Re: DS/SVP/PS Poll Results (posted for J. Small)

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Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 14:28:29 -0800
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To: paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk
From: bonebug@halcyon.com (Joe Small)
Subject: Re: DS/SVP/PS Poll Results
Status: O

Those who are inclined to accept this 'survey' should first read recent and
informative literature on polling.  The way in which the questions are
worded, the order of questioning, the tone of the surveyor's voice... are
only a few of the factors which are now recognized as having a substantive
effect on the responses.

Bureaucrats often guide pollsters toward the desired results.  In this case
it is very clear that the issue of collecting was clothed in the wool of an "Us
against Them" argument.  A more important, and more fundamental issue is
that of
public access to knowledge.  Fossils are (our competence for understanding
notwithstanding) the truth.  Restricting access to fossils is a misguided
attempt to control information.

For substantive and important insight, the opinions of enthusiastic amateurs
and fossil enthusiasts, one must monitor 'rocks-and-fossils', subscribe to the
American Lands Access Association and/or participate in dialog with amateurs
and commercial collectors who, together with professional Paleontologists, are
making important contributions to our understanding of evolution.

Paleontology (big P) and amateur paleontology have enjoyed a symbiotic
relationship for 150 years or so.  In fact, the contributions of amateurs
are 'diagnostic' of natural sciences.  The debate over fossil regulation is
very divisive.  We encourage support of the Fossil Preservation Act and the
proposed, reasonable provisions for amateur and commercial access.
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Joe Small                           Fossil News - Journal of
Editor                              Amateur Paleontology
bonebug@halcyon.com                 The monthly journal for the
http://www.halcyon.com/bonebug/     enthusiastic amateur
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