Hi Ross,

No, I don't think this is a pipedream.

Patty Jansen proposed something of this nature earlier this year, about
creating an on-line reference book.
I agree that it is time for such an effort. It also ties into my
thoughts about a "master" site for shell links,
rather than the many independent efforts on various websites. Has anyone
else given this consideration?

I would be happy to volunteer my time towards such an endeavor. I'm not
certain one 'go-getter' is enough for a project of this magnitude. It
would require a cooperative effort. That said, I'm game for pursuing
such a venture. Any other takers?

From sunny Guam,
Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Ross Mayhew
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2003 12:02 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Lists of shell photos??


        Linda was looking for "lists of [presumably mollusc shell]
photos". I've been thinking of putting together such a list for a long
time, perhaps with a search engine involved so one could inquire about
specific species  within this list.  That said, given that i'm about 10
years behind im my work already, and that i have no desire to re-invent
the wheel, is there such a beast on the net already?  Perhaps instead of
a search engine, a list of photos, with links to the page that contains
them, could be maintained by several people  - each with their own
taxonomic territory: many of the 25 to 30 dealers and hundred or so
collectors, and maybe two dozen clubs that maintain significant on-line
photo galleries would probably be glad to participate in such a project.
There must be hundreds of thousands of shell photos on the web (heck,
i've got a couple of thousand species and forms on my little site
alone!), of perhaps 15,000 - 20,000 species: wouldn't it be great to
have a "master index" to this treasure trove of riches??
        Is this a pipe dream, or a viable possibiltity?  Realistically,
i just don't have time to spearhead the effort, but would be more than
willing to work with a couple of eager beavers (or screaming eagles, as
the case may be.....) to make it a reality.  What is needed most, is
someone with a lot of determination, to direct the affair and keep it
going until something worthwhile emerges - any takers?

From the Great Wet North,
Ross M.