The place of amateurs?

[stegau@xxxxxxx (Stephane Gautier)]

        I search and collect fossils in the Montreal, Quebec, area and I 
would like to take advantage of this mailing list to ask of subscribing 
paleontologists what their views are on amateurs and how both should 
interact here. How can I intelligently and productively offer my services to 
the paleontology community without feeling that I'm "overstepping"?
        I'm not asking this out of a feeling of humility, but because I 
chose to remain an amateur without the burden of classes and reputation and 
with plenty of actual field time. I know that men in the field can be a 
precious ressource to others who have the knowledge and the interest but not 
the time. In this light, and with full cooperation, I offer my services to 
any paleontologists from anywhere who have an interest in the Quebec fossil 
record. Since this is winter and that there is no digging taking place, I 
can use this time constructively to look up and study certain particular 
fields that could be useful. I can mail specimens, exchange them, or 
whatever, in exchange for a little patience; the time to type out a complete 
answer to my questions; and mostly for what is to me a precious source of 
information.

        Regards,
        
Stephane Gautier
stegau@cam.org
Montreal
Quebec