Re: paleonet Burgess Shale Fossil Theft

[Andrew Dalby <adalby@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

 There's a species of Late Holocene pseudopriapulid *worm* that can be found on
the internet.

 It is called a troll, an animal that lures its prey, generally other internet
users, into sending emotionally-charged responses to carefully-designed
mischievous statements and similar bait.  Behavioral studies seem to suggest
that their egos are pleasantly inflated when such actions garner a large
internet response that lasts for days (otherwise why do it?)  The responses
generally fall into two categories: serious, well argued replies, sincerely
trying to get through to the guy in vain, while others don't take the troll too
seriously.  By far the most effective method of culling their numbers is not to
respond.  Unfortunately, the instinctive urge to respond is strong in human
beings.

 In short, don't respond to this guy any more.  It's futile and takes up
bandwidth.

Andrew Dalby