Re: Paleo Coordinators

[hrlane@xxxxxxxxx]

Item Subject: Paleo Coordinators
     This is in reply to Mike Styzen
    Statement:  "What I disagree with is them setting themselvs up as a self 
appointed nobility for industrial paleo.  They should not pretend to represent 
anyone outside the room when they meet."

Comment:  When the Industry Paleontology Managers (now Industry Biostratigraphic
Coordinators)was established, each major oil company was asked to send 
representatives.  The way in which each oil company chose their representatives 
was entirely up to the respective companies.  There were and still are no rules.
It is assumed though that each company sends those who have been given 
supervisory or program management authority.  In Amoco we send our Directors.   
Mike, if you have a better or fairer process, I am sure that you could get on 
the next IBC agenda to explain it.       

Statement:  The "Cottage industry" consultants I've talked to aren't asked for 
any kind of input either although I'm sure that they will be called before the 
court when taxinomic concepts are needed."

Comment:  Consultants are the suppliers of some paleontologic data and 
interpretations to the industry.  Industry (the customer) depends on this source
for their work.  The IBC in does not represent the cottage industry, although it
is very concerned about the good health and livlihood of the consultant 
business.  Each major oil company has its own taxonomic approach and may well 
chose its consultants by the congruity of their taxonomies.  However, I am at a 
loss to understand the last phrase of this sentence.

  
Statement:  "Just remember nobody elected you, give suggestions not directives."

Comment:  Mike, could you cite examples of the directives you mention.  I have 
been with the IBC since its inception and I can't think of one.

H. Richard Lane
hrlane@amoco.com

____________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Paleo Coordinators
Author:  paleonet-owner (paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk) at unix,in
Date:    6/5/95 12:27 PM


This message seems to have bounced the first time, sorry if you get it 
twice.
     
As far as it goes I agree with most of the stated goals and aspirations 
of that esteemed group.  What I disagree with is them setting themselvs 
up as a self appointed nobility for industrial paleo.  They should not 
pretend to represent anyone outside the room when they meet.  I know 
that although I have done quite a bit of paleo coordinating I was never 
asked for input of any sort till I started questioning the existence of 
that group.  Feedback from non supervisory members of other paleo 
groups, and this one for that matter indicate to me that those meeting 
don't necissarily represent the opinions of those they appear to 
represent.  The "Cottage industry" consultants I've talked to aren't 
asked for any kind of input either although I'm sure that they will be 
called before the court when taxinomic concepts are needed. 
OK paleo Coordinators there is my position.  Just remember nobody 
elected you, give suggestions not directives.
     
     
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      Michael J. Styzen                   Phone:  (504) 588-4308
      Shell Offshore Inc.                 Room:   OSS-2920             
      P.O. Box 61933                      E-mail: mstyzen@shell.com
     
      New Orleans LA  70161                
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