Epitonium wrote:
 
> At the risk of offending a lot of people, I have decided to heed the
> advice of
> a fellow Conch-L'er and air my feelings about a few things.  Lots of
> folks
> couldn't care less.
>
> This probably has nothing to do with the recent controversy that has
> people
> knocking each other like balls across a tennis net......people who are
>
> supposedly friends involved in a common interest--shells.  Why do
> friends
> treat friends like this?  Does it involve competition in shell shows?
>
> This is my point--and I realize I will probably make a lot of
> "winners" out
> there mad.  But why do we have shell shows and compete against each
> other for
> trophies?  Isn't the idea of a shell show to educate the public?  Does
> it
> matter who wins a trophy?  Do they educate the public "MORE"?
>
> I don't think so!  The people who win the trophies are the ones who
> are (l)
> able to travel the world to collect these "winners" or (2) pay some
> dealer
> (unscrupulous or not) to supply them with these shells so they can
> win!!!
>
> Please don't misunderstand me--this is not sour grapes.  Someone who
> wins
> these awards at these shell shows has a lot of time (and money)
> invested in
> their exhibits.
>
> I believe that there are more politics involved in  competitive shell
> shows
> than goes on in Washington, DC.  (Please forgive me, winners.)
>
> What am I leading up to?  I guess I really don't know.  As I said,
> I've seen
> the hurt, sarcasm, name calling and everything else that has gone on
> lately on
> this List.  Do I think my feelings about competition at shell shows
> will make
> any difference?  Probably not, but I do feel it's time for intelligent
> people
> to get their "stuff" together.  Let's enjoy our hobby (to most of us
> it's a
> hobby) stop being competitive, dive, snorkel, walk the beach, buy from
>
> dealers, whatever.  But when it comes to displaying what we have,
> let's don't
> have this "cut throat" intelligence that says "WIN at ANY COST!"
>
> My suggestion to stop this madness is to "Exhibit-and Educate-not
> Compete."
>
> Thanks--I got it off my chest!
>
> Carol
 
_______________________________________________________________
 
Well said, Carol, and there is nothing as enriching when showing shells
as having a young child visit with you and allowing them to handle some
of the shells.  The lights in their eyes make the effort worth it.
Harry