm not sure I'm a Schneider, but might be?
If you're looking to use the project to try to help identify paternity, that's ok too. Just send your paternal lineage as you know it. It will be most important to you that you upload your results to www.ybase.org and www.ysearch.org and watch for matches there too.
What if I just don't want to provide my lineage?
You can still be DNA tested by Family Tree DNA, just not through the Schneider project. You can join another project organized by ethnicity or geography, or not join any project at all.
What's the downside if I don't send my lineage?
First, you won't be allowed the join the Schneider project at Family Tree DNA and get the project discount. Secondly, numerous people in surname projects have their configurations set to only allow their results to be compared against other participants in their projects. This cuts down on all the meaningless random hits with people of other surnames. The end result is that if you're a Schneider and you're not in the project, you'll run the risk of not being able to see matches with Schneider project participants. And thirdly, if you don't join the Schneider project, you won't receive the assistance of the Schneider Co-Administrators who are highly motivated to make a success of this project and can help you interpret your results.