Dear Patty,

My estimate was NOT based upon an updated (or wholly new) third edition, but
on an unaltered reprint of the almost 30 years old second edition.

Greetings,

Marien


----- Original Message -----
From: "Patty Jansen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2003 7:51 AM
Subject: 3rd edition American Seashells


> Dear Marien (and others interested in the subject),
>
> I think you seriously underestimate the interest in a possible third
> edition. The US is the country with the largest number of shell collectors
> in the world, and there are an estimated 10,000 of them. It would also be
> very wrong to assume that the market is limited to shell collectors. I bet
> about 30-50% of public libraries in the US would purchase a copy for
> reference, and some even a second copy for borrowing, then there's the
> institutes, the scientists, the museums, the universities, and that is
just
> within the US. It is also wrong to assume that people who have a copy will
> not buy an update; actually I think these are the most likely candidates
to
> buy an update, because anyone who has this book knows it's worth it's
> weight in gold (and that's a lot because it's very heavy). I think
assuming
> that collectors who already have the second edition will not buy the third
> would be akin to accusing these shellers of not wanting to keep up-to-date
> with the latest taxonomy. A LOT has changed since 1974. We have seen
almost
> 30 years of increasing scientific research in many families, especially
the
> lesser-known ones.
>
> I have already expressed my disbelief to others privately, that I simply
> cannot believe a country with as many shell collectors and researchers as
> the US hasn't up till now been able to get it's ..... into gear to update
> the malacological literature in it's own territory.
>
> If ever someone will update American Seashells, it's sure to be a hit. I
am
> sure many people will agree with me... now someone do it please??
>
> Patty
>
> (who bought her copy of the second edition for $20 last year)

>
> Dr. Patty Jansen
>
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