Re: Sue, etcetera.........

[Tom Whiteley <twhiteley@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Commercial paleontology is not a sin. Many if not most of the specimens
displayed in museums are there because of amateur and commercial
paleontologists.

This is not to say there aren't abuses. There are abuses in every endeavor
based on science and technology. One controls this through logical controls
and standards, not through prohibition or arrogance.

Important sites meed to be protected and important specimens need to be
where they can be appropriately studied and available for future
generations. This can be best accomplished through proper controls and
cooperation.

Paleontology today is having funding problems and problems in the job
market for promising graduates.  The public, all of us, need to be drawn
into the realization of the importance of paleontology in the knowledge of
life history. Lets not spoil it by trying to prove how exclusive the club
is.

Incidently I'm an amateur and have never sold a specimen but I certainly
don't look down on those who do so in a responsible manner. My experience
is that most commercial collectors study their area in depth and are more
knowledgeable in this area than most professionals.

Tom Whiteley
twhiteley@rpa.net