I kind of think of myself as a reincarnated magpie or some other bird that
collects shiny objects.  I'm sure the entire reason I got a geology degree was
because I had a shoebox of shiny rocks as a kid.

"Andrew K. Rindsberg" wrote:

> OK, here's the list of suggestions from Conchlers, some of which I received
> privately. Special thanks to Bob Nuelle for providing definitions for most
> of them. Where do *you* stand?
>
> Advanced collector
> Aesthetic collector
> Ancillary collector
> Amateur
> Beginner
> Casual collector
> Collector
> Conchologist
> Curator
> Dealer
> Enthusiast
> Evangelist*
> Flying pig
> Keeper**
> Malacologist
> Masochist***
> Neophyte
> Pre-professional
> Private collector
> Professional
> Registered collector
> Semi-professional
> Serious collector, stages 1 to 3
> Shell collector
> Xenophora****
>
> *Someone who is in the stage of dispersing their collection to encourage
> others.
> **British term for "curator".
> ***Spouse of collector.
> ****The carrier snail, which collects shells. Surely this should be our
> mascot??
>
> And a number of people who said they just prefer to be called Tim, Lori,
> Dad, Ep-Man, etc.
>
> Andrew K. Rindsberg
> Geological Survey of Alabama