DNA : Fishing in a Different Pond

I went fishing recently in a different pond for my DNA genealogy by ordering a kit from FamilyTreeDNA.  I've found the whole experience in DNA genealogy fascinating, and I've heard so many good things about their service.  Plus, I've heard fellow researchers indicate that FTDNA has more folks who test there who are genealogists, and therefore would be more likely to have a paper trail genealogy.  In order to find as many relatives, I'm fishing in as many ponds as possible.

One of the first things I noticed that was different about FTDNA versus 23andMe was that my matches who are listed all have names and links to send emails and contacts.  So many times, matches at 23andMe were anonymous and so you really didn't know who you were reaching out to.  I also like the "in common with" feature, where I can see all the matches who I share with that match.

One difference I noticed was the ethnic makeup.  Below is how my ethnic makeup appears at FTDNA:

My closest match is predicted to be a 2nd to 3rd cousin.  I happen to know who this person is, and she was actually a 1st cousin 3 times removed on my mother's side.  She is part of my Swafford family line.  It was nice to see the confirmation.

This new source of DNA genealogy information will give me even more work to do - enough to keep me busy for years to come.