Re: Avocational paleontologists

[oneal1@xxxxxxxx (David W ONeal)]

Lest we all forget.. at one time in the not so distant past all
paleontology and the study of all natural history, for that matter, was
avocational..  

There is without doubt, no one on the planet who knows everything about
all of paleontology, as it exists as a discipline today..

..so who is the expert?  

One may be employed at paleontology, and therefore be called a
"professional" but where does such a person gain the distinction of being
the only one able to "interpret" the evidence that is available to anyone
with enough interest to pursue it?

If fact, wouldn't a specialist, pursuing his or her tiny subset of the
field - be less inclined to have a thorough knowledge of the subject, 
than a well read person of reasonable intelligence?

I applaud those "professionals" who realize that the bulk of knowledge
has, and will be,  wrought by hands, and minds, that are following
inherent curiosity...  ...not fame or glory, or the next grant.

The rest will eventually  "dig their own hole"...   so to speak.

"Professional  Science" has always had a problem relating to the
non-professional.. much to its detriment.  It is pretty obvious that when
people feel included in an endeavor.. they are more apt to apply some of
their resources to support it.

Perhaps that is merely a misguided perception.. by an avocational
naturalist.