Re: Paleo21 - Avocational paleontologists

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In response to Jere Lipps' comments:

Nomenclature is *very* important.  In the sciences we use specific words
for very specific definitions.   In deference to those who have committed
considerable effort in achieving a PhD in Paleontology, I personally have
chosen not to use the term "paleontologist" without a modifier when
describing my avocation.  For me it is a valid courtesy.  I appreciate your
inclusiveness in saying "Serious APs could join a professional society and
simply call themselves paleontologists.  That would be fine by me,
especially if they published or made their materials available to the
scientific community."  As a member of the Botanical Society of America and
the Geological Society of America, I fully concur and encourage others to
join.  There are both tangible and intangible benefits.

I had my butt handed to me via E-mail, by a professional in a major
institution some time ago when I referred to myself as an amateur
paleontologist.  His interpretation of  the term "amateur"  was
particularly perjorative, which is not consistent with the etymology of the
word, but what the hey.  Since that time, I've used the more awkward term
avocational.

If we can somehow establish guidelines for the minimum requirements for a
certification program, then the future could include trained, competent
"amateurs" who could augment the professional presence in the field, in the
lab, in print, and maybe even the movies someday.  I have a copy of the
Denver Program, and still need to get in touch with Dave Gillette on the
Utah program and Deb Boaz on the Mesa, AZ one as well.  There are at least
these three programs that serve to establish some formal credentials for
non-funded 'paleontologists'.  Each one depends on extensive committment of
time by professional staff, and an equally demanding committment by the
participants.  Again, I believe the SVP Outreach folks are following those
programs.

There are some alternate paradigms to the university/institution concept
for the collection, curation and display of fossils.  Two excellent
examples are the Princeton Museum in Princeton, B.C., and the Stonerose
Interpretive Center in Republic, WA.  Both are actively supported by
avocational paleontologists and both are repositories of record for various
type specimens.  Both receive and give benefit to their respective communites.

The response within the NPA for greater education and training has been
quite strong, the amateur contingent is hungry for knowledge and want to
contribute to the science.  So with that said, are there any of you
professionals who would like to speak to our group sometime?  If so, please
email me off list.

Regards,