As a professor in institutions of higher education for more than 25 years I can say that announcements of scholarships/grants are not advertisements at all.  They are announcements of potential funding opportunities to facilitate research to be done.  Research is one of the things that COA and other organizations need to promote, as this is one of the things that lends on-going science credibility to our passions and furthers our understanding about what we're in these groups for.  Announcements of available grant/scholarship opportunities, and announcement of winners, are definitely not advertisements - they aren't aimed at making money for the individuals doing the announcements.  Come to think of it, announcements of spaces available on shelling trips, something that several members of COA and other clubs could very well like to participate in but might not know about otherwise, don't necessarily count as advertising, as long as the money from these trips aren't for personal gain, but is used for the making available and running of the trips which will benefit members.  In this case, they are merely mention of opportunities for members to pursue their passions that they might not know about otherwise.  Anyways, my 2 cents worth (with a couple money cowries thrown in).
Rick

 ________________________________________
From: Conchologists List [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Matt Blaine [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 2:30 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CONCH-L] Advertising on Conch L

For my two cents, I sincerely hope that no one wants to limit the ability of an organization to announce a grant or scholarship available to students of Malacology or related fields. I have been able to “advertise” the Astronaut Trail Shell Club Scholarship / Grant for some years now without any complaints. The use of Conch L has been very effective in getting the word out to interested parties.
There will be an announcement on Conch L from me in a short time as to the name of the winner of this year’s scholarship / Grant.
Thank you to all on Conch L for your cooperation,
Matt

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