Re: Avocational (Amateur,Independent) Paleontologists

[bpettit <bpettit@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael,
I read the web page you suggested, but never found the words amateur,
avocational or hobbiest mentioned.  In fact, it focused on a small,
handpicked group of selected professionals;  wasn't even open to all in
the field.

Is that the right formum for a discussion of avocational
paleontologists?  Why no representatives from the enthusiasts?

I see the side effects of budget constraints, limited professional
positions, less funding for grants, etc.  Counter that with a ground
swell of interest and a large market for books, magazines, movies and
television about dinosaurs.

Try to imagine 30 years ago and the reception of a book on warmblooded
dinosaurs.  The sales of Jurassic Park and Lost World shows tremendous
interest.  Why not try to leverage that interest into benfits for the
science?

My own experience has been that most professionals in the field are like
evangelists - they're enthusiastic almost to a fault; and they will be
friendly and talk to anyone interested.  There are a rare few who do not
want any contact with amateurs, feel it is beneath them to associate
with someone without a PhD from one of the few schools left offering it
in Paleontology.

My reaction is to just wish them good luck in creating their clique. 
When the grants run out, and the teaching positions are gone, we will
all be amateurs.  And the bone beds will once again be open to anybody
who wants to spend the time digging.  I'm patient.  Those who want to
narrow the field are accelerating the process of returning it to
amateurs.

Better for everybody is to encourage this interest, use the amateurs as
a resource of energy, labor or even money.  Archeology has long been
supported by the fascinated amateurs.  (It turns out that some of them
are highly successful in their own field and have lots to offer the
science.)

I'm amazed that interest is so high right now among children and
teenagers, but the professional societies and leaders aren't trying to
utilize this huge resource.  Many scientists would kill to have that
kind of interest in their field.

Billy