Paleontological Nomenclature Pt. 2

[hrlane@xxxxxxxxx]

Item Subject: Text_1
     This is in continuation of a message I sent earlier.
     
     Re:  But it ain't science.
     
     I couldn't disagree more.  Science is not exclusive to academic 
     environments. As I have said earlier, most of the practical 
     value-added advancements in our science have come out of 
     industry.  It is clear to me, and a conclusion of the SEPM 
     Research Confernce on Paleontology in the 21st Century in 
     Snowbird, research in the next century will have to show its 
     value to societal and human need to be funded.  We're there in 
     industry, and have been for many years. It is hard for me to see 
     how some  parts of paleontology are adding value.
     
     I couldn't agree more with the vitality of Paleontology.  We are 
     around for the long haul.  However, we can paint ourselves into 
     the Greek Classicists corner if we don't watch out.  There are 
     times for research (1960's-1980's) and then the pendulum swings 
     toward the applications of what we have learned.  The penudulum 
     is headed for applications, in my opinion, with the hope that it 
     will swing the other way in a decade or so. Let's hop on the 
     pendulum.