Re: Paleo21 - Avocational paleontologists

[Calymene@xxxxxxxxxxx]

If you majored in Geology and received an M.S., with a thesis in
paleoecology, and took all the paleontology that was offered, could you
refer to yourself as a paleontologist, professional paleontologist, or
amateur paleontlogist, assuming that you were not actively working AS a
paleontologist?  I think THAT is the basis of including yourself as a
paleontologist, and whether you are working as one.  If you are simply
collecting fossils, studying them on your own, and working at some other
field,....you'd be hard pressed to call yourself a professional
paleontologist.  If you were degreed, at least at the M.S. level, and
were not working in paleontology, then I think you could refer to
yourself as a paleontologist or geologist, albeit out of work or not
working in the field.  If you are neither, you have to refer to yourself
as a amateur, since you've never really paid the dues that degreed
paleontologists have.  This is primarily the same as a journeyman in a
working profession, who eventually has enough time to take a 
certification test, and gain a license..... I think.  
Perhaps the term "amateur" would not be a detriment if you were a
published amateur, as is possible in the field of paleontology.  I
believe Strimple was an economist or accountant or something, and 
published on and described numerous specimens.  And there have been
others, although most were around in the 19th century, I think.
"Collectors" have been around even longer, and have contributed 
so much to the science that there contributions ARE a major part of
the science of paleontology.  Hope this clarifies things, in my 
perspective.  Best regards, Dave Giuseffi      



Michael Sternberg wrote:
> 
> 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,