Phil Liff-Grieff wrote:
 
> Robert and Betty Lipe wrote:
> >
> > Now I see how to get more responses.  Just be NEGATIVE.  Once again I
> > will say that I would like to see some of you new members say something.
> > Don't just sit there and read.  Say SOMETHING!
>
> Bob,
>
> As a relative newcomer, I rarely feel qualified to enter into the fray.
> One time when I ventured on line with very basic questions about
> shelling, my inquiries were met with silence.  I don't know if this
> means that my questions were too basic (I asked about prefered shelling
> containers for diving, where- and how- to collect in Southern
> California, how captains of dive boats relate to shellers and
> suggestions for diving for shells in Maui and Kauai- three of these four
> questions got no response at all), the answers were already available in
> archives or if my postings are just too long and tedious for someone to
> wade through.  Is there a way to ask to ensure a better response?
>
>  No doubt, there are many others like me with lots of questions and a
> deep respect for the collective wisdom represented on this list.  There
> are many things that I would like to know and even a few things I might
> like to contribute but I feel less inclined to chime in when I feel like
> I'm being ignored.
>
> (OK, I'M THROUGH WHINING.)
>
> The positive side for a lurker like myself is that each day provides an
> enormous amount of material- some scientific, some humorous, some just
> outrageous and some even boring- to pore over, read, delete, or save for
> a later time.  The sum total of it all, I think, is that this list has a
> real personality that is far from boring.  I may not interested in
> everything that is discussed but I am always interested in HOW it is
> discussed.
>
> So, keep up the elaborate threads on the definition of species and other
> "boring" topics- they help us to stretch and, horror of horrors, even
> help us to think a bit about the issues that are behind the shells we
> collect.
>
> In closing, I'ld like to repeat a few questions (I know, this is kind of
> a set up....)
>
> 1)  How do U.S. dive boat captains react to shellers?  Are there general
> suggestions for finding boats where shelling is welcome or ways to avoid
> those where it is not?  Not well.  We have been kicked off of several boats
> for collecting.  Contact boat captain ahead of time and convince him that
> you are a scientific collector and are interested in preserving the
> environment and will not overcollect, etc.
>
> 2) What sorts of collecting bags/bottles/etc. do people prefer for
> snorkling?  How about for diving?  Why?  I make small light weight canvas
> bags (6" x 6") with velcro closures ....tabs to pull open with gloves
> on.....and heavy string to put on wrist or belt.  I like Parmesant Cheese
> containers.  The flip top lid is great.   It has small holes and a larger
> hole.  I put heavy-duty string on the bottle by punching holes in the side
> and knotting it on the inside....again can put on wrist or belt, etc.
>
> 3)  Any shelling suggestions for Maui and Kauai?  I plan to visit both
> islands in December.  Have only dove Kona Coast on Hawaii
>
> I really, really am interested in any and all responses  (you know,
> sharing some of that collective wisdom).  If these questions are all
> answered in the CONCH-L archives, e-mail me privately with that info.
>
> Phil Liff-Grieff
> La Crescenta, California
> [log in to unmask]
 
--
Jim and Bobbi Cordy
of Merritt Island, Florida.
Specalizing in Self-Collected
Caribbean & Florida Shells