Thank you, Hilary.  My use of "individuals" refers to any ethical party,
dealer or hobbyist, employing responsible practices in the collection of
shells.  I would suggest COA's well-known Code of Ethics as a baseline.
 
My suggestion was simply for us to avoid buying shells which were harvested
and processed by wholesalers using destructive and overintensive collection
methods.  I think the 90% (good dealers) Mark refers to would be happy to
tell a prospective buyer whether a shell was bought from a wholesaler or
acquired from a private individual.
 
Of course, there is no guarantee that a private supplier did not use
destructive methods, and if you happen to be dealing with one of the 10%
dealers (crooks), he'll probably lie or refuse to reveal his source.  The
intent, however, of the request to disclose suppliers would be to emphasize
the ethical significance of shell origins to the shell-buying public.
Hopefully, by such emphasis on refusing to purchase wholesale-supplied
shells, conscientious buyers can encourage dealers to avoid supporting
wholesalers.
 
The ultimate goal would be to convince enough dealers not to purchase
wholesale shells to send a message that destructive practices do not pay --
at least not in the specimen shell market.  It would take more than a few
of us to achieve this, but what an impact we could make!
 
Jenny
 
----------
> From: ferreter <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: dealers/
> Date: Monday, 12 January, 1998 7:35 AM
>
> Hilary, you wrote:
> I very much liked what you said.  Are "individuals" individual dealers
with
> a good reputation?  Or just fellow-shellers?
>
> I must say that this refers to both as there are good and bad in all
groups
> ...
> 10% bad , 90% GOOD. Support the GOOD. Mark