>> There are other reputable companies
>Could you name some?

The main competitor to 23andMe in autosomal SNP testing for genealogy purposes is Family Tree DNA. They introduced the Family Finder test in 2010, so their database is smaller than that of 23andMe. This test uses the same basic Illumina testing chip as 23andMe currently uses.

However, FTDNA’s customer base is entirely made up of people interested in genetic genealogy. Also, they are expected to accept uploads of 23andMe v3 raw data into their database soon for a reasonable fee. Any genetic genealogist who is dissatisfied with 23andMe’s TOS change and is not renewing their subscription there will probably upload their 23andMe raw data into the Family Finder database.

If you’re one of the dissatisfied 23andMe v3 customers who doesn’t intend to renew your subscription after one year, you’d be well-advised to download your raw data and Relative Finder and Ancestry Finder lists before the subscription expires, when you will lose access to all that data. Then you could upload your raw data into FTDNA’s database when that option begins.

> There are other reputable companies
Could you name some?

Genealogists understand that whether it is a paper trail document or dna cousin being pursued, there is often a substantial waiting period until an actual discovery is made. Results are not likely to be immediate. Removing the ability to see matches after the one year subscription period (not new matches, but those accumulated during the year) cripples the potential of the tool and diminishes the value. It also reduces the usefulness of the database to other researchers as access to others tested drops off due to non-renewal. There is no recognition of the personal investment these family historians have made attempting to extend their trees and actually connect on paper. It is a very time-consuming, detail-oriented and personal hobby.

Then, there is question about the secret family discounts that were “automatically” applied to applicable accounts. But the very secrecy of this program created a sense of exclusion. (No mention in Terms of Service, official publications, only informal forum discussions by customers) It seemed to be preferential in a way that some could take advantage of, but others not in the know, with just as many kits, paid full price. Even worse, purchases were made with the understanding that this discount would be applied. Instead, 23 chose to end the program unannounced. Kits in the system were discounted, but new kits – Surprise!! – were not.

There are a lot of growing pains at 23andMe. Genealogy and health concerns are very different critters with entirely distinct needs from personal dna testing. Perhaps it’s decision time. There are other reputable companies who cater specifically to genetic genealogy… without mining the data from their customers to peddle to the highest bidder.