Yes this is a great idea.  It would take some one with computer expertise!!
Other interest groups have done this.  A great example/model for us is found
at hostalibrary.org. Check out this site.  There are thousands of pictures
of hosta varieties arranged in alaphabetical order.  There is an extensive
database of information on each variety.  There is a place for auctions to
be held, trades to make, general information.  It is the brainchild of Bob
Axmear, but many people have contributed photos and information.  It is
better than the website of the American Hosta Society (don't tell them I
said that).
I think the shell community needs such a site.
Kay

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Ross Mayhew
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 10:02 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.